Introduction to HTML Accessibility

Abstract

HyperText Markup Language (HTML) is the common language of the Internet. Over 3.3 billion files on the World Wide Web use HTML to communicate a dizzying array of information. HTML is flexible, easy to use and understand, and can be used to communicate information in almost any format, from desktop computers to cellular phones. The nearly universal nature of HTML makes it indispensable in distance education. HTML supports accessibility for students with disabilities in a number of ways. However, most web developers are not aware of the elements in HTML that promote accessibility. By making a few changes to the existing HTML code of a page -- most of which will never be noticed by the casual reader -- content developers can make that page accessible to students with disabilities.