About Accessibility
There are over 40 million people with disabilities just in America. Many of these people need to use some sort of accommodation (screen readers, screen magnifiers, on-screen key boards, etc.) while using the computer and surfing the web. It is crucial that web pages are designed to adjust to these special needs accommodations ensuring that all users are able to enjoy the web. For many disabled users, the web makes life easier and a bit more normal. From online shopping to online help groups, the internet opens many doors for disabled users and it is worth while to make your site accommodate to these users.
Along with special needs accommodations, there are also new technologies such as cell phones and PDA’s that are able to connect to the web. Therefore, sites should also be built to correctly appear in these smaller screens with a clear navigation system. While these are more usability issues, all viewers will benefit from a site that is accessible and usable.
Accessibility on the web is the law for all state web sites. Section 508of the 1998 Rehabilitation Act which is nation wide and locally, Montana State HB239. For more information on these laws, see the State and Federal Guidelines page.
Graphics, Design, and Layout by Dani Taylor. Copyright© Spectral Fusion 2005. All Rights Reserved.