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The Issue
In the 21st century increasingly we all communicate across the Internet. Whether to learn, to consume, to play or just to interact, the internet and websites are a crucial medium for us all. But for some users with a disability the very medium is rendered unusable as a result of poor design not only by individuals, but sometimes because the platform upon which the website is constructed does not allow the designer to support people with a disability.
There are many organisations and individuals seeking to support users to access the web both through
Assistive Technology and through the education and training of designers and engineers.
Access to the internet is a very real issue for us all. The moral and social case is clear in designing for an inclusive society. But equally the business case is strong. There are 9.8 million disabled people on the UK alone offering a huge market for business as well as being voters and members of communities. website accessibility is an issue that touches us all.
Implementing the requirements for Level 'A' WAI compliance for websites
LowBrowse
eSSENTIAL Accessibility
The provider of a software-based service that makes online environments fully accessible to individuals with physical disabilities.
The software includes many assistive technology features which gives users with physical limitations the tools they require to access a website.
eSSENTIAL website (and free download) |  |
Fully compatible with external tracking devices like Quick Glance, SmartNav, Tracker One, Head Master, joysticks or switches and already includes built-in tools like:
- Onscreen Keyboard and Layout Designer
- WebCam Mouse
- Auto Click
- Auto Scan
- Manual Scan
- XY Mouse
- Radar Mouse
- Direction Mouse
| Includes a Page-Reader system which allows any user with a vision limitation to:
- Read the content of any web page out loud
- Read the title of the frames out loud
- Read the content of a selected frame out loud
- Read the links on an open web page out loud
Fully compatible with the following Voice Recognition systems:
Scansoft Dragon Naturally Speaking 8.0 and above Microsoft Speech recognition 6.1 or greater |
Research
AbilityNet carries out regular state of the enation reports which explore the current state of play in accessible design for a specific sector of industry or government.
eNation archives > .
If you are interested in taking part in social networking, AbilityNet is conducting research into the accessibility of Social networks.
Go to AbilityNet social networking >
| Techniques and Solutions |
- The WebAim website contains a wealth of useful information on accessible design.
Since our article on 19th September 2006 – Testing Your Website for Accessibility, the Web Accessibility Toolbar has been updated and improved. Version 2.0 of the toolbar which has been available from June 2007 is currently in beta and can be downloaded from here .
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Other Useful links