Flash Content Could Cause Seizures

PROVIDENCE, RI--(Marketwired - November 21, 2017) - According to the Epilepsy Foundation, 1 in every 26 Americans will suffer from a form of epilepsy at some point in their life. Given the prevalence of the disorder, it is imperative that businesses and organizations follow web accessibility guidelines by considering the needs of epileptic clients and those prone to seizures.

One of the biggest hazards for those with epilepsy is the susceptibility to some types of seizures triggered by flash-based media. Although such media is commonly used across the Internet, it effectively renders sites unsafe for epileptic users.

Fortunately, websites can take steps to limit this risk and boost accessibility without having to make sweeping changes to their online presence. WCAG 2.0, the standard website accessibility guidelines, suggests for example, simply moderating the use of flash-based imagery, tempering the color saturation of these images, and offering users the option to moderate or remove any flash-based content themselves.

For more on WCAG 2.0 and making websites more accessible for those with epilepsy, please visit https://www.boia.org/blog/november-is-national-epilepsy-awareness-month

About the Bureau of Internet Accessibility:

Mobile and Web accessibility compliance is a requirement, but trying to understand the WCAG 2.0 Guidelines and how they relate to ADA, ACAA, OCR, AODA, Section 508 and other compliance requirements, can be confusing.

The Bureau of Internet Accessibility (BoIA) has been helping eliminate the accessibility digital divide since 2001. The organization's reports, tools, and services have assisted businesses in improving, maintaining, and proving the accessibility of their websites. With services that include self-help tools, audits, training, remediation and implementation support, BoIA has the experience and expertise to ensure that accessibility efforts are worthwhile and successful.

For more information, visit www.BoIA.org.