Accessible Information on the World Wide Web.

The accessibility of information on the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW) is a topic that is complex and often misunderstood. For many, even the terms "Internet" and "World Wide Web" are confusing. The Internet is often referred to as the "information superhighway." Not truly a network itself, it is the growing linkage of networks of computers, across the country and around the world, that facilitates the transmission of information to many places. The Internet grew from the ARPANET, originally funded by the United States government to help facilitate military computer communication. In 1969, the first four sites were connected at the Stanford Research Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, University of California at Santa Barbara, and the University of Utah. These networks grew as researchers at universities and other research centers around the country became involved. Communication by computer increased, using the protocols developed through government contracts which allowed transmitting information without a direct connection to the host computer. Federal funding for the ARPANET ceased in 1990 (Gromov, 1996).

The WWW (or Web) was developed to make information available regardless of the location and the differences in computer platform, hardware, and software being used. Tim Berners-Lee developed the first protocols for the WWW in 1989 at the European Laboratory for Particle Physics, known as CERN (formerly Centre European pour la Recherche Nucleaire). The use of a common code (called Hyper Text Markup Language, or HTML), allows information on a host computer, or server, to be accessed by any other computer that has appropriate hardware and browser software (such as Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer, Lynx, etc.) to link to the Internet (Gromov, 1996).

The concept of accessibility encompasses both technical and content aspects. Some of the newer developments in hardware and software capabilities may actually have the effect of slowing down or impeding access for many people. For example, personal computers with screen readers enable blind individuals to have equal access to a world of information and communication. The expanded use of graphics, animation, tables, and split windows or frames with the latest browsers have served to limit Web access for people using screen readers, as well as those who have older text-based browser software.

The development of the Internet is often identified as a great opportunity for people with disabilities to have access to information and communication on a more 'level playing field.' Limited physical access to facilities and format obstacles can be overcome through computer networking. In order for this opportunity to be fulfilled, information providers must attend to the varied needs of consumers and keep in mind that not all users will have access to electronic media, or have the same type of access (Hagins, 1995).

It is not easy to ensure that the content of a Web site is truly appropriate. The versatility of the Web allows information to be made available at different levels, in effect, satisfying the needs of multiple audiences. The findings of a research study may be presented in summary form for a non-scientific user, while more detailed interpretations and even access to data may be available for other researchers. The WWW provides creative opportunities within a structure that is an evolving medium, but those providing information should keep in mind that all users are different, with unique needs.

Researchers are embracing the Web as an alternate format for communication and information dissemination. As this multi-medium can employ graphics, animation, and sound in addition to text, it is often tempting to use these features to make a Web site exciting, attractive, and flashy, but it may not enhance the content presented and, in fact, may prevent many users from reaching the content. On the other hand, always using straight text does not take advantage of the capabilities of the medium. Information to be shared on the WWW should be considered from different viewpoints so that its expression is the most effective it can be. The interactive and linking capabilities of the Internet and Web can be exploited to make the content different from that of a static paper text document.

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