Web publications

web publications

All Hantsweb information must be presented in HTML (standard web page) format. Portable Document Format (PDF) can only be used as an optional extra because of accessibility issues. For example, many internet browsers for people with visual or communication impairments would not be able to cope with PDF.

Graphics

Avoid complex graphical devices such as text overlaid on graphics, which make the print difficult to read
Never use graphics as text
e.g. a graphical representation of a page title or heading. The only exception to this is using logos
Always give an alternative text tag for images photographs and navigational buttons to provide users with information on the content of the graphic and what size it is if the image is a thumbnail
Visually impaired users need text alternatives to images, so provide a text explanation or equivalent of complex graphics such as charts and maps
Avoid moving graphics such as marquee (rolling text) and animated gifs (graphics interchange formats), which can distract the reader and be difficult to read

Layout

Use a simple and consistent layout so that the text can be followed with ease
Avoid columns, remember that voice output reads from left to right across the page, regardless of columns and tables, it is best, therefore, to use a single-column format
Use reasonably short pages, long pages are time-consuming to download, print and read on screen
Use page titles that make sense when viewed in isolation
Remember that some people will use the search facility to arrive at a page rather than scrolling through all the pages

Hyperlinks

Include hyperlinks. These are direct links from one web page to another or to a different website, accessed simply by clicking on them. Ensure that the text makes sense in isolation as
some accessibility software groups all hyperlinks together and therefore out of context
Accessibility software developed for blind and partially sighted people allows them to access the internet in various ways. Some use access technology such as speech output, hand-held Braille display or screen magnification; while others require the words on the screen to be easy to read and to contrast well with the background colour
Avoid using tiny text or placing links very close together as it makes the page difficult to read and some users will have problems trying to select the correct hyperlink
All web pages must be reviewed by a qualified web quality assurer before publication. The web quality assurer will, among other things, check for accessibility

Colour

Apply colour sparingly to aid readability and to make sure there is good contrast between the text and background
Avoid using colour to emphasize or give meaning
e.g. using red to draw attention to some text as this will not help a colour-blind user and in some cases can make seeing the information more difficult

PC settings