Solving the Accessibility Challenge

— Posted March 2nd, 2002  |  by Colm McBarron

Accessibility means that an individual is able to interact with online applications even when functioning under functional or situational limitations. These limitations may include physical disabilities of the user, such as visual or mobile disabilities, or they can include the constraints of the computing device or interface, such as an Internet appliance or PDA. Accessibility is not just about providing access to people with disabilities - it's about enhancing the usability of an online application for all users.

iQ Content, in association with SmartForce, has developed a process whereby SmartForce's Flash-based e-learning content is transformed into HTML-based transcripts which can be accessed by screen readers and other assistive technologies. The result is that people with disabilities - such as blind people - can enjoy the full benefits of SmartForce's industry-leading e-learning. Moreover, the transcripts will enhance the core functionality of SmartForce e-learning for all users by allowing them to create offline, hard-copies of SmartForce's award-winning content.

"Accessibility represents a major challenge for software vendors and online service providers," says Morgan McKeagney, Managing Director of iQ Content. "Companies must develop efficient and cost-effective strategies to ensure that all their products meet accessibility requirements, such as the new Section 508 legislation in the U.S. SmartForce has met this challenge head on. We believe that iQ Content is in an excellent position to leverage the experience gained from the SmartForce project to help other vendors meet the accessibility challenge - efficiently and cost-effectively."