Visual+Impairments+and+Websites

People that have a visual impairment or blindness face difficulties using many Web 2.0 technologies. It can be difficult for a person with a visual disability to be able to use the internet and various Web 2.0 technologies such as blogs or social networking sites. Website accessibility is often overlooked by web developers. Many web developers would rather spend money on other issues rather than being in compliance with disability laws.

A study conducted in 2008 by WebAIM found that only 3% out of 100 different college institutions websites were in compliance with disability laws. There have been numerous lawsuits against universities due to discrimination against visually impaired people being able to access the universities website and resources on the website.

Website developers should consider reviewing the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. The guidelines were published by the Web Accessibility Imitative. These guidelines help insure that a website is assessable for everyone. The guidelines are very well explained.

There are many resources found online that let website developers “test” their site to see if it is accessible for all users. All website developers should consider website accessibility when designing a website. This is also required by federal law.

There are several tools available for people with vision impairments. There is the option of a screen reader which is a software program that “reads” the computer screen and either speaks what is on the screen and puts it on a Braille display. Another option for visually impaired people is special browsers designed for visual impairments. There is also the option of screen magnification.

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