Why Rich Text Editing Technologies Must Address Web Accessibility Issues

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Why Rich Text Editing Technologies Must Address
Web Accessibility Issues
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Why Rich Text Editing Technologies Must Address
Web Accessibility Issues

• The most advance technologies allow users to
  perform a host of additional functions
• Before publishing content, editor will address
  accessibility compliance issues, such as ensuring
  content is compatible with assistive
  technologies
• Web accessibility seeks to enable anyone with
  disability to access the internet and websites

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Why Rich Text Editing Technologies Must Address
Web Accessibility Issues

• Three ways a website can respond to specific
  disability
• Zooming, enlarging text, changing contrast and
  adjusting colors help visually impaired users
  see more content
• Alternative input devices can be used for those
  who cannot operate a mouse
• Hard-of-hearing individuals can be accommodated
  so they dont rely on sound

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Why Rich Text Editing Technologies Must Address
Web Accessibility Issues

• Regulations Impacting Web Accessibility
• Section 508 of 1973 Rehabilitation Act requires
  federal government to develop, maintain, use and
  procure electronic goods and services full
  accessible to disabled employees and members of
  public
• Regulations has extensive reach beyond federal
  government. It binds states as well as businesses
  providing communication goods and services to the
  government
• As a result of Section 508s ubiquity, companies
  not doing business with government have adopted
  web accessibility policies

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Why Rich Text Editing Technologies Must Address
Web Accessibility Issues

• Regulations Impacting Web Accessibility
• Globally, several governments have developed the
  Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

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Why Rich Text Editing Technologies Must Address
Web Accessibility Issues

• Why Web Accessibility is so Important in Rich
  Text Editing
• Using rich text editing tools to improve web
  accessibility is crucial for two reasons
• Disabled persons have the right to access the
  same content as everyone else
• Enhancing web accessibility creates value for the
  business
• Businesses can significantly extend their
  audience reach
• Rich text editing tools that automate web
  accessibility compliance can promote better
  consistency for companys brand
• Enhances users website experience and minimize
  the potential for legal action due to
  accessibility or regulation issues

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Why Rich Text Editing Technologies Must Address
Web Accessibility Issues

• Web Accessibility Remains a Problem
• The percentage of inaccessible websites is still
  estimated by the WCAG to be over 90. Figure
  remains high including numerous government
  websites
• Web accessibility must begin at initial phase of
  web design project
• Developers need to provide accessible platform
  from the start
• Web authors must use a proven rich text editing
  tool with accessibility compliant features for
  ongoing content editing and creating

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About the Author

• Tom Smith is VP Worldwide Sales and Marketing for
  Ephox Corporation, a fast-growing software
  company focused on delivering content performance
  solutions for developers, marketers, authors and
  web production teams. Learn more about our Rich
  Text Editing solutions by visiting
  http//ephox.com/.