Web Accessibility refers to the inclusive practice of making websites usable by people of all abilities and disabilities.
Estimates vary, but many studies indicate that approximately 20% of people have some kind of disability. [Source: WebAIM: http://webaim.org/intro/]. However, Web Accessibility isn't just about people with disabilities. Web Accessibility also benefits older people with changing abilities due to aging.
The University of British Columbia is committed to making its websites usable by people of all abilities or with age-related limitations.
To meet this commitment, a new version (v.7.0) of the UBC CLF (Common Look and Feel) Web Tempate has been designed to be Web Accessible friendly. The new UBC CLF meets WCAG 2.0 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), an internationally recognized standard for Web Accessibility. Improving accessibility within UBC websites is an ongoing process and efforts are being made to transition globally across the university.
Tips for Browsing UBC Websites
Almost every modern browser and operating system offers built-in features with assistive technologies. Below are some basic tips to address the most common accessible challenges. For a comprehensive list of tips on browsing, visit: W3C Web Accessibility Initiative - Better Web Browsing: Tips for Customizing Your Computer.
Use Screen Readers
The use of screen readers assists individuals who are blind or have visual impairment. The following are some popular screen readers:
Magnify Your Screen
The quickest and easiest way to improve legibility of web content is to magnify your screen size. Many web browsers allow you to zoom in on web pages by using simple keyboard controls.
| Operating System | Zoom In | Zoom Out |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Ctrl and the + (plus) key | Ctrl and the - (minus) key |
| Mac | Cmd and the + (plus) key | Cmd and the - (minus) key |
Customize Your Mouse Pointer Settings
Changing the speed of which your mouse pointer moves assists those individuals with motor skill impairment. By slowing down the speed of your mouse pointer, navigation or buttons are easier to click on.