Web Access for the Disabled
HOTmetal PRO Helps to Bring Access to the Web
Cathy Murtha gives some details of an upgrade to a popular Web production tool
that will make Web page creation easier for many disabled people.
Introduction
Many web designers express a desire to provide access to the
blind and visually impaired, but don't really know where to begin.
Although the tools are available and there are a number of web
sites on the internet where information on the specifics of
accessible design can be found, there seems to be something
lacking. That something could well be the support of mainstream
corporations in providing a means to help web designers create
accessible web sites. Happily, one corporation has decided to
forge a new path in the world of web design by incorporating
accessibility into its new product.
SoftQuad International [1], makers
of the popular HOTmetal PRO web authoring program, took a decisive
step last month by extending a welcoming hand to the disabled
community with an exciting announcement.
At the W3C conference in Santa Clara, California, SoftQuad,
the developers of HOTmetal PRO, announced their intention to
release an AdaptAbility Toolkit with the next release of their
Internet Publisher. HOTmetal Pro already offers web designers the
tools necessary to create pages which can be displayed on all of
the mainstream browsers but, with the addition of the AdaptAbility
Toolkit features, HOTmetal will not only provide a means to create
accessible web pages through the use of an "auto prompting
mechanism" which will alert web designers to features which could
be added to make a page more accessible, but it will also allow the
disabled access to the program through the various toolkit
features:
- The Visual Dynamic Keyboard option (VDK) will allow those who
cannot use a conventional mouse or keyboard to access the program
and create web pages.
- The Screen Enlarger function will enlarge the screen in a logical
fashion, thus providing access to the program by the visually
impaired. Since the Screen Enlarger function will be able to
access the fonts in windows, the image displayed on the screen will
be crisper and clearer than current screen enlarger software
currently offers.
- An integrated screen reader will allow the blind access to the
program as well. Softquad is developing the program so that the
screen reader will be able to be configured to the preferences of
the individual.
- Customized user profiles will enable multiple users to use one
program.
SoftQuad understands that a growing number of netizens suffer from
disabilities. This significant step in programming offers hope to
the blind, visually impaired, and disabled community. With the
help of HOTmetal PRO, we are one step closer to the goal of 100%
access on the World Wide Web!
References
- Softquad International Web pages,
http://www.softquad.com/
Author Details
Cathy Murtha is interested in Web Access for the disabled, and has a set of Web pages on these issues.
Email: mist@pumpkin.cdepot.net
Web Pages: http://www2.cdepot.net/~mist/
Material on this page is copyright
Ariadne/original authors.
This article last updated/links checked on 18-May-1997