We are often asked what accessibility means when referring to the web and why FindAnyFloor.com is such an advocate for Internet accessibility. Recently Glenda Watson Hyatt, a friend of mine, shared a blog with me which shows how the blind use the internet. I knew that posting a link to this blog would explain a lot of the questions behind accessibility. Glenda has an amazing story of her own about accessibility and I encourage everyone to take a minute to visit Glenda’s Blog.

For a couple of years I have been giving speeches at colleges and tech conferences on the topic of web accessibility and usability. Surprisingly, I am still met with blank stares when I mention web accessibility at most colleges, even in the technology departments. I usually explain accessibility by having the students close their eyes and asking them to reach out and start surfing the net. Next, I talk about mobility impairment and tell them all to put their mouse away and then start surfing the net, write a paper, or simply open folders and programs. Lastly, I ask them to go to YouTube and play a video of their favorite TV show, movie clip, or music video. Once the video starts playing I ask them to put the volume on mute. Now they have just experienced how the hearing impaired interact with the internet. It is after these demonstrations that people start to understand what it is like for someone who is blind, mobility or hearing impaired to use the computer.

Please view this link and pass it along. Making the web accessible to everyone is not only worth doing, it is a must as we evolve into a technical dependant society.

http://accessites.org/site/2009/06/refreshable-braille/