Using Assistive Technology to Make Websites For The Visually Impaired

[mandy]

You put a lot of effort into making your website successful. You implement a strong design, you add features such as wish lists, coupon modules, gift certificates and perhaps even Flash and JavaScript functionality to attract customers and provide them an enjoyable shopping experience. But have you given thought to what that experience entails for a blind or visually-impaired person? Did you even know it’s possible the blind could shop online?

Don’t be embarrassed if you answered “No.” If you weren't aware of the 10 million visually impaired users who utilize Assistive Technology (A.T.), it's time to tap that expanding — and under serviced — market. A.T. enables non-traditional web users to participate in the online experience. Using screen readers (software which reads aloud on-screen content) visitors can navigate your site using keyboard commands. While the programs are sophisticated, site builders need to pay particular attention to how pages are coded...

full article: http://www.practicalecommerce.com/articl...-Impaired/