Creating accessible Web sites: an introduction

The Internet and World Wide Web (Web) provide instant access to vast quantities of information. Unfortunately, many people with visual, hearing, mobility, or learning disabilities are unable to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the Web. This is because badly designed and/or inaccessible Web sites prevent them from fully experiencing the graphical and aural benefits of the medium. This paper introduces concepts of accessible Web design and describes how Web designers can build sites accessible to everyone with little added effort. It also provides a brief legal and economic rationale as to why it is important to do so. Principles of universal design and the guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Accessibility Initiative are described. An appendix of selected resources is also included.