Hello all,

this just came in and I thought some might find it useful.

Pete


Date:    Tue, 12 May 1998 19:32:47 EDT
From:    SteveC45 <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Web Page Accessibility

http://www.cast.org/bobby/

Welcome to Bobby

Bobby is a free service of CAST that will analyze single web pages for their
accessibility to people with disabilities. Bobby will also examine a page's
HTML to see if it is compatible with various web browsers or HTML
specifications. Bobby was created at CAST (Center for Applied Special
Technology). Founded in 1984, CAST is a not-for-profit organization whose
mission is to expand opportunities for all people -- especially those with
disabilities -- through the innovative uses of computer technology.

Three versions of Bobby are available:

   1.Bobby 2.0 - This on-line version analyzes individual web pages for
accessibility using a list of commonly accepted  accessibility barriers. All
pages on your website must receive four stars to display the Bobby Approved
icon. This legacy approval criteria may not be an option after July 1998.

   2.Bobby 2.01 - This on-line version analyzes individual web pages for
accessibility using a subset of the February 3 working draft of "WAI
Accessibility Guidelines: Page Authoring" that can be automated. All pages
must pass to display the Bobby Approved icon. Page authors wishing to signify
compliance
with these more stringent guidelines may wish to add "with WAI 0203" below the
icon.

   3.Bobby the Application (beta 1) - This application will test local files
and entire websites for accessibility. It is written in Java and will run
under Solaris and Windows 95/NT. Like Bobby 2.01, it uses the February 3
working draft WAI
accessibility page authoring guidelines. To download the application, go the
Bobby 2.01 home page.

Suggested Approach

CAST recommends that web developers use Bobby as the first step to ensure
accessible web page design. In addition, we suggest the following:

   1.Read the most current "WAI Accessibility Guidelines: Page Authoring".
   2.Review the "WAI Accessibility Guidelines: Page Authoring Checklist".
   3.Request feedback from visitors to your web site.
   4.Retest web pages frequently with updated versions of Bobby.

True accessibility is ultimately a human endeavor and Bobby is only one step
in the process of making a site accessible to as many people as possible. Also
note that the WAI page author gidelines are a work in progress. Depending on
the frequency of new releases, CAST will make every effort to provide a
version of Bobby for each new set of WAI page author guidelines.