Resources

Provide better access to increase your total audience

Most businesses today publish websites that do not provide opportunities to everyone. They exclude people who often stand to gain the most from the Internet -- freedom and independence to access information, make purchases and communicate with the world. By providing a website with better access options, your business will expose your products and services to a broader audience. You will also help the Internet to realize its full potential for people with disabilities.

Accessibility promotes better access to everyone

Websites most often challenge people with disabilities like impaired vision or motor skills or other disadvantages that prevent them from readily accessing web content. But websites can also challenge people who use different devices and browsers -- not everyone operates a desktop PC with an average-sized screen. Users on PDAs or small laptops, slow dial-up connections, early browsers and non-Windows environments can be every bit as challenged. Make the creation of accessible web content part of your web design philosophy and you will provide better access to everyone. Publish a website with good accessibility options and you will be several steps ahead of your competition!

Accessibility means compliance

Since 1998 the Rehabilitation Act requires Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. Section 508 was enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology. The law applies to all Federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology, including the websites that they publish. Though commercial firms are not required to follow Section 508 guidelines, steps toward compliance will promote better access and increase your total audience. Lead the way with a more accessible website to a broader, appreciative audience!