What does accessible mean anyway?

Your obligation to provide to all people, accessible means available to clients in formats which are easily available, easy to use and appropriately targeted at the potential audience. For example, it might include providing:

• audio links for blind clients;
• pop-up screens and TTY (teletype) access for deaf clients; and

Users who cannot see, or cannot easily read print (e.g. those suffering retinal pigmentosa, or RP), or cannot distinguish colours, or hear, can receive and exchange information through the internet as readily as other users if sites and services are designed to be accessible.

In particular, blind or vision impaired people can use screen reader software and a range of programs and devices to receive web page content in speech or Braille. People who cannot read written English - due to learning or literacy difficulties or language differences - can also benefit from this ability of the internet to deliver material in different formats.

Other important considerations to take into account:

• Use font consistancy throughout your website
• Use appropriate colour contrasts for easy viewing
• Have a description with each image
• Easy navigation
• Include a sitemap

For further information we suggest you investigate Roger Hudsons site at www.usability.com.au. Roger has an excellent understanding of the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 and the requirements for website accessibility under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act in Australia. He is also knowledgable with the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 (website accessibility) of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act and how these relate to the W3C guidelines.

Rogers site is a good resourse to refer to for guidance and assistance.