Designing Accessible Websites

Designing accessible Web, in some cases, is not only out of a pragmatic concern for accessibility and usability, but also for complying with the law:

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that all businesses with 15 or more employees make reasonable accommodation for employees or potential employees with disabilities. If the software they use is not accessible, the individuals are entitled to sue their employers or prospective employers. This act has been interpreted to also require commercial Websites to be accessible.

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that Federal agencies’ electronic and information technology is accessible to people with disabilities.

Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act requires that hardware and software products are made usable by individuals with disabilities, or compatible with existing accessibility aids. This may apply to any hardware or software that transfers information over the Internet, a network, or phone lines.

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