February Weblog

The official US Section 508 Web site recently released STEP508. STEP508 is software that analyzes the output of other Web accessibility evaluation tools, such as Bobby, LIFT, and WebKing. It can compare the results of Web accessibility evaluation tools, prioritizes Web site accessibility problems, and can track the progress of accessibility repair efforts. You may download STEP508 (second release) for free, but it's currently only for Windows users. That's probably why I haven't tried it yet.

Here's a hidden gem. IBM's Accessibility Center hosts Guido Corona's blog. Mr. Corona is a blind software engineer who now advises IBM on accessibility issues. His blog presents accessibility concerns and information from the perspective of someone who uses assistive technology on a regular basis. This month, he's starting a six part series on the evolution of nontraditional input and output for the blind.

Lynx— it's not just a wildcat. It's also a text-based, free Web browser. Some people consider it antiquated; others consider it "retro"; everyone should consider it an invaluable tool for testing Web sites. You can even perform some basic accessibility checks, just by viewing the site using Lynx. While it's quick and easy to use the Lynx Viewer, it doesn't provide the true Lynx user experience. Windows users who are new to Lynx don't have to be intimidated or frustrated by it. There's now an easier way to setup Lynx on a Windows NT/2000/XP system. The various Lynx help files and beginners' guide will help you learn how to use Lynx after you get it up and running.

The newly formed Accessibility Workgroup of the Free Standards Group aims to establish recommendations and standards that will make Linux and other open-source software more accessible to people with disabilities. The Workgroup includes members that represent major companies, important open-source initiatives or projects, accessibility advocacy groups, and assistive technology vendors. It's wonderful that a wider variety of people may soon have a greater choice of software and operating systems. In the end, we'll all benefit.