Web Accessibility
Currently in my degree module, “New Media Strategies and Futures” we’re delving deep into the world of web accessibility. Whilst doing some of the course reading, I just had a quick thought that I wanted to chuck into a short blog.
The fundamental idea of making the whole web accessible for all people of differing abilities – both mental and physical, is a fantastic idea and a no brainer. Why wouldn’t you want your website to reach as many people as possible? Hell, if it were easy, I imagine most websites would have different languages available too.
There are many steps a developer/designer can take to make their websites accessible, something that I’m going to strive to do. Using lesser known markup like <label> instead of laying forms out with tables and ensuring all of your content passes through the W3C’s validation process makes sense to me. My problem with accessibility writing is the soapbox style that most of them adopt – and the ludicrous threat of prosecution if websites fail to meet accessibility standards. The Disability Rights Commission published a report in 2004 stating that “where the response is inadequate, we shall be vigorous in the use of our enforcement powers; these range from “named- party” Formal Investigations which can lead to sanctions against the owners of inaccessible websites”. Granted, they’re referring to commercial websites only, but still – threats like this are surely enough to turn the rookie developer off.
If people are scared of developing websites – where will that take innovation?