Introduction: The State of New York enacted a policy that requires all web pages within NY state domains to comply with accessibility guidelines effective December 31, 2000. Federal Section 508 mandates accessible web pages with language that is similar to NY 99-3.
A Free Course on Accessible Web Design
Federal Section 508 in plain language
In the News
Tutorial on Accessible Web Design
According to the World Wide Web Consortium (the W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), following the guidelines "will also make Web content more available to all users, whatever user agent they are using (e.g., desktop browser, voice browser, mobile phone, automobile-based personal computer, etc.) or constraints they may be operating under (e.g., noisy surroundings, under- or over-illuminated rooms, in a hands-free environment, etc.). Following these guidelines will also help people find information on the Web more quickly. These guidelines do not discourage content developers from using images, video, etc., but rather explain how to make multimedia content more accessible to a wide audience."
"Universal Accessibility for NYS Web Sites" - 09/30/1999: "The purpose of this technology policy is to require that all New York State agencies' web sites provide universal accessibility to persons with disabilities.
The World Wide Web (WWW) is a valuable resource for information sharing and communication. However, the very features, including graphics and sound, that make it useful and exciting for some individuals present potential barriers to others.
In 1998, a work group formed to make recommendations to the NYS Office for Technology on improving access to State agency information via the WWW... this policy is a result of their recommendations."
The State of New York has adopted these guidelines, specifically. Web Access Initiative, Priority 1 is mandatory
A summary of accessibility guidelines appears in the following image, provided by the W3C:
Another excellent way to follow the guidelines is to use the checklist form.
On a Mac, open the telnet program and follow similar procedures (you don't have to type the word telnet -- just snycorva.cortland.edu)
About the NY State Law
"It is the policy of the State that persons with disabilities have access to information - via the World Wide Web - which is equivalent to that available to persons without disabilities."
The Guidelines
Sites that Help You Check Pages
Local Resources
Training Sessions at the Library Faculty and Staff Training Center, consisting of an overview of the law, a break, an HTML editing session, discussion on the new web design template, and open Q & A:
More Resources
Adobe Acrobat PDF and GoLive Related:
Excellent Resources, in General
Boston University Library defines disabilities and offers links to more information.
Illinois Library web resources list.
Upshaw Institute Lengthy list of vendors of accessibility products, such as web browser screen readers.
Screen Readers
Multimedia Assistance
The Caption Center
Lynx Check
It is very useful to read your pages in a text only browser. On Windows machines, do the following
Other Sites of Note: