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GCN Home > May 28, 2001 issue

Here are 15 tips to make your Web site accessible

BY STEVE GRAVES | SPECIAL TO GCN

It’s easy to build a Web site that complies with Section 508 requirements. Simply limit it to standard Hypertext Markup Language pages, add a text description of all graphics and avoid any interactive or script functions.

But that won’t cut it when your agency’s audience expects Dynamic HTML and multimedia. With a little extra effort, it’s possible to wow visitors with an attractive, contemporary design and still honor accessibility requirements.

To prove it, I designed three site prototypes that make liberal use of DHTML layers, tables, graphics and JavaScript. I based my designs strictly on aesthetics. Then I retrofitted them for Section 508.

Of course, it saves time and hassle if you implement 508 from the start. I simply wanted to see whether advanced pages could be made accessible after the fact—without sacrificing eye and ear candy.

I learned a few tricks. Some are technical, others are good practice, and still others are workflow aids:

  • Hone your HTML skills. If your site’s HTML code complies with standards set by the World Wide Web Consortium, it will need little or no modification for accessibility. If you rely on code produced by any old what-you-see-is-what-you-get authoring tool, you’re sunk. Most authoring packages now include text editors.


  • Get an authoring tool that displays code line numbers. Most Section 508 auditing software uses line numbers to point out accessibility problems. I prefer the HomeSite text editor from Macromedia Inc. of San Francisco, but almost any editor will do.


  • Design templates, not pages. Adobe GoLive, Macromedia Dreamweaver and Microsoft FrontPage all have templates that automatically update pages. Before you start pouring in content, make sure the templates are completely accessible. You can then build pages with assurance that they will be, too.


  • Make sure any new content complies with Section 508. There’s no use making templates accessible if the content is in violation. Luckily, templates almost always contain the JavaScript, layer and table features that need special attention for accessibility.

    Adding new content is generally a matter of pouring text into a table cell.

    But if you add a new image, include a meaningful description in the Alt attribute. It takes just a few seconds.


  • Think hard about the object description. If an object is required to understand the page content or layout, provide a text description of the object. That includes tables, links and images.



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