Improving the accessibility of an analytic and technical skills MCH toolbox.
OBJECTIVE
To assess our analytic and technical skills website for accessibility and to make necessary corrections.


METHODS
We used commercially available software (Jaws and LIFT for Dreamweaver) and an individual with visual impairments to evaluate our self-instructional, analytic, and technical tools. We identified problems in tables, images, multimedia content, PDF files, and links.


RESULTS
We repaired the site by using LIFT to make appropriate modifications to the website and tools.


CONCLUSIONS
Improving accessibility is advantageous for all Internet users. In addition to responding to legislative mandates, accessible web design creates pages that are often more readable, easier to navigate, and faster to download. Improving the accessibility of websites that incorporate charts and graphs strengthens the ability of all members of the MCH workforce to address the core functions.
Farel
Anita M
AM
Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, USA. anita_farel@unc.edu
Paliulis
Sarah C
SC
D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D003479:Curriculum; D060329:Education of Persons with Visual Disabilities; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods*; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008430:Maternal-Child Health Centers; D009657:North Carolina; D012581:Schools, Public Health; D012984:Software; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D019987:Persons with Visual Disabilities / Q000523:psychology