3 October 2006

Derek Featherstone, a Canadian accessibility expert, has claimed that user testing is the best way to create a website which disabled persons can use effectively.

"Accessibility is personal", Mr Featherstone remarked, speaking at the Web Directions South conference in Sydney, Australia.

The expert argued that the most effective way of improving a site is by observing how disabled persons interact with its functions and making adjustments accordingly, the SitePoint Tech Times reports.

Mr Featherstone also offered a range of advice on how best to improve accessibility functions and testing – specifically that many users may not be aware of the full capabilities of their assistive technology.

"Don’t assume assistive technology users know everything that their device is capable of. If you can help them while doing no harm; do so," he asserted.

Earlier this year, Mr Featherstone argued that many public sector websites around the world offer levels of accessibility below the legally required guidelines.

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