Abstract
Internet growth makes use feasible by an increased number of people around the world. For this reason, several approaches must be taken in order to get a universal access for all kinds of users, independent of their capabilities. Nowadays, it is difficult for disabledd people to use the Web in the same way as non-disabledd people, even though the use of this technology is a right for everybody and more in the public administration scope in which, a lot of services must be available for users and on a correct way.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Architecture: I. Description or specifications of design about how the information must be organized and processed. In Web design this concept applies to the contents organization in categories and the development of an interface to display these categories
Universal Design: The process of creating products (devices, environments, systems, and processes) which are usable by people with the widest possible range of abilities, operating within the widest possible range of situations (environments, conditions, and circumstances), as is commercially practical
Adaptive Strategies: Techniques that people with disabilities use to improve interaction with the Web, such as increasing the font size in a common browser. Adaptive strategies include techniques with mainstream browsers or with assistive technologies
Web Content: Generally refers to the information in a Web page or Web application, including text, images, forms, sounds, and such
User-Centered Design Process (UCD): Human centered design processes for interactive systems, ISO 13407 (1999), states: “Human-Centered design is an approach to interactive system development that focuses specifically on making systems usable. It is a multi-disciplinary activity.” In UCD, all “development proceeds with the user as the center of focus.”
Assistive Technologies: Software or equipment that people with disabilities use to improve interaction with the Web, such as screen readers that read-aloud Web pages for people who cannot read text, screen magnifiers for people with some types of low vision, and voice recognition software and selection switches for people who cannot use a keyboard or mouse
User Characteristics: Include things like age, job responsibilities, software, hardware, environment (for example, home, shared office, private office, shared public terminal), computer experience, and Web experience. User characteristics can also include type of disability, adaptive strategies used, and experience with specific assistive technologies