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If you've ever been frustrated by seemingly unreadable or hard-to-use Web sites, take heart. Federal agencies' electronic and information technology now must be accessible to people with disabilities, and these standards will probably guide the design and implementation of most commercial sites as well. Section 508, part of the Workforce Rehabilitation Act of 1998, also encourages development of hardware and software that enables people with visual, auditory, physical and cognitive disabilities to use computers, the Internet and other kinds of electronic communication devices.
Today's information economy requires job seekers who are able to use computers. Virtually every position, from auto mechanic to physician, store clerk to CEO, requires interacting with computers and other information devices. If those devices and the information they deliver are not easily accessible to a job seeker with a disability, that individual is at a significant disadvantage when competing for a job.
Accessibility Helps Everyone
What changes have accessibility rules produced? For one example, go to your Windows Control Panel and click on the Internet Settings icon. Then click the Accessibility button. Here you can override the colors and fonts in the Web pages you encounter and make them more user-friendly for your particular needs. If you're color-blind, you can set pages to display in colors you can perceive, or in black and white. You can also specify larger or different on-screen type fonts, or select keyboard controls that mimic mouse clicks if using a mouse is difficult for you. These options and accessible design standards benefit all users, not just the disabled.
Other requirements establish criteria for "accessible" Web site design. For example, Web sites should be visible in black and white, not just in color. Web images should have text descriptions, known as "alt" text. You should be able to choose text-only versions of Web sites, which can be enlarged for people with poor vision, and the text-only version should be kept as up to date as the regular version. You should be able to skip lengthy lists of links that may or may not be relevant to the material on the Web page.
You can go to some Web sites to test another Web page or site to see if it is compliant with Section 508. For more details, review this checklist.
Accessible Tools
You can find examples of accessible equipment, services and software on the Department of Labor Web site. The list includes more than just computer-based information devices and sources.
For example, visually handicapped users can make use of devices that "read" the computer screen and give audio or tactile output. The Refreshable Braille Display allows a blind person to feel the words as he scrolls down the page, and a Braille embosser prints out the page in Braille. A Tactile Image Enhancer will even create graphic images that can be felt by someone who cannot see them.
Individuals with limited mobility or muscular problems who are unable to use regular keyboards or need to work from a wheelchair control panel can use split keyboards and specialized pointing devices. Printers with accessible controls are available for those who cannot use a normal printer. The Assistive Technology Showcase Web site offers a selection of devices and other information on accessibility tools.
The Future Is Up to You
Section 508 took effect on June 30, 2001, and technology and software companies have been working to give Web site developers and organizations the tools they need to comply. Given the pace of technological change, we can expect continuing development of accessible devices and evolution in the underlying standards. If you have information-accessibility concerns, it's up to you to check to see if new devices, services or software might help you work more efficiently. Use the following resources to find out if you can be more efficient and effective on the job or while pursuing your job search:
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