Dr Hollier looks at the recent work of the W3C in making it easier for people to check if websites are accessible for people with disabilities. This work includes the creation of the Evaluation and Report Language (EARL) 1.0 Schemato help web developers, and the WCAG 2.0 Evaluation Methodology Task Force(Eval TF)to create a methodology for accessibility evaluation.
A cloud-based tool, MyDisplay allows visitors to the BBC website to set up a theme tailored to their particular access needs, which is then applied across any of the three million BBC web pages the user visits.
The theme can include modifications to the text size, font style, colours and page structure. If users do not wish to customise their own theme, pre-defined themes are also offered in the categories of Limited vision, Asperger’s, ADHD, Dyslexia, Easier to read or BBC original. Once a theme has been created or selected it can be saved using a BBC account.
AGIMO, which is part of the Department of Finance and Deregulation, is tasked with delivering the Web Accessibility National Transition Strategy – a strategy that requires government websites to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.
The strategy requires all Federal, State, and Territory government websites to conform to the Single A level of the WCAG 2.0 by the end of 2012. All Commonwealth Government websites must conform to the Double A level of WCAG 2.0 by the end of 2014.
NBC Learn offers video resources from NBC news (the news branch of American television network NBC), documentaries and other teaching aids for use in the classroom.
Captions have proven literacy benefits for all students. They are essential for Deaf and hearing impaired students and can boost comprehension for ESL students, struggling readers and children with a learning disability.
