Accessibility Search...a wonderful Google service for the visually impaired

In its continuing quest to attract new users, Google has taken the wraps off a new beta project that will make it easier for those with disabilities to use the Web. Google's new Accessibility Search retains the familiar Google interface but optimizes the results for the visually impaired.

The site operates much like the traditional Google search, but it considers extra factors when deciding where to rank a particular page. Those factors include the overall simplicity of a page, the number of graphic elements, and whether keyboard navigation of the site is possible. The results are designed to prevent those with eye trouble or blindness from having to navigate through scores of non-accessible pages in their quest for information and services. The new search means that top results should more often lead to pages that are compatible with screen readers and keyboard navigation.

Google Accessible Search is built upon the company's Co-op technology, which is designed to make specialized searches more accurate. Those interested in making their sites more accessible to the visually impaired can consult the W3C primer (among others). The simplest way to get started is to consider the following quick tips from the W3C:

Images & animations: Use the "alt" attribute to describe the function of each visual.
Image maps. Use the client-side map and text for hotspots.

Multimedia. Provide captioning and transcripts of audio, and descriptions of video.
Hypertext links. Use text that makes sense when read out of context. For example, avoid "click here."

Page organization. Use headings, lists, and consistent structure. Use CSS for layout and style where possible.

Graphs & charts. Summarize or use the "longdesc" attribute.

Scripts, applets, & plug-ins. Provide alternative content in case active features are inaccessible or unsupported.

Frames. Use the "noframes" element and meaningful titles.

Tables. Make line-by-line reading sensible. Summarize.

Check your work. Validate. Use tools, checklist, and guidelines at http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG
Google's tool is certainly a step in the right direction. Though it should work well when a piece of information is available at many different locations, the new search tool is obviously of limited power.

For services like government assistance and online banking, there may be no alternative sites which people can use. In these cases, it is up to the institutions in question to make sure that their sites are accessible to visually impaired users. If they're not, Google Accessible Search can do little to help.