The six-week online course, now in its second year, gives technical web professionals a practical understanding of the principles and techniques needed to reach compliance with international standards, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.
The study, Tackling Digital Exclusion,found that 87 per cent of older people who are blind or partially sighted have never used the internet. Researchers attribute this to a perception amongst this group that blindness or low vision makes using computers and websites impossible.
A text alternative, or alt-text, is a line of text hidden within a website which conveys the meaning of an image. A person using assistive technology, such as a screen reader or braille device, can have the technology read out this description. Providing alt-text is essential for those wanting to make their websites accessible.
The initiative features resources for web developers, designers, content producers and managers on how to incorporate accessibility into every stage of a website’s life. Access iQ™ is geared towards meeting the needs of those making accessible websites for government under the National Transition Strategy.
Access iQ™ delivers:
