Why Standards Harmonization is Essential to Web Accessibility
Abstract
This document explains the key role that harmonization of standards
plays in increasing the accessibility of the Web for people with
disabilities. It examines how adoption of a consistent set of
international technical standards, the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C)
Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) guidelines for Web content, authoring
tools, browsers and media players can drive more rapid progress on Web
accessibility, and make the design and development of accessible Web
sites more efficient.
Common standards for Web content accessibility and for authoring tools
encourages the development of tools that support production of
accessible Web content. Likewise, the adoption of a consistent standard
for browser and media player accessibility would improve access to and
reinforce the accessibility of Web content, and would help ensure that
accessible content will be more available through assistive technologies
used by some people with disabilities.
This document introduces the concept of harmonization and causes of
fragmentation in the area of Web accessibility standards, and examines
the impact of harmonization and fragmentation on Web developers, tool
developers, and organizations. It also suggests action steps for
promoting Web accessibility standards harmonization.
Page Contents
- Overview
- Current Situation
- Consequences
- Action Steps
- Related [...]