CLF for the Internet - Accessibility

Overview

Internet technologies have provided many Canadians with an enhanced sense of intellectual and economic freedom. But for many people, gaining entry to Web content is more complicated than clicking mouse and operating a modem. Some Canadians rely on assistive technologies such as text readers, audio players and voice activated devices to overcome the barriers presented by standard technologies. Others may be limited by their own technology. But old browsers, non-standard operating systems, slow connections, small screens or text-only screens should not stand in the way of obtaining information that is available to others.

Thanks largely to the efforts of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), Internet accessibility has become a global issue that commands the attention of software and system designers during the development phase. The CLF standards are aligned with the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)

In keeping with the client-centred approach of the CLF initiative, universal accessibility standards are directed toward ensuring equitable access to all content on GoC Web sites. While site design is an important element of the electronic media, universal accessibility guidelines have been developed to ensure anyone can obtain content, regardless of the technologies they use. The key to effective implementation of universal accessibility guidelines lies in designing sites to serve the widest possible audience and the broadest possible range of hardware and software platforms, from assistive devices to emerging technologies. W3C WAI working groups continually test WCA Guidelines against a full range of browsers and assistive devices before recommending widespread implementation.

There are many older, current and emerging display and control technologies that are not capable of rendering the full multimedia content that is becoming prevalent on the Web. Graphical, text-only or speciality browsers that pre-date current releases or low band-width connections present barriers to access, as do grey-scale or monochrome displays, enlarged monitors, and miniature display devices (such as pager displays, digital cellular phone displays, personal digital assistants, etc.). Web developers cannot assume that all end users can apply the full range of human physical and sensory ability, along with the standard suite of computer technology to Internet usage. Thus, they need to consider mobile communications technologies such as hands-free / eyes-free systems, speech synthesis and voice recognition technologies, one-button scanning and control features and mice-emulators, and alternative input systems (touch screens, eye-gaze systems, mouse or trackball devices).

Seamless transformations, context and orientation, and usability are all key factors in designing a Web site that is available to everyone, and can be interpreted by the technologies they use. WAI's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, a comprehensive set of recommendations published in 1999, have already been recognized by the international standards community. On one hand, the guidelines aim to meet the needs of people with disabilities who rely on electronic devices to maximize the use of their computer systems. On the other hand, the guidelines will also assist individuals who are using advanced technologies: mobile and voice Web page viewing technologies, electronic agents such as indexing robots, etc. Like all standards, WAI guidelines will evolve over time, as developers and users become more proficient in applying new technologies to Internet usage.

Universal accessibility does not depend on minimal Web page design; it depends on thoughtful design. Along with WAI guidelines, the CLF standards provide direction for Web authors, particularly those using multimedia content, to ensure that all site content and functions are available to all users. Authors should not be discouraged from using multimedia, but rather should use it in a manner that ensures that the material they publish is functional for the widest possible audience. The GoC has adopted the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure the majority of Canadians will find it relatively easy to use on-line information and services.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0
For your information: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (Draft)