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What is web accessibility?
An accessible web page makes all content available to any human user who wants it regardless of browsing technology.
Let's explain the above response to this difficult question above.
- "All content" refers to the fact that cutting corners in developing web accessibility doesn't count (such as not providing sufficient alternative text for all content of a graphical diagram).
- The phrase “who wants it” refers to the fact that not all web pages would be wanted or needed by everyone in the world. For example, an English-speaking farmer would not need a Chinese web site about rocket science to be accessible to him. Also, in reality, providing content world-wide is still very difficult, especially the limitations of today's translation technology.
- I say "human user" since we don't want spammers getting at our sensitive info, which is why CAPTCHA is so popular now. The word "any" in "any human user" is inclusive to the non-disabled and disabled user (such as visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive disabilities).
- The "browsing technology" phrase covers browsers, platforms, connection speeds, no use of audio, etc.
Here are a few other credible definitions:
Web accessibility is about making your website accessible to all Internet users (both disabled and non-disabled), regardless of what browsing technology they're using.
Web accessibility refers to the practice of making websites usable by people of all abilities and disabilities. When sites are correctly designed, developed and edited, all users can have equal access to information and functionality.
Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can use the Web. More specifically, Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the Web, and that they can contribute to the Web. Web accessibility also benefits others, including older people with changing abilities due to aging.
More Resources
Podcast on Accessibility Definition
Listen to Web Axe Podcast: #41: The Definition of Web Accessibility.
from Accessible Web Design (Joe Dolson)
What is Web Accessibility?