Accessible Websites
In the online world, accessibility refers to unhindered access and use of websites and web applications for all visitors. At webfactory, ‘all visitors’ includes everyone who may visit a website, especially including visitors with older hardware that may not support modern software and visitors who may require special software or devices in addition to a standard web browser, or specially designed web browsers, to use the web. Design for accessibility is a sub-category of good design for usability.
Some of the most fundamental aspects of accessibility include:
- functionality without JavaScript
- usability with screen reader programs, text browsers and Braille devices
- usability without a mouse
- sufficiently high contrast
- options for enlarged text, without losing the overall layout and readability
For years public facilities in Germany have been required to offer their websites with a high standard of accessibility. Private companies also benefit from accessible web applications as shown in the introductory article "Barrierefreiheit für Entscheider" (in German) by the German organization BIK (“Inform and communicate accessibly”).
In all projects – websites and web applications - webfactory always gives particular consideration and attention to the accessibility standards and the newest accessibility practices which aim toward the realization of accessible information technology (IT). In 2006 webfactory was added to the 95-plus list of the BIK. The internet companies in this list demonstrate the ability to develop very good accessibility to the web pages and web applications they generate.
webfactory's customers can be sure that their websites fulfill the newest requirements concerning accessibility.
During projects for which accessibility is especially required additional and finalizing tests for accessibility take place. Moreover, webfactory provides accessibility training sessions to its customers, which are designed to assist and inform content managers of the standard and standard requirements for accessible websites.
Extensive information about accessibility can be found at Wikipedia.
