IDIA2009 Conference
Accessibility of a HEI Portal for Users with Disabilities
Darelle Van Greunen
School of ICT, Faculty of Engineering and the Built environment Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth
Marlien Herselman
Meraka Institute, CSIR, South Africa and School of ICT, Faculty of Engineering and the Built environment, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth
Abstract
People with disabilities have the potential of making considerable contributions to the Web. Websites have to be designed with accessibility in mind. Accessibility is closely related to usability as well as Web design. This research investigated the NMMU portal from the point of view of designing an accessible portal in South Africa. Firstly, the various disabilities that affect Web accessibility, the legal requirements and the factors that affect user acceptance of the Web were determined. The guidelines and standards with regards to Web design, usability and accessibility were then analysed. This was followed by evaluations and recommendations. Disabilities that affect Web accessibility are audio, cognitive, motor and visual. These disabilities affect the use of media and content on sites that wish to comply with accessibility guidelines and standards. Designers have to ensure that alternatives to images, sounds and movie clips are available in order to convey the same message to all users regardless of the user agent used.
