Accessibility: Education for Web Design and E-Learning Introduction to the Special Thematic Session

Abstract

There is a clear role for accessibility assessment tools, standards and guidelines to help web designers, application developers and those who use and support web-based services. However, some aspects of web accessibility cannot be objectively tested by automated tools or by simple adherence to standards and guidelines. The application of expert judgment is required and thus accessibility needs to be addressed through more formal education and training. Programmes exist which advocate, and raise the profile of accessibility but most of these are only offered locally, with widely differing scope and complexity. There is a lack of a common European or even international curriculum in the vital area of education and training for web accessibility and design. Therefore, this Special Thematic Session will bring together stakeholders such as educators, e-Learning providers, and researchers to share their knowledge and expertise.