<html>access

Topic:

See "Selfish Reasons to be Accessible"

Everyone needs access

Consider who might try to use your page:

the techno-elite who always buys the latest products: a wireless modem, an adapter to listen to the web while driving, the tiny hand-held device that hooks up to the internet;
the experienced web surfer who uses shortcut keys to speed through pages and avoid carpal tunnel syndrome from using a mouse so much;
the person using an older computer with a slow modem;
the serious academic or business person who turns off graphics, java script, and multimedia to quickly focus on content without distraction;
the person who is color blind, has poor eyesight or is blind;
the person who cannot hear well or is deaf;
the person who cannot physically use a mouse;
the person who is easily distracted or transposes words or for some other reason needs help staying focused.

If you only design a page to be seen on Netscape 4.5 or Explorer 4.0 with a 15-inch monitor, you may lose a good segment of your potential audience. See the article at Aware.org, maintained by the HTML Writers Guild, about "Selfish Reasons" to strive for universal design.

Return to Unit 8

Think like a broadcaster

Think of radio. If you do not have the latest "surround-sound with a subwoofer and 2-way bass reflex speakers" you can still expect to hear the program, even on a cheap transitor radio. TV is the same way. You can watch programs on an old black-and-white set. You may get better sounds and images with the latest equipment, but radio and television programs work on the older models too. That is how your web page should work.

Continue to Notes on "Disability Issues">>

Other comment notes for this unit:
disability issues | alternatives | design | tryouts

Readings	Resources	<head>	<p> etc.	<b> etc.	<li> etc.	<a href>	<img src>
Access	<table>	<frame>	<style>	<form>	<script>	<object>	validate

<html>access

Who is Your Potential Audience?

Everyone needs access

Think like a broadcaster