Accessibility Resources

The resources we incorporate into the development process have helped us to set new standards in accessible web development. These tools and guidelines allow us stay on top of issues regarding web accessibility as well as teach us the newest development techniques. Take a look at some of the resources below.

General Accessibility

  • U.S. Section 508
    Section 508 was enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology, to make available new opportunities for people with disabilities, and to encourage development of technologies that will help achieve these goals. The law applies to all Federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology. Under Section 508 (29 U.S.C. ‘ 794d), agencies must give disabled employees and members of the public access to information that is comparable to the access available to others.
  • Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
    These guidelines explain how to make Web content accessible to people with disabilities. The guidelines are intended for all Web content developers (page authors and site designers) and for developers of authoring tools. The primary goal of these guidelines is to promote accessibility. However, following them will also make Web content more available to all users, whatever user agent they are using (e.g., desktop browser, voice browser, mobile phone, automobile-based personal computer, etc.) or constraints they may be operating under (e.g., noisy surroundings, under- or over-illuminated rooms, in a hands-free environment, etc.). Following these guidelines will also help people find information on the Web more quickly.
  • World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)
    The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) develops interoperable technologies (specifications, guidelines, software, and tools) to lead the Web to its full potential. W3C is a forum for information, commerce, communication, and collective understanding regarding the web.
  • Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
    The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) develops its work through W3C's consensus-based process, involving different stakeholders in Web accessibility. These include industry, disability organizations, government, accessibility research organizations, and more. WAI, in partnership with organizations around the world, consistently pursues issues involving the accessibility of the Web.

Coding / Markup

  • W3C XHTML Markup Validator
    The W3C Markup Validation Service is a service that checks Web documents in XHTML format for conformance to W3C Recommendations and other accessibility standards.
  • W3C CSS Markup Validator
    The W3C Markup Validation Service is a service that checks Web documents using Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) in (X)HTML documents or standalone for conformance to W3C Recommendations and other accessibility standards.
  • W3 Schools
    Online references covering all Web-building technologies, including W3C standards like HTML, XHTML, CSS, XML and other technologies like JavaScript, PHP, ASP, SQL and much more.
  • CSS Zen Garden
    A demonstration of what can be accomplished visually using Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). CSS Zen Garden is a pioneer in creating accessible web documents that utilize stylesheets to make the content visually appealing.

Accessibility Tools

  • IBM Home Page Reader®
    IBM Home Page Reader is an Internet browser designed for users who wish to access the Internet in a non-visual or combined auditory and visual way. This includes blind or partially sighted users, people with dyslexia or learning difficulties, and users who are learning new languages.
  • Web Accessibility Toolbar
    The Web Accessibility Toolbar is provided by the Accessible Information Solutions (AIS) team of Vision Australia. It has been developed to aid manual examination of web pages for a variety of aspects of accessibility.

For more information about our resources please contact our office at (800) 985-0185 or send us an email.