Accessibility

__**Accessibility on the Web **__

Libraries are committed to providing information and services to all users. In order to support this commitment webpages and websites need to be evaluated regularly for accessibility. This can be challenging for an overworked librarian given the abundance of existing disabilities. Common disabilities are hearing impairment, lack of mobility, visual and learning disabilities. Other considerations when evaluating websites for accessibility include age apprpriateness and language barriers that should be changed if necessary.


 * __﻿American Library Association __**

American Library Association provides information and tips on features that should be considered for the development of fully accessible a website.


 * __Hearing Impaired __**
 * text to sound features
 * include captioning


 * __Mobility Impaired __**
 * adjustable table and keyboard tray for patrons in wheelchairs


 * __Visually Impaired __**
 * screen enlargement software
 * large print key labels
 * contrast of colors between background and foreground


 * __Learning Disabilities __**
 * text to sound features
 * screen enlargement software

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">Some easy to implement tips on making a website easy to navigate and use by all can include limiting animations to decrease distractions, use an age appropriate font style and size, incorporate graphics and visual clues to help navigate through the site, and consider keeping theme uniform and consistent.


 * __<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">For more information on how to make a website accessible for of your patrons, check out the links listed below: __**


 * <span style="color: #ff4100; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">American Library Association ** [|ALA]


 * <span style="color: #ff4100; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">Web Accessibility Initiative ** [|W3C]


 * <span style="color: #ff4100; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">Texas Assistive Technology Project ** [|TATP]

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