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?
Welcome to one of the far far far corners of the internet, a corner occupied by me, Will. The majority of those reading this initial blog will be well aware of who I am, as I've probably directed you here, but for those who have somehow landed here, please allow me to introduce myself.
I'm Will Beardmore (original domain, no?), and I'm currently entering my 3rd year of study at Leeds University for their . In addition to being a poor student, I've been learning web design and development for almost a decade, starting out at the tail end of primary school, clowning around on Geocities and Homestead, I soon developed a large interest in the field, going on to learn HTML, PHP, MySQL, CSS, jQuery, etc, etc, etc.
My main interest and passion outside of the internet is Heavy Metal music. Over the years, I've poured just about everything I've earned into attending concerts and festivals, buying CDs and merchandise and just about anything I can get my hands on to do with metal. This blog will be my forum to discuss all things metal, because the internet needs another opinion...
Megadeth are my all time favourite band, my most seen band (10 times) and my most met band (3 times, once in the studio!). About 5 years ago, I started a Megadeth fansite, RattleheadHQ.com (now deceased), which became pretty popular, managing to attract almost 20,000 visits in its most successful month. When I started my degree, I lost the time it took to keep the Megafans informed, and so decided to stop updating it. It was fun whilst it lasted though.
Other bands I have an unhealthy interest in are Anthrax, Crowbar, Alice in Chains, Witchcraft, Alice Cooper, Metallica, Down and tons more. See what I'm currently listening to at my .
Enjoy reading what I have to say, and feel free to contact me or comment below.
Also, I'm one of those Twitterers, so to follow me.
