28 May 2007

Web developers have been reminded that many individuals need to use screen readers, not just those who suffer from visual impairments.

Writing for the Web Standards Projects, Apple expert and member of the Accessibility Task Force James Craig recounted a radio interview with a web user who needs to use adaptive technology due to cerebral palsy.

During the interview, which was conducted with National Public Radio, Sumner Spence explained that his lack of muscle control makes screen readers vital to his web use, according to Mr Craig.

"The mention of the screen reader is a minor note in the story but I note it here because, people (including many professional web designers and developers) too often assume accessibility is only about blindness," he wrote.

Mr Craig also expressed his thanks to those who make assistive technologies available to disabled web users.

Although now working for Apple as a senior web applications engineer, Mr Craid was a former contributor to the World Wide Web Consortium.

© Adfero Ltd

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