Meet the Users

So who benefits from accessible webdesign?

...and what does "accessible" mean to them?

• Blind users --- often use screen readers, programs that read the screen aloud to them. They navigate links via tabbing instead of using the mouse. Developers who want to preview and approximation of their experience should check out the Firefox extension Fangs, and/or try viewing their site in Lynx. (Keep in mind these are rough approximations, not replicas of the screen-reader experience.)
• Sighted users with weak vision --- often require large and/or high-contrast text. Most visual browsers have a feature that allows text size to be increased, but they don't all work the same way. If a site is not set up properly (for example, text sizes in pt or px rather than em) it might not work at all. Always try resizing the text on your site to make sure that works. Also try reading with low screen brightness.
• Color-blind users --- There are several different variations of color-blindness. There are many different filters available online for developers to view their sites through the various types of color-blind vision. If you're in a hurry, just make sure it's readable in black and white.
• Motor-impaired users --- Users with limited dexterity or lack of control over their hands won't be able to navigate easily with a mouse. Tabbing is essential for their navigation experience. Try unplugging your mouse and see how far you get on your own website.
• Hearing-impaired users --- Usually this isn't an issue, but if your site includes audiovisual content, make sure there is a text version of any essential audio content. Instructional videos should be subtitled.
• Users with limited technology --- Make sure your site still works without JavaScript, without CSS, without images, that it loads reasonably quickly on dialup, and that it works with browsers from at least a few release generations back. Keep in mind not everyone has color displays, broadband, speakers, trackwheel mice, fast processors, etc.