|
We believe that web accessibility is an essential part of our mission for freedom of information and right of association and expression. Persons with disabilities, aged people and persons with various needs have right to access information as all other people. We are aware that modern technologies are becoming omnipresent in all aspects of life and work on a daily basis.
The computers, software, robots, various telecommunication devices do have a significant impact on medicine, education, science, economy, culture, arts, politics. If those technologies are not accessible and useful for persons with disabilities, then injustice and discrimination against persons with disabilities is highly increased.
Because of that all technologies must be made in a way that enables persons with disabilities to use them efficiently.
We support initiatives of World Wide Web Consortium such as Web Accessibility Initiative and adoption of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines in legal systems of many countries worldwide. Section 508 (USA), Stanca Act (Italy), BITV (Germany) are examples among many countries that strive to implement accessibility on the web. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities includes rights to use Internet and access and use digital information and technologies for persons with disabilities.
When we speak about accessibility we speak about:
- situational accessibility (use of mobile and other technologies in various situations)
- socio-cultural accessibility (respect of ethnic, gender and other socio-cultural characteristics of users)
- functional accessibility (implementation of web accessibility standards that enable persons with disabilities, aged persons and other persons with special needs to use web content and participate in authoring activities by using software)
In order to satisfy those requirements it is necessary that applications such as numerous web applications meet the following accessibility standards:
- W3C WCAG 2.0 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0)
- W3C ATAG 2.0 (Authoring Tools Accessibility Guidelines 2.0)
- IMS AccessForAll 2.0 (Access For All Digital Resource Description, Access For All Personal Needs and Preferences for Digital Delivery)
- ISO FDIS 24751 (Individualized adaptability and accessibility in e-learning, education and training)
We are aware that accessibility is not commodity or just another political phenomena. Accessibility is long-term process which requires a lot of effort, energy, money and time in order meet accessibility requirements set in accessibility standards. However, that is not excuse.
The development, collaboration, learning and lessons drawn from experience are necessary preconditions for successful implementation of accessibility standards.
|
