Web Accessibility (one day: hands on)

Participants will explore the fundamental issues of accessible Web design using both Section 508 and W3C standards and guidelines. They will examine real-world Web sites and learn to validate them for differing levels of accessibility. Participants will learn the value and purpose of accessible design for sites, and how sites can be made accessible and still remain attractive and usable.

Objectives:
This is a one-day, intensive course on the creation of Web sites that are accessible to all people, including those with disabilities. Students will learn the legal and business reasons for creating accessible sites, and have a full understanding of the most important standards and guidelines that determine accessibility. They will learn to assess and validate site accessibility and find the proper balance between functionality and accessibility. At the end of the course, students will have the tools necessary to make effective sites according to the U.S. Section 508 standards or the W3C WCAG guidelines.

Topics:
Introduction and overview of course
Why bother with accessibility? Legal and business reasons.
How far to go with accessibility?
Separating content and form.
Validating Web sites.
Hands-on techniques for Section 508 and W3C WCAG accessibility

Outcomes (skills learned):

	Make the case for accessibility as a normal extension of usability
	Be able to decide how far to go with accessibility and choose the proper guidelines
	Separate content from design
	Construct a Web site using the Section 508 standards or W3C WCAG guidelines
	Construct sites usable in alternative browsers, such as voice-output
	Use appropriate alternatives for troublesome elements, such as video and audio
	Use appropriate color and contrast
	Validate and assess sites on accessibility

Recommended: Basic understanding of Macromedia Dreamweaver