Accessibility Requirements

This web page provides links to resources which can be used to help web developers understand and implement web accessibility compliance requirements and guidelines.

The World Wide Web Consortium (www.w3.org) has, through it Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), outlined several resources, which are referenced below.

On December 21, 2000, the federal Access Board issued final standards for electronic and information technology under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. On January 22, 2001, the General Services Administration (GSA) issued a notice to adopt these standards into the Federal procurement regulations. For summaries and details related to these standards, see: Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act: Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards.

The standards adopted by this board regarding accessibility on the web are largely based upon the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) of the World Wide Web Consortium. However, there are 5 standards, (l) through (p), that are different than any comparable provision in the Web Content Accessibility quidelines of the WAI. A listing of the standards that apply to web accessibility can be found at: Section 508 Accessibility Requirements for Web Sites on the WebAble site. You may also find guidelines produced by the Access Board for web accessibility in Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications.

ADA-Friendly Web Sites for Students: The Why and the How provides some good background on the portions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Rehabilitation Act which apply to web accessibility.

Common Myths About Web Accessibility is a site recommended by Carol Yoho. This article dispels some misconceptions about accessible web authoring.

Related posts:

1. Accessibility Guidelines
2. Web Site Analysis
3. Web Specifications
4. Web Standards Checklist
5. alpha Criteria