Accessibility Standards

WHAT IS ACCESSIBILITY?

The key to web accessibility is flexibility and ease of use in navigation and information seeking. For students with disabilities that may include tools known as "assistive technology."

• Screen reader software for users with visual impairments
• Screen enlarger software for users with low vision
• Text to voice software programs for users with learning disabilities
• Speech recognition software for users with mobility impairments
• Input devices such as trackballs and other ergonomic furniture enhancements

Designing web sites with accessibility in mind, not only benefits users with a disability it also provides improved performance and usability for non-disabled users.

WEB ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS

Palo Verde College web standards support the principle of "Universal Design" which promotes a high degree of usability for people with visual, hearing, physical, language and cognitive disabilities. Guidelines are in accordance with the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) developed by the W3C Consortium, W3C web accessibility guidelines.

Section 508 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act, mandates that electronic and information technology be usable by persons with disabilities. One component of the technical standards requires accessibility of web pages.

ACCESSIBILITY IS ACHIEVED THROUGH:

Compliance with WAI guidelines and 508 standards.

• Test pages in development with different browsers.
• Test pages in development with assistive technology.
• Validate web pages using code validators and web accessibility checkers.
• Read more about how to conduct Preliminary review of websites for accessibility (W3C/WAI guidelines)

For questions regarding accessibility, please contact Hortensia Rivera, DSP&S Director at (760)921-5502 or hrivera@paloverde.edu