The measure of a web page's usability by persons with one or more disabilities.
Short text used described images---usually 125 characters or less.
Technologies (software or hardware) that increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities when interacting with computers or computer-based systems.
Machines that convert text on a screen to braille by raising bumps through holes on a flat surface.
The art of adding captions to a television program or movie.
A textual representation of sounds--usually associated with television programming or movies; captions are meant to display in real time and to capture speech sounds and sounds beyond speech in some cases.
A visual indication that a given word or item on a Web page is clickable. Cues that can be used to indicate the clickability of an item include color, underlining, bullets, and arrows.
A limitation in an ability
A user who has a tendency to embrace new technology before the majority.
When a site utilizes new technology, if disabled, the content maintains effectiveness for the users.
Color-based representations of areas of interest/focus points; generally associated with eye-tracking software.
A system whose primary design has been developed to work in multiple languages and in the cultural contexts of different locales.
Individuals who are hestitant to adopt new technology.
Customizing or personalizing a national or international product for a local market.
Descriptions that are written for complex figures and tagged via the long desc attribute; though not currently supported by most Web browsers, the long desc attribute is a planned feature in the next iteration of Firefox.
Where the computer's focus is on a Web page.
A software program used to allow reading of content and navigation of the screen using speech or Braille output. Used primarily by people who have difficulty seeing. JAWS and NVDA are examples.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act 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. To learn more go to 508.gov.
A text only version of what's said in a movie or television program; they are not real time and they generally are limited to speech only; they are not a recommended substitute for captions.
Where the user's focus is on a Web page; generally represented by a dashed box that appears around items on the page and associated with tabbing.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 is focused on providing an international technical standard for web content. It has 12 guidelines that are organized under four principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. The guidelines each have a testable success criteria, which are at three levels: A, AA, and AAA.