With the rapid changes in the Internet and in assistive technologies used by people with disabilities to access computers, private and government organizations have worked to establish flexible guidelines for accessible web pages that permit innovation to continue. These techniques also make web pages more usable both by people using older computers and by people using the latest technologies (such as personal digital assistants, handheld computers, or web-enabled cellular phones). For most websites, implementing accessibility features is not difficult and will seldom change the layout or appearance of web pages. Web designers can follow techniques developed by private and government organizations to make even complex web pages usable by everyone including people with disabilities. When accessible features are built into web pages, websites are more convenient and more available to everyone including users with disabilities. COMPUTER PROGRAMS FOR BLIND PERSON CODESimply adding a line of simple hidden computer code to label the photograph Photograph of Mayor Jane Smith will allow the blind user to make sense of the image. Because screen readers cannot interpret images unless there is text associated with it, a blind person would have no way of knowing whether the image is an unidentified photo or logo, artwork, a link to another page, or something else. One example of a barrier would be a photograph of a Mayor on a town website with no text identifying it. Designers may not realize how simple features built into a web page will assist someone who, for instance, cannot see a computer monitor or use a mouse. Poorly designed websites can create unnecessary barriers for people with disabilities, just as poorly designed buildings prevent some from entering. New and innovative assistive technologies are being introduced every day. People with other types of disabilities may use still other kinds of assistive technology. COMPUTER PROGRAMS FOR BLIND PERSON SOFTWAREPeople who have difficulty using a computer mouse can use voice recognition software to control their computers with verbal commands. Blind people who cannot see computer monitors may use screen readers devices that speak the text that would normally appear on a monitor. Many people with disabilities use assistive technology to enable them to use computers and access the Internet. Online Barriers Faced By People with Disabilities For example, job announcements and application forms, if posted on an accessible website, would be available to people with disabilities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These alternatives, however, are unlikely to provide an equal degree of access in terms of hours of operation and the range of options and programs available. An agency with an inaccessible website may also meet its legal obligations by providing an alternative accessible way for citizens to use the programs or services, such as a staffed telephone information line. One way to help meet these requirements is to ensure that government websites have accessible features for people with disabilities, using the simple steps described in this document. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, if the government entities receive Federal funding, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, generally require that State and local governments provide qualified individuals with disabilities equal access to their programs, services, or activities unless doing so would fundamentally alter the nature of their programs, services, or activities or would impose an undue burden. When government is constantly being asked to do more with less, the Internet is playing a vital role in allowing government to better serve all of its citizens. Local government websites provide important information and services to citizens
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