Yale Bulletin and Calendar

April 23, 2004|Volume 32, Number 27

Making Web pages accessible to all

Providing access for people with disabilities is not only an important goal in the physical world but in cyberspace as well, said Jonathan Lizee of Information Technology Services (ITS), who also spoke at the panel on "Disabilities Etiquette" on April 14. (See related story.)

"There is an increasing use of the Web for internal and external communications, yet some Web pages are difficult to read or navigate for people with disabilities," noted Lizee, who is director of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences IT Program, part of Yale Academic and Media Technology.

Too many Web pages have features that are barriers for the visually impaired, said Lizee. He cited statistics showing that even 5% of those without visual impairments have trouble reading newsprint and recommended that designers bear that in mind when selecting type meant to be read on a computer screen.

While Web pages have the potential to be as colorful as rainbows, Lizee cautioned that many individuals -- particularly men -- have trouble discerning some hues. "Using certain colors in menus or text can make it harder for a certain percentage of readers to absorb the content," he said.

Individuals with physical limitations also can have difficulty navigating sites that require "excessive use of the mouse," he added, pointing to such features as pop-out menus as impediments to ease-of-use.

"Making a Web page accessible to people with disabilities makes it easy for everyone to read and navigate," asserted Lizee. While there is no official Yale policy on Web pages accessibility, "I've found that most people who are responsible for Web content are sensitive to this issue" once it's been brought to their attention, he added.

Lizee said he is willing to consult with people about their Web pages and offer advice on how they can make them more accessible. In-depth information on this topic can also be found at www.yale.edu/webmaster.

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