Why should educators worry about Web accessibility?
As educators, the need to ensure electronic accessibility for ALL learners becomes an ever increasing practical, legal and moral obligation. • Nearly 20 % of the US population has some type of disability, and as we age our chances of having a disability increase (34.4 % for people ages 55-64; 42.3 % for people ages 65-74 and 64% for people ages 75 and above). Caring about accessibility will benefit us all sooner or later. • It’s the law. The Section 508 Guidelines of the Electronic Rehabilitation Act as amended in 1998 mandate that all public institutions receiving Federal funds be in compliance with these regulations. This applies to all public institutions of higher education in the US. • Students must have the same opportunities and access to information, communication and learning experience in the classroom—and outside of it. • Internet has so empowered many with disabilities that for us to take a few simple steps toward accessibility will, quite literally, change their abilities
