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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)
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