The guidelines are intended for all Web content developers (page authors
and site designers) and for developers of authoring tools. The primary goal of these
guidelines is to promote accessibility. However, following them will also make Web
content more available to all users, whatever user agent they are using (e.g., desktop
browser, voice browser, mobile phone, automobile-based personal computer, etc.) or
constraints they may be operating under (e.g., noisy surroundings, under- or
over-illuminated rooms, in a hands-free environment, etc.). Following these guidelines will
also help people find information on the Web more quickly. These guidelines do not
discourage content developers from using images, video, etc., but rather explain how to
make multimedia content more accessible to a wide audience.
Brewer said, "Accessible design improves access for users of different devices:
mobile devices, handheld devices, TV, kiosks." The trend toward consumer devices
for web access makes this benefit very significant.
A FAQ Sheet
on the Web Accessibility Guidelines answers many typical questions. Sample questions include:
