For some time now, rich text editing tools have helped authors create great looking content. Today, the most advanced technologies allow users to perform a host of additional functions. Before content is published, a good editor will address accessibility compliance issues, such as ensuring content is compatible with assistive technologies. Learn more about our Rich Text Editing solutions by visiting http://ephox.com/.

1. WHY RICH TEXT EDITING
TECHNOLOGIES MUST
ADDRESS WEB
ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES

2. WHY RICH TEXT EDITING TECHNOLOGIES
MUSTADDRESS WEB ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES
 The most advance technologies allow users to perform a host of
additional functions
 Before publishing content, editor will address accessibility
compliance issues, such as ensuring content is compatible with
assistive technologies
 Web accessibility seeks to enable anyone with disability to
access the internet and websites

3. WHY RICH TEXT EDITING TECHNOLOGIES
MUSTADDRESS WEB ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES
 Three ways a website can respond to specific disability:
 Zooming, enlarging text, changing contrast and adjusting colors – help
visually impaired users see more content
 Alternative input devices can be used for those who cannot operate a
mouse
 Hard-of-hearing individuals can be accommodated so they don’t rely on
sound

4. WHY RICH TEXT EDITING TECHNOLOGIES
MUSTADDRESS WEB ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES
Regulations Impacting Web Accessibility
 Section 508 of 1973 Rehabilitation Act requires federal
government to develop, maintain, use and procure electronic
goods and services full accessible to disabled employees and
members of public
 Regulations has extensive reach beyond federal government. It
binds states as well as businesses providing communication
goods and services to the government
 As a result of Section 508’s ubiquity, companies not doing
business with government have adopted web accessibility
policies

5. WHY RICH TEXT EDITING TECHNOLOGIES
MUSTADDRESS WEB ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES
Regulations Impacting Web Accessibility
 Globally, several governments have developed the Web Content
Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

6. WHY RICH TEXT EDITING TECHNOLOGIES
MUSTADDRESS WEB ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES
Why Web Accessibility is so Important in Rich Text Editing
 Using rich text editing tools to improve web accessibility is crucial for
two reasons:
 Disabled persons have the right to access the same content as everyone else
 Enhancing web accessibility creates value for the business
 Businesses can significantly extend their audience reach
 Rich text editing tools that automate web accessibility compliance can
promote better consistency for company’s brand
 Enhances users website experience and minimize the potential for
legal action due to accessibility or regulation issues

7. WHY RICH TEXT EDITING TECHNOLOGIES
MUSTADDRESS WEB ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES
Web Accessibility Remains a Problem
 The percentage of inaccessible websites is still estimated by the
WCAG to be over 90%. Figure remains high including numerous
government websites
 Web accessibility must begin at initial phase of web design
project
 Developers need to provide accessible platform from the start
 Web authors must use a proven rich text editing tool with
accessibility compliant features for ongoing content editing and
creating

8. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
 Tom Smith is VP Worldwide Sales and Marketing for Ephox
Corporation, a fast-growing software company focused on
delivering content performance solutions for
developers, marketers, authors and web production teams.
Learn more about our Rich Text Editing solutions by visiting
http://ephox.com/.