Web Accessibility, User Experience (UX), and Impairments

Name: Web Accessibility, User Experience (UX), and Impairments
Author: Anne Ross

Learn the basics of accessibility challenges and UX design for web accessibility

Preview the first lesson free — get full access to all 3 lessons.

Course: On-Demand

Hi, I'm Dr. Annie Matthew Ross. Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to define web accessibility and identify organizations governing web accessibility. According to the W3C, web accessibility means that websites are designed so that anyone, even those with disabilities, can use them. More specifically, people can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the web. Additionally, people without disabilities can benefit from web accessibility as well. Those who are using smaller screens or various input modes, older individuals, and even those with a slow internet connection benefit from making websites accessible. W3C stands for World Wide Web Consortium. It is an international community of various organizations working together to develop standards for web design and development. One of the areas covered in the W3C standards is web design and applications. These standards include HTML, CSS, as well as other technologies. Another key area of the W3C is the Web Accessibility Initiative or WAI. This initiative develops standards and supports materials to aid in understanding and implementation of accessibility. The W3C has a Web Accessibility Initiative with information available online at the web address shown here. Topics discussed at this site include accessibility fundamentals, planning and policies, design and development, testing and evaluation, teaching and advocating, and standards and guidelines. The WAI specifies that accessibility encompasses all disabilities affecting access to the web, including auditory, cognitive, neurological, physical, speech, and visual. Accessibility also includes individuals without disabilities, such as older people, people in rural areas, and people in developing countries. The web is an important resource in various aspects of everyday life, including education, employment, government, commerce, healthcare, and recreation to name a few. Therefore, it is vital that the web be accessible in order to provide equal access and opportunity to people with diverse abilities. You should now be able to define web accessibility and identify organizations governing web accessibility.

Beginner Provider : Anne Ross 3 Lessons · 8m in Arabic, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Urdu, Chinese

Course Description

In this course on Web Accessibility, User Experience, and Impairments, you will be introduced to the concept of web accessibility and the role that User Experience (UX) design plays in creating accessible websites. You will also learn about the importance of web accessibility and the types of challenges individuals with impairments or disabilities may face when using and interacting with websites.

UX design is an integral part of not only creating aesthetically pleasing websites, but also in making sure that websites function properly and can be easily navigated by everyone, regardless of an impairment or disability. This includes the layout and design, font and color choices, alt text for images, and more. This course will cover general rules and guidelines for UX design and website accessibility, as well as the specific challenges that users face when using websites and how to plan a design to overcome them. The lessons will include information about websites you can use and refer to when making your own website.

What You'll Learn

Describe what web accessibility is and why it is important
Explain how User Experience (UX) design contributes to creating accessible websites
Identify the challenges that individuals with impairments or disabilities face when using websites
Apply general rules and guidelines for UX design and website accessibility, including layout, font and color choices, and alt text for images
Plan a website design that helps overcome accessibility challenges for all users
Reference websites and tools you can use when building your own accessible website

Key Takeaways

Web accessibility ensures websites can be used and navigated by everyone, regardless of an impairment or disability.
UX design is integral both to creating aesthetically pleasing websites and to making sure websites function properly and are easy to navigate.
Accessible design choices include layout and design, font and color choices, and alt text for images.
Individuals with impairments or disabilities may face specific challenges when interacting with websites, and a design can be planned to overcome them.
The course points to websites you can use and refer to when making your own website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this course cover?

It introduces web accessibility and the role UX design plays in creating accessible websites, covering the importance of accessibility, the challenges individuals with impairments or disabilities face, general rules and guidelines for UX design and accessibility, and how to plan a design to overcome those challenges.

What will I learn to do by the end of the course?

You will be able to describe web accessibility, discuss web accessibility and UX design, and identify challenges concerning web access.

What accessibility design elements does the course address?

It addresses layout and design, font and color choices, alt text for images, and more, as part of making websites function properly and easy to navigate.

Does the course provide resources for building my own website?

Yes. The lessons include information about websites you can use and refer to when making your own website.

What skills are associated with this course?

UI/UX Research, User Experience (UX), User Experience (UX) Design, Web Accessibility, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, and Web Usability.