MOOC Introducción al Desarrollo Web, parte 2 - 4.22 Accesibilidad web... - Google Actívate

Summary

In this video, Sergio Luján Moral, a professor from the University of Alicante, discusses the significance of web accessibility. He highlights that a considerable percentage of the population has disabilities, with visual impairments being notably prevalent. He clarifies that merely offering a text-only version of a website does not equate to accessibility. The video dispels myths about accessible websites being unattractive, citing examples of well-designed, accessible sites like the Swedish government's website. It also touches on legal requirements for web accessibility in Spain and international cases where companies faced penalties for non-compliance. The speaker emphasizes the benefits of web accessibility for SEO and provides resources for further learning.

Takeaways

• 👨‍🏫 Sergio Luján Moral is a professor of informatics at the University of Alicante and the video is part of an introductory course on web development.
• 👨‍💻 Web accessibility is crucial, with a significant portion of the population living with some form of disability. In Spain, 15% had a disability in 1986, and this number continues to grow.
• 👁️ In Spain, nearly 1 million people had severe vision issues according to the 2010 Olivenza report. Globally, over 1 billion people have disabilities, with 200 million facing significant challenges.
• 🚫 Offering only a text version of a website does not equate to accessibility, though some institutions, like Miguel Hernández University, incorrectly assume so.
• 🎨 A common myth is that accessible websites are unattractive or dull, which is false. Sites like the official Swedish government’s site show that accessibility and good design can coexist.
• 📜 Since January 1, 2009, all public administration websites in Spain are required by law to be accessible to people with disabilities.
• ⚖️ Failing to comply with accessibility standards in Spain can lead to fines of up to €1 million, though no such fines have been imposed yet. In other countries, companies like Sydney Olympics (Australia) and Target (USA) have been penalized.
• 📱 Web accessibility ensures that websites are viewable on all devices, regardless of screen size or resolution, a key factor ignored by older web designs such as the old Miguel Hernández University site.
• 📈 Making a website accessible can improve its SEO rankings since search engines like Google and Bing behave similarly to blind users when indexing content.
• 🌐 For further information on web accessibility, Sergio Luján encourages checking his website and blog on accessibility, and contacting him via email or Twitter.

Q & A

What is the significance of web accessibility according to the video?

Web accessibility is crucial because it ensures that people with disabilities can use websites effectively. This is important given that a significant portion of the global population, over one billion people, live with some form of disability.

What percentage of the Spanish population had some form of disability according to a 1986 survey?

According to a 1986 survey in Spain, around 15% of the population had some form of disability.

How many people in Spain have severe vision problems according to the Olivenza 2010 report?

According to the Olivenza 2010 report, nearly one million people in Spain have severe vision problems.

Why is the prevalence of disabilities expected to increase in the future?

The prevalence of disabilities is expected to increase due to the aging population, as older adults are at a higher risk of developing disabilities.

Does offering a text-only version of a website ensure accessibility?

No, offering a text-only version of a website does not guarantee accessibility. Accessibility involves more than just providing text-only versions and requires ensuring that websites are usable by people with various disabilities.

Can a website be accessible and still have an appealing design?

Yes, a website can be both accessible and visually appealing. The idea that accessible websites are boring or unattractive is a myth, as demonstrated by high-quality accessible websites like the official site of the Swedish government.

What is required by Spanish law in terms of accessibility for public websites?

Spanish law requires all public administration and entity websites to be accessible to people with disabilities since January 1, 2009.

What are some notable legal cases involving web accessibility violations?

Notable legal cases include the 2000 case against the Sydney Olympics website developed by IBM in Australia and the 2008 case where the U.S. company Target paid $6 million to the National Federation of the Blind for failing to provide an accessible website.

How does web accessibility affect search engine optimization (SEO)?

Web accessibility can improve SEO because search engines like Google and Bing function similarly to blind users. What benefits web accessibility often enhances a site's search ranking.

Where can more information about web accessibility and the speaker's work be found?

More information about web accessibility and the speaker's work can be found on his website 'Accesibilidad Web' and his blog 'Accesibilidad en la Web.' He can also be contacted via email or Twitter.