In the case of Web 2.0, many devices and advanced technologies have been develop

Question

In the case of Web 2.0, many devices and advanced technologies have been developed in order to increase functionalities, visual appearances, and ease of use, just to name three. Examples of Web 2.0 integrated technologies are asynchronous JavaScript and XML (Ajax) and video streaming, and devices which support Web 2.0 such as iPhone. While the design of all these applications and associated devices is striking, it also generates accessibility problems (Suwannawut, 2008). What do you think about the web and the impaired?

Explanation / Answer

The Answer for your question is given below clearly:

1. Ajax
Nowadays Ajax is currently used in various places, such as in email Google Apps, and some systems used in the workplace to dynamically create pages (Ajax Matters). This causes a real issue for the visually impaired user because a screen reader is unable to track the relevant bits on the page that move (Almaer, 2006). In addition, pages that use Java are also difficult; it can sometimes be got around with the Java Access Bridge. A solution for building accessible Web 2.0 sites is to follow Hijax principles (Keith, 2006), which allow Ajax type dynamic Web pages but enables more accessible development.

2. Incompatible products
In an ideal world, all Web pages should be able to be accessed by any assistive device. However, there are numbers of web sites that do not allow such technologies to be connected. Even if those are accessible web sites, there is no guarantee that innovative products, such as mobile devices, can be used by the visually impaired (Ellis & Kent, 2008). It is hoped that mainstream manufacturers will be able to come up with solutions to these problems. One recommendation is to follow the universal design concepts and accessibility guidelines.

3. Video streaming and multimedia
In the present time, videos are being used more and more in Web 2.0 either to augment or instead of other web content such as YouTube. Additionally, information which is presented simultaneously makes it difficult to interpret using Braille or speech or access using scanning (Treviranus, 2007). This is one of the greatest problems for the blind and deafblind people. The increased use of this media means they are becoming less and less able to access the web. We need to ensure that people do provide text alternatives.

4. Verification codes
Due to the security measure, many web sites require users to put graphical verification codes in order to protect against the fraud access. Such codes can be a barrier for the visually impaired users since these graphical characters can not be read by the screen reader software. Additionally, reliance of too many blurred or hard to read graphics can be problematic for users with low vision. Occasionally, a sound recording is provided for blind users such as in Google or Facebook. This audio system can help to solve this problem, but sometimes, the sound quality is very low and is hard to identify.

5. Isolation of particular groups
While particular disabled groups can gain support and useful information from special community sites, there is a danger of isolation. While Web 2.0 has enormous potential to bring people together it could encourage the formation of isolated groups that do not engage in mainstream activities and who develop their own sub culture which excludes others (Seymour & Lupton, 2004). In the case of visually impaired communities, discussion topics are more likely to deal with eye care, assistive devices, and mainstreamed technologies. It would be better if these forums include sighted people, or are open for the broader society.

Conclusion

The above issues are only some problems and concerns that arise from Web 2.0 development. It is undoubtedly that the numbers of inaccessible features are definitely increasing day-by-day. Although most problems can be solved by following principles of accessibility guidelines and standards, the bottom-line issue is the awareness of web developers and stakeholders who are dealing with the design and have primary control over these features. A good design can not only make visualization accessible, but can also make the information more accessible.

Web 2.0 is available to be used by people in their everyday lives. It also has the potential to open up the world to people with disabilities, and is often presented as a way to eradicate disability as it is socially constructed. On the other hand, it can cause great barriers and inequality if this medium is inaccessible. The Internet cannot be fully accessible until disability is considered a cultural identity in the same way that class, gender and sexuality are. Accessibility is a universal design issue that potentially benefits both those with a disability and the wider community. It requires collaboration from the relevant sectors in order to promote full inclusion in the society

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