ExpertReferenceSeriesofWhite.PDF

Expert Reference Series of White Papers 10 Tips for Creating Your Web Site 1-800-COURSES 10 Tips for Creating Your Web Site Provided by WestLake Introduction When looking for ways to build of your web site, even minor steps can make a huge difference. The most helpful information and best content will have little impact without simple protocols that make your Web site easier to use and more visually appealing. This paper focuses on 10 tips you can employ to ensure your web site is effec- tive from the day it goes live. 1.Accessibility Web site accessibility has recently become a very important issue in the web community. Because of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, all web sites and pages created by Federal agencies and Federal contrac- tors after June 21, 2001 must comply with its provisions. The purpose of the law is to make web sites accessi- ble to all individuals, including those with disabilities. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) developed Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (May 1999), which expand the scope of Section 508. This is very important to all web developers, whether you are a government agency, a contractor who does work for the government, or a private firm with its own web site. An accessible web site refers to any content or information provided via an online medium that all individuals (including those with disabilities) could easily access and understand. Disabilities include not only visual impairments, but auditory, cognitive, and physical impairments as well. They can range from very severe (total blindness, for example) to something as simple as the increasing inability to see contrasts that develop as we age. Greater accessibility means more people can fully utilize your web site’s features. There are a number of aids available for enhancing accessibility. These range from programs like Jaws or IBM’s Home Page Reader—which read the page