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Why Make UW Web Sites Accessible?
The University of Washington cares about people,
including all UW faculty, staff, students, and anyone
interested in the UW. As the UW makes increasing
use of information technologies (IT), we need to
insure that our information and services continue
to work for all who need them.
- It Is the Right Thing To Do
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Relatively small improvements in our methods for making
Web sites to take advantage of capabilities already
built into Web technologies will help create a
work and educational environment that supports all
members of the UW community.
- UW Policy
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The UW has a long standing policy of insuring
reasonable accomodation to people with disabilities.
- Federal Regulations
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Federal law, including the Americans With Disabilities
Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act,
require that public institutions
have accessible resources and services, including
Web sites.
- It Is Easy To Do
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Creating accessible Web sites is simple.
Methods for creating accessible Web sites are now
well documented, thanks a strong movement in recent years
to improve the accessibility of government
services and public education.
Also, Web publishing programs now
include many features to
help you create accessible Web designs.
- It Works For Everyone
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Accessible design is good design for everyone.
The same methods that make your site accessible
will make your site more usable for all who visit it.
Keep in mind that we all may need the help of assistive or
adaptive technologies someday.
- It Won't Look Different
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Simple changes are often all that is necessary to
make an existing site accessible.
- Others Are Already Doing It
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Higher education around the world is moving strongly
toward accessible design of Web services.
In response to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
passed in 1998, the Federal government has been
working aggressively to consider accessibility in
its acquisition and use of information technologies.
Section 508 does not apply directly to the UW,
but the Federal effort provides a good example of what
can be done.
- It Is Good Strategy
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Accessible design puts you in a good position to
deliver your resources and services
through whatever technology your audiences chooses,
including cell phones,
personal data assistants (PDAs), and voice access
services, as well as
assistive and adaptive technologies.
- Avoid Hassles
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Inaccessible Web sites are a liability and can lead
to complaints, lawsuits, intervention by regulatory agencies,
bad publicity, and expensive site redesigns.
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