Constance Lippert, Freelance Web Designer, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Recently someone asked me about Accessibility Standards and what those are. Today’s Top Web Designers are fluent with what's called “Accessibility” standards.

These are the standards for software, and/or hardware applications that meet the needs of handicapped internet users. For example, a blind person might use a reader when visiting sites. In order to successfully use a ‘reader’, there are coding practices that programmers and web designers should use. An example of this might be using html ‘lists’ vs ‘tables’ to display links.

Accessibility standards go beyond the needs of the handicapped. They also encompass usability for the average visitor to your website. Using commonly known acronyms might be good for the web savvy, but when we consider our visitors it's important to look at your site design from many points of view.