How do you know if what you have created is accessible?
There are a number of ways to evaluate the accessibility of existing web sites. By far the best known evaluation tool is CAST's Bobby. But Bobby is not the only tool available to you.

Download a text reader and listen to what your page sounds like to someone using a text reader. Ask for input from local organizations for people with disabilities. Add an email link to specifically for people who have problems accessing the page.

Here are some sources to get you started:

Evaluation Tools:*
http://www.cast.org/bobby
Bobby now comes in a downloadable version for use on your own computer.
http://validator.w3.org
http://www.delorie.com/web/lynxview.html
http://www.nps.gov/access/selftest.htm
Self-test techniques

*Macromedia and Adobe products have or are planning to include an evaluation tool as part of newer versions. Check the web site of your preferred web design tool for new evaluation plug-ins.

Text Readers and Other User-End Tools:
http://www.hj.com/fs_products/software_jaws.asp
Download a free demo copy of this popular text reader. "See" what your page sounds like before you publish.

http://www.hg.com/MAGic/MAGic.html
This is a screen magnification program. See what it does for your readers.

http://www.iso.gmu.edu/~swidmaye/portfolio/edit797assistivetech.htm
This is an orientation to screen readers and what they do. It contains reviews of several popular readers and descriptions of how they function.

This list is incomplete, and will be updated periodically as we learn more. JAWS is a good starting place, primarily because it has a free trial version. The software itself is also fairly inexpensive. Some other popular readers are:

• Vocal-Eyes/Window-Eyes, costs run between $400 and $600.
• HAL Screen Reader, compatible with the widest range of Windows programs, cost is around $500.
• outSpoken, MacIntosh Screen Reader with talking installer, cost is around $700.
• Supernova Reader/Magnifier, combines the screen reading and magnification functions. Cost averages $850.
  

If you need additional help, or have found other sources of information you feel we could all benefit from, please feel free to contact Wyndeth Davis, or your Regional Web Coordinator with your suggestions.

Last Update: September 2006

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