What is accessibility?
Accessibility refers to the ability to access web content
without barriers. For some people with disabilities, accessing content on the
Web can be particularly difficult and frustrating. Barriers are created when Web
developers do not design their Web sites to be usable by those who require
assistive technology. Some assistive technologies include screen readers, used
by those who are blind or have low vision, Text-to-speech, used by those with
print processing difficulties, and a head mouse, used by those with limited
mobility who can not use a standard mouse. There are many others. Care must be taken to ensure that members with
disabilities are not prevented from accessing Web content.
How is the LDRC accessible?
Many features have been includes with the LDRC site to ensure
its accessibility:
- Alternative
text for all non-text elements (eg. ALT text for all images)
- Text
is used wherever possible, instead of images of text
- Bypass
links are provided at the beginning of the page to allow site users to jump quickly past
the navigation links at the top directly to the content area or the
Contents Menu.
- Tab
Enter = jump to content
- Tab
Tab Enter = jump to Contents Menu
- Form
fields use the LABEL element to ensure they are correctly labeled for reading
by assistive technologies.
- Page
and navigation layout remains consistent throughout the site
- Navigation links can be removed from a page by selecting "print this page"
- Read-this-page
allows site users with a print disability to render pages in audio format (with HELPRead installed)
- Style
sheets have been used to allow site users to use their own style sheets to
format fonts to their preference (the "Print this page" link removes most
style sheet formatting)
- The Summary
attribute is included with all tables to inform assistive technology
site users of their purpose
- A text
sitemap is provide to allow quick access to all areas of the site
- A text
based Chat is provided for site users who cannot access the Java Chat
- Accesskeys
are available for the main navigation links (where browsers support the accesskeys)
- Alt1
= Home
- Alt2
= Community
- Alt3
= MyLDRC
- Alt4
= Help
- Alt5
= Sitemap
- Alt6
= Contents Menu
- Alt7
= Web Sites
- Alt8
= Projects
- Alt9
= Events
- Alt0
= Who's On
- The
accessibility features are described so users can take advantage of them
This site conforms with WAI AA accessibility guidelines
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About the LDRC
