Front and Center: Why Is Accessibility Such a Big Deal?

Most Web developers are attracted to the Web because of its universal accessibility: We can connect to the Internet from pretty much anywhere and view it on pretty much anything.

But what about those who can't view? Developers are usually willing to create non-framed pages for those who can't use frames in their Web sites or will put alternative text options in their sites to do well in the search engines. Should at least the same effort be placed on making your site readable by someone who simply might not be able to read it?

Another angle on the accessibility issue is the seldom mentioned fact that a truly accessible Web page needs to be developed once and will result in content that every individual and product can view. Many Web developers take great effort to produce multiple versions of their sites and content for the different technologies that might view the site.

If that same effort were used in creating accessible pages, the need for multiple versions would be erased and the site could be viewed by not just all browser technologies but by anyone who might care to look.