Web Accessibility Basics

The divergence of technology across the Internet is mind-blowing, as various types of computers, browsers and connection speeds constitute the net. Similarly, the ability of a website visitor varies across users. To assist the different and diverse range of abilities that users have, various techniques in Web design have been developed, called Web accessibility.

Jeffrey Zeldman, designing with Web standards says that Web accessibility is ‘ensuring that websites will be usable and available to the largest possible number of readers, visitors and customers.’

Web accessibility is thus the process of making sure that websites will be usable and accessible to the maximum number of readers, visitors and customers possible. 

Levels of Accessibility

Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), the governing body of accessibility standards on the Web, has established three checkpoint priority level of accessibility. These levels help developers build accessible websites.

Level1: absolutely necessary to be accessible

Matters like ensuring all images have descriptions to aid people who are visually impaired or blind are covered in this level. Such descriptions are known as an ALT tag, which stands for alternative text for the image.

Level 2: highly appreciated by users

This level stands for level of contrast between text color and the background color of pages. It also requires the absence of blinking text. These techniques ensure that users with visual impairments are not at a disadvantage.

Level 3: additional options for smooth web access

The third level requires that the user should be able to use the tab key to navigate the webpage. In the presence of a host of links, the tab key can be used to navigate to the link the user wants to select. In the case of forms to be filled in, like an application form, the user should be able to use tab to move the cursor across the different boxes to fill in their details. This helps people who cannot use computer mice and rely on keyboards or other assistive devices to navigate around pages and websites.

Structuring Information for Accessibility

Along with the technical construction, it also covers the structure of information.

• Is the page drafted in a logical and sensible way?
• Does every page make clear the user’s position vis-à-vis the entire site?
• Are methods available to return instantly to the home page?
• Can the size of the text be altered?
• Can forms on the page be filled in without using a mouse?

If the answers to the above question are positive, then it is likely to be a fairly accessible website. If not, some brushing up will be needed.