Adapting+the+Web

Explore the accessibility issues that need to be addressed when using the web.
Emily & Terry

Adapting the Web for People with Vision, Hearing, Motor and Cognitive Disabilities

==As educators we need to be aware that many individuals using our websites or course management tools may have physical or cognitive impairments. We have listed a web site that will introduce you to the issues and ideas to improve accessibility for all individuals. ==

**Major Disability Categories (WebAIM)**
 * [[image:http://www.webaim.org/media/common/icon_eye.gif width="30" height="30"]][|Visual]**Blindness, low vision, color-blindness
 * [[image:http://www.webaim.org/media/common/icon_ear.gif width="30" height="30"]][|Hearing]**Deafness
 * [[image:http://www.webaim.org/media/common/icon_hand.gif width="30" height="30"]][|Motor]**Inability to use a mouse, slow response time, limited fine motor control
 * [[image:http://www.webaim.org/media/common/icon_brain.gif width="30" height="30"]][|Cognitive]**Learning disabilities, distractibility, inability to remember or focus on large amounts of information


 * WebAIM **

=== [|http://www.webaim.org/intro] WebAIM's mission is to expand the potential of the web for people with disabilities by providing the knowledge, technical skills, tools, organizational leadership strategies, and vision that empower organizations to make their own content accessible to people with disabilities.===


 * []

media type="youtube" key="kziXJX6a7E4" height="344" width="425"
 * [] .php 11.5 min. Web Accessibility in Mind Video. Disabled people interviewed and sharing their problems encountered when using the web for work, school and personal use.

Laws and Standards
If you live in the United States, applicable laws include [|ADA], [|IDEA], and the [|Rehabilitation Act] of 1973 (Sections 504 and [|Section 508]). Many [|international laws] also address accessibility. The [|Web Content Accessibility Guidelines] provide an international set of guidelines. They are developed by the Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C), the governing body of the web. These guidelines are the basis of most web accessibility law in the world. Version 2.0 (currently in development) of these guidelines are based on four principles: These first letters of these four principles spell the word POUR. This may help you remember them.
 * [|Perceivable]: Available to the senses (vision and hearing primarily) either through the browser or through assistive technologies (e.g. screen readers, screen enlargers, etc.)
 * [|Operable]: Users can interact with all controls and interactive elements using either the mouse, keyboard, or an assistive device.
 * [|Understandable]: Content is clear and limits confusion and ambiguity.
 * [|Robust]: A wide range of technologies (including old and new user agents and assistive technologies) can access the content.



You can test your website for Accessibility, visit these web sites;

 * Cynthia: http://www.contentquality.com
 * http://section508.info
 * Color Blindness: http://www.etre.com/tools/colourblindsimulator/

Adaptive Technology Solutions "Universal Access"
Every Mac comes standard with a wide range of assistive technologies that help people with disabilities enjoy the power and simplicity of the Mac.  Visit the apple web site to explore the many features designed to assist those who have difficulty, hearing, seeing or physical and motor skill limitations .[| http://www.apple.com/accessibility/macosx/vision.html] This is a great solution site.