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This site was developed for the professional master’s report of Kim Loop, completed in May 2009.
About Web Accessibility delves into the “how” and the “why” of Web accessibility, including:
- why the Web should be accessible,
- how to make sites accessible,
- examples of user experiences, and
- designer and developer stories.
In short, Web accessibility is about universal design and making sure as many people as possible can use new technologies. It’s also about providing a better experience for all users.
After the site is approved by Kim’s graduate advisers and UT Austin, she will explore the option of converting this site to a wiki while maintaining its accessibility.
The Disabled on the Net
As early as 2001, more than 60% of visually impaired individuals surveyed used the Internet and more than 55% did so regularly. They were ahead of the curve in terms of online shopping, and more blind or severely visually impaired surveyed had purchased a product or good online than their sighted counterparts.
As of 2007, more than half of people who self-identified as having a disability or chronic disease that affected their daily functioning said they used the Internet, according to a Pew survey of “e-patients.” Nearly three-quarters of everyone else surveyed went online. The survey was done via phone, which has been said to exclude the younger population, and included more seniors in the disabled category by including “chronic diseases.”
When compared with 2002 survey results, these numbers indicate that the digital divide (in Internet access at least) is closing for the disabled population: The rate of Internet usage increased 46% for the disabled and those with chronic diseases, but only 21% for others.
Using This Site
About Web Accessibility attempts to say a fair amount about many aspects of the issue. As such, please consider the many ways of navigating this site:
You can use the navigation above, or the overview at the bottom of this page to navigate the site.
If you choose to go through the site page by page, it is conveniently laid out like an e-book. The end of each page briefly introduces and links to the next section.
The site is also conveniently structured for a variety of user types. What do you want out of the site? Are you looking for information on disability and technology policy? Are you a Web developer or tech-oriented type? Are you an advocate for the millions of disabled Americans? Or