Website Accessibility - Internet Librarian Conference - Presentation by InfoQuest! Information Services

Website Accessibility: What, Why, and How

by Terry Brainerd Chadwick
Webmasters' Roundtable: Accessibility, CGI, & More
Internet Librarian 2001
November 6, 2001

Accessibility Introduction

The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect.
(Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web

There are few things that annoy Web users more than not being able to accomplish easily the task for which they have come to a Web site.
(Giga Information Group analyst Martha Bennett, May 22, 2000)

This is what website accessibility and usability is all about: making sure that your audience, whoever they are, get what they want and need from your website efficiently and effectively.

The sad fact is that many websites don't do this. That is why website usability has become a hot topic. It is why the World Wide Web Consortium (W3) has put out a set of accessibility guidelines. It is why the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 508 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations include websites in their accessiblity guidelines.

This presentation provides a general overview of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and Section 508 standards, as well as an outline of how to conduct a web site accessibility audit.

What is Accessibility?

Why is Accessibility Important?

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

Section 508 Standards

ADA Guidelines

Accessibility Audit

References and Resources

Copyright 2001 InfoQuest! Information Services
Last updated: November 4, 2001
Please send any comments to tbchad@tbchad.com or 503-228-4023.
Terry Brainerd Chadwick
InfoQuest! Information Services
2324 NW Johnson St., Ste.4
Portland, OR 97210-5221