Making The Internet More Accessible
By Rosemary Musachio

You have heard of building accessibility, airplane accessibility, and even attitudinal accessibility. Thanks to a 30% increase in Internet users with disabilities, a need for web accessibility also exists. Web accessibility simply means that all individuals should be able to access effectively the same information on the Internet. Yet as in the physical world, persons with various impairments face barriers in the virtual world as well.

For example, even though blind individuals use speech software called screen readers and talking browsers that read web content aloud to them, they cannot decipher images unless graphics and photos have descriptive labels. Conversely, although deaf individuals can see everything on a website, they cannot comprehend audio content unless transcripts or captions accompany them.

Web obstacles also exist for those with mobility impairments who use headpointers and mouthsticks (such as yours truly) to operate the computer. Instead of using the mouse to click links and select items from pull-down menus, we often use the TAB and arrow keys to navigate through a website. However, sometimes these alternative functions are not incorporated in the site’s script, making navigation very tedious or nearly impossible for those with dexterity impairments.

Two more groups that encounter navigational barriers are persons who have cognitive and memory disabilities. They may not understand website content unless its language is simple and clear. Moreover, a site should have the same layout for all its pages. This way someone with short-term memory, for instance, doesn’t have to search for reoccurring information and buttons. Some examples are Contact and FAQ (frequently asked questions) links, which usually are placed at the bottom of web pages.

In 2002, persons with disabilities had $220 billion in disposable income. The figure has surely grown since then, especially since more of us are entering the workforce thanks to the Work Incentives Improvement Act. Consequently, our purchasing power has more clout.

Therefore, you would think web developers would automatically include accessible features within websites. On the contrary, many are not aware of their necessity or the simple methods to incorporate them. To enforce web accessibility, former President Clinton signed an amendment in 1998 to the Federal Workforce Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This amendment, otherwise known as Section 508, requires all federal departments, agencies, contractors, and federally funded companies to make their websites, email systems, and other electronic and Internet technologies (E&IT) accessible to all people with disabilities.

Even though Section 508 does not apply to private corporations and businesses, it has an indirect impact on them. Since private web development companies bid on government contracts, those who know about the web accessibility legislation will definitely get more business. Of course, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also is influential in making the Internet and all other electronic technology accessible. Titles I and V of the ADA require employers to provide reasonable accommodations, which can include the latter. If a company does not provide its blind employee a web browser that’s screen reader friendly, for example, it may face a lawsuit.

In fact, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) filed a lawsuit against America Online in November 1999 over that issue. Consequently, AOL has improved its browser and e-mail accessibility, not only offering screen reader compatibility but also providing keyboard shortcuts to those who cannot use the mouse. This leading Internet provider even has a website describing its new accessibility features.

To familiarize government and non-government enterprises about Section 508 and other web accessibility regulations, Debra Ruh founded TecAccess http://www.Tecaccess.net. TecAccess is a small disadvantaged business and woman-owned company that is a leading provider in this category. Not only does it teach businesses about E&IT accessibility, it also can test their websites for obstacles. Accordingly, since most of TecAccess’ associates are persons with disabilities, they know if an E&IT product is accessible due to their own daily experiences. Once TecAccess completes testing, it may suggest solutions to clients based on its results.

Ms. Ruh’s daughter Sarah, who has Downs Syndrome, inspired her to establish TecAccess. “When she reached middle school, I realized her employment options were going to be limited,” Ruh explains. “So, I decided to create an IT company that hires mainly persons with disabilities.” As TecAccess grows, Sara plans to become a receptionist or assistant for TecAccess.

The Virginia-based company currently has forty-five associates, most of whom have disabilities. Since they cannot commute to conventional offices due to personal care and transportation barriers, TecAccess associates telecommute.

"Individuals with disabilities can now fulfill their dreams of a career through the use of computers and the internet," said Richard Belyea, TecAccess CEO. "Technology has reached a point where time and space have become less important in the workplace. The traditional challenges of commuting and working eight-hour shifts no longer apply. Now a disabled worker can schedule his work to fit his unique lifestyle requirements, not the other way around."

With computer technology continuously advancing, E&IT accessibility becomes more crucial to businesses, agencies and, most of all, users with disabilities. Just as in the physical world, we can also overcome obstacles in the virtual one.
from Cool Cleveland contributor Rosemary Musachio rosemary02Atsbcglobal.net

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