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One of the first questions that web users ask about the
accessibility of web pages is what are the key elements of accessibility. As we
go deeper, other questions may arise, such as why a usability test is needed,
what factors should be considered when testing accessibility, etc. The main
purpose of the Internet accessibility test is to test people with disabilities,
such as the visually impaired, colorblind, deaf and dumb, dyskinesia, cognitive
impairment and people using assistive devices.
• Section 508 compliance;
• WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) conformance -
WCAG 1.0 and 2.0.
Above are 2 recommendations for websites that should be
followed to ensure effective access for people with disabilities. There are
many assistive technologies available to help users with disabilities use
software/applications more constructively. Such widely used assistive
technologies include:
1. Screen Readers: This tool is mainly for people who are
visually impaired or have trouble seeing well. It reads out the text on the web
page so they can listen to it instead.
2. Screen magnification software: This software is mainly
used by users who have trouble seeing well. It makes things bigger on the
screen so they can see better.
3. Head Pointers: The main users are people with mobility
disorders. The head pointer takes the mouse's place and allows an individual to
move the mouse pointer around the screen without fine motor control.
4. Voice recognition software: It converts speech to text
and allows control of the web browser using only voice commands. People with
hearing impairment are major users of this category of software.
There are several standard guidelines for accessibility
testing that are mentioned in section 508 and in the WCAG conformance. I do not
have any disabilities myself but based on my work experience and research
working with other accessibility testers like TestFort, I have experienced
that although a website is section 508 compliant and believed to be fully
accessible, there may still be a few hurdles which prevent the website from
being totally usable for the disabled. So I would like to propose a few
enhancements to make websites and applications more accessible.
• Volume control of audio/ video/ captcha: Note that on most
websites, the audio/video player does not label the audio/video control. These
controls are recommended to be properly labeled and controlled via the
keyboard, for the benefit of the visually impaired.
• Horizontal and Vertical Scrolling: If horizontal and
vertical scrollbars are used in any web page without an equivalent keyboard
implementation, it is problematic for the visually impaired. If implemented, it
should also be accessible from the keyboard.
• Duplicate Heading: Page headings and labels for
interactive controls and forms should provide information. When designing a web
page using these controls, you should avoid duplicate headings. Such redundancy
creates confusion for visually impaired users.
• Captcha: Sometimes the provided captcha will not be clear
for those with low visibility. When creating a captcha for any website/web
application, it should be designed with an approach and style that can also be
accessed by users with low visibility.
• Instructions: If a visually challenged person fills in
fields available in a form using the tab key, it sometimes is designed such
that the website does not allow the screen reader to read out the instructions to fill them.
Websites should be designed such that instructions provided in the form field
should be accessible through the tab key.
• Clickable items: Sometimes it becomes a challenge for the
visually impaired users to identify clickable items on the web page; to
overcome this difficulty; it is suggested to include clickable items as links
wherever possible.
Achieving comprehensive web accessibility requires close
attention to various factors and the implementation of certain standards.
Compliance with these standards is essential, but real-world experience reveals
that even compliant websites can pose challenges for users with disabilities,
so continuous enhancement and rigorous usability testing are important. By
working on these areas, you can get closer to creating a more comprehensive web
environment that effectively serves all users, regardless of their
capabilities.
Do you want to have a website that attracts attention and wows visitors? Then, we are prepared to assist! Contact us by clicking the button below to share your thoughts with us.
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Poland Web Designer (Wispaz Technologies) is a leading technology solutions provider dedicated to creating innovative applications that address the needs of corporate businesses and individuals.