Web Access For All

Fort Hays State University has gone to some lengths to provide meaningful and easily accessible pages on its Web server. Recently FHSU contracted with CJ Online to recast its Web pages and to provide templates for departments. CJ Online worked with the FHSU Webmaster to make the Web pages accessible to those with disabilities. Last year the University adopted Macromedia’s Dreamweaver Web designer software in part because that application automatically generates Web pages that are more accessible to individuals with disabilities.

The Information Technology Advisory Board of the State of Kansas has communicated the desire to increase accessibility for every state agency Web site. Specifically, the official Web sites of state agencies should provide access for persons who use screen readers, for persons who cannot hear audio content, or persons unable to use a mouse. Most of you are probably aware of federal requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) which mandates providing access to programs and services to all qualified individuals.

I would like to encourage everyone responsible for Web page design to meet the goal of making FHSU Web pages accessible to those with disabilities.

David Schmidt
Director, Computing & Telecommunications