Web developer Gary Robson says that the BBC provides a great example of what can be achieved when the owner of the site views accessibility as a basic requirement, not an inconvenient optional extra.

In addition to making sure all of their content is usable by the widest possible range of people, the broadcaster has also dedicated a separate site to provide accessibility help for its users.

‘My Web My Way’ offers guidance on how to set up your computer and browser in order to make the web easier to use. It also has an accessibility blog providing the latest developments in the field as well as case studies of people relying on assistive technology.

Work for an even more comprehensive version of the site is currently underway. According to the BBC, the new accessibility site aims to strike a balance between catering for first-time computer users and more experienced users.

Google has also been busy lately with accessibility issues. In its Experimental Labs the search giant is testing ways of making search results more accessible for everyone.

Two of their current experiments deal with minimising the use of the mouse with various keyboard shortcuts.

The ‘Accessible View’ feature also automatically magnifies the search results for easier viewing and reads the relevant information out loud if a screenreader is being used.

Feature article

Perceptions on web accessibility need changing

We talked to Gary Robson, Technical Director at Industrial Strength, a North East web design company, to find out what’s so off-putting about accessibility. Read more…