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420 Chapter 12 Understanding Usability and Accessibility<br />

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Download a trial version of screen-reader software and use it with your Web site.<br />

Freedom Scientific always offers a download of the widely utilized screen reader<br />

JAWS in a 40-minute demo mode, and many modern platforms have screen reader<br />

software incorporated. Turn off your monitor while using it to truly understand<br />

how a user who is blind would use your Web site.<br />

Download a trial version of voice recognition software, and use it with your Web<br />

site. One of the most popular is Dragon voice recognition software.<br />

There are many ways you can assist disabled users in using your Web site with assistive<br />

technologies. Good practice is to start by creating a prominent accessibility statement<br />

on your Web site (you’ll find many examples on the Internet) that explains to users the<br />

accessibility considerations you have made. Include the advantages of more-accessible<br />

mode, and describe any issues you are aware of. Always provide users with contact information<br />

in case they have any problems accessing or using your site in any way.<br />

Ten-Point Accessibility Checklist<br />

It is a good idea to keep a ten-point accessibility checklist handy when you are<br />

developing your Web site. The ten points below are based on W3C Web Content<br />

Accessibility Guidelines version 2 and will go a long way in making your Web site<br />

accessible to as many people as possible. Ideally, all checkpoints within W3C WCAG<br />

version 2 should be met during development.<br />

When developing your Web site be sure of the following:<br />

1. Font sizes are set to ems in the CSS Users who need to can change the text<br />

size in a browser. Fixed pixels and points will not allow this, but many modern<br />

browsers allow users to take advantage of zoom functionality.<br />

2. All images have alt text Users who have images turned off or users of<br />

screen readers will be able to understand the image purpose and description.<br />

3. Font size/spacing is easy to read Users want to digest information quickly<br />

and easily. Keep sentences, line length, and paragraphs short and well spaced.<br />

4. Adequate text to background contrast Users with different vision levels, including<br />

color blindness, and users with different monitors with varying graphics<br />

cards will be able to read your Web site easily.<br />

5. Pages are well structured Users who turn off CSS or who use screen readers<br />

or mobile devices will have content presented in the correct sequence.

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