Accessible Web Design - PAGE 2

Disability in Australia

"Content is King."

From the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 1998:

• 3.6 million people with disabilities
• 50% of people over 65, living in private dwellings had a disability. Of these, at least a third would have difficulties using computers
• 30% of rural people have images turned off
• farm Internet use: 11% (98), 18% (99), 34% (2000).

Slow Internet speeds result in user frustration. This means there is even more need for simplicity in terms of finding information. Sites should be well indexed in search engines and directories so rural people can find them easily. For many of us, the Internet is an entertainment medium. For rural people it is a tool. Sites that are targeting for rural people should place far more importance on content rather then style.

Much agricultural and information relevant to farmers exists on the Internet. However a lot of it is either too hard to find, or too inaccessible to use. This includes sites that have been designed specifically for farmers. Clearly, the majority of web designers (including those from professional business) are unaware of accessibility issues.

In 1997 a survey of Australian agricultural content providers showed that 65% of sites are designed professionally but only 25% were designed by someone with experience in communication. The problem is not only with web designers, but those who employ them. Particularly when dealing with large amounts of content, the lack of importance given to accessibility encourages designers to cut corners when coding. An active process of seeking professionalism is also needed from users.

PDF download: Web Sites for a Rural Australia: Designing for Accessibility (Rural Industry R&D Corp).

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