Lesson 1Introduction to web accessibility

Notion 1

What does accessibility mean in the digital sphere?

Target skills

Understanding of core concepts and the link between accessibility and the web

Introduction to web accessibility

Welcome to the second module of our course. In this module you will learn about the scope of web accessibility.

Here´s a short video that explains the link between accessibility and digital world.

Video transcription:
“The power of the Web is in its universality.
Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect.”
Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web

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The Web is designed to work for all people regardless of their hardware, software, language, location, or ability. Websites must meet this objective.

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An accessible web meets the needs of people with a diverse range of disabilities and impairments such as:

hearing
visual
physical
cognitive
other (circumstantial disabilities, advanced age, socio-economic disadvantages, non-native speakers)

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2 Sides of the web:

Removes physical barriers

The Web removes barriers to communication and interaction that many people meet in the physical world

Creates digital barriers

When websites, applications technologies or tools are badly designed, they can create barriers that exclude people from using the Web

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What would you say about the following design bloopers?

5 different pictures of bad design: 2 photos of a ramp for people in wheelchair in the form of steps; the entrance door at the height of more than one meter making it totally inaccessible; a parking place for disabled people surrounded by a curb; fold down stadium seat right in front of the column making impossible its usage.

Total failures?

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That kind of design disaster happens in the digital world as well. What was initially created to provide access to the information, because of the bad design, today hinders many people of that access.

Web accessibility means that websites, tools, and technologies are designed and developed so that people with disabilities can use them. More specifically, people can: