Web accessibility facts for kids

Web accessibility is about making sure that everyone, including people with disabilities, can easily use and understand websites and online tools. Think of it as designing the internet so it works for all kinds of people, no matter how they access it.

For example, a website might have important information spoken aloud in an audio file. This helps people who are blind or have trouble seeing to get the information. Another way to make a website more accessible is to remove images with flashing lights. These kinds of images can cause seizures for some people.

Why is Web Accessibility Important?

Making websites accessible helps everyone. It means more people can use the internet to learn, shop, connect with friends, and find jobs. It's about making sure no one is left out of the digital world.

Who Benefits from Web Accessibility?

Many different people benefit from accessible websites. This includes:

• People who are blind or have low vision. They might use screen readers that read out loud what's on the screen.
• People who are deaf or have hearing loss. They need captions for videos or transcripts for audio.
• People with physical disabilities. They might use special keyboards or voice commands instead of a mouse.
• People with learning disabilities or cognitive differences. They might need simpler language, clear layouts, or less distracting designs.
• People with seizures disorders. They need websites without flashing or flickering content.
• Even people with temporary disabilities, like a broken arm, or those using a small phone screen in bright sunlight, can benefit.

How Do Websites Become Accessible?

Web developers and designers follow special rules and guidelines to make websites accessible. These rules are often set by groups like the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Their main guide is called the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Key Ways to Improve Accessibility

Here are some common ways websites are made easier to use for everyone:

• Text alternatives for images: Every image should have a description that a screen reader can read. This is often called "alt text."
• Keyboard navigation: Users should be able to use the entire website with just a keyboard, without needing a mouse.
• Captions and transcripts for media: All videos and audio files should have text captions or full written transcripts.
• Clear and simple language: Content should be easy to understand, avoiding complex jargon where possible.
• Good color contrast: The text color should stand out enough from the background color so it's easy to read.
• Adjustable text size: Users should be able to make the text bigger or smaller without breaking the website's layout.
• Consistent navigation: Menus and links should be in the same place on every page.

Tools That Help with Accessibility

Many tools and technologies help people with disabilities use the internet. These are called assistive technologies.

• Screen readers: Software that reads aloud the text and elements on a computer screen.
• Screen magnifiers: Software that enlarges parts of the screen for people with low vision.
• Speech recognition software: Allows users to control their computer and type using their voice.
• Special keyboards and mice: Adapted devices for people with limited hand movement.

Making the web accessible is an ongoing effort. It helps create a more inclusive digital world where everyone can participate and benefit from online information and services.

Related pages

• Accessibility
• Digital divide
• Information technology

See also

• In Spanish: Accesibilidad web para niños