Bobby (software)
Encyclopedia
The original Bobby was a free online tool, written by Josh Krieger and provided by the Centre for Applied Special Technology (CAST) used to validate websites for WAI
and Section 508 compliance. Launched in 1995 , it became well known for the usage of the Bobby Approved icon that website authors could use to indicate they have successfully passed the Bobby online test.
The CAST tool was officially closed on May 1, 2005. However, the Bobby name lives on in Watchfire Corporation's Watchfire Bobby program. Watchfire provided the same free service that CAST did with Bobby in their Watchfire WebXACT tool. Watchfire's current offering, now part of an IBM suite described below, tests pages of web content for quality, accessibility and privacy issues.
The free tool was officially closed by the owners, IBM
, on February 1, 2008 . The software is now available as part of IBM's Rational Policy Tester Accessibility Edition.
Currently, the Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool (WAVE) provides this free service at wave.webaim.org.
Web Accessibility Initiative
The World Wide Web Consortium 's Web Accessibility Initiative is an effort to improve the accessibility of the World Wide Web for people with disabilities...
and Section 508 compliance. Launched in 1995 , it became well known for the usage of the Bobby Approved icon that website authors could use to indicate they have successfully passed the Bobby online test.
The CAST tool was officially closed on May 1, 2005. However, the Bobby name lives on in Watchfire Corporation's Watchfire Bobby program. Watchfire provided the same free service that CAST did with Bobby in their Watchfire WebXACT tool. Watchfire's current offering, now part of an IBM suite described below, tests pages of web content for quality, accessibility and privacy issues.
The free tool was officially closed by the owners, IBM
IBM
International Business Machines Corporation or IBM is an American multinational technology and consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and it offers infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in areas...
, on February 1, 2008 . The software is now available as part of IBM's Rational Policy Tester Accessibility Edition.
Currently, the Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool (WAVE) provides this free service at wave.webaim.org.
See also
- Assistive technologyAssistive technologyAssistive technology or adaptive technology is an umbrella term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities and also includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using them...
- Computer accessibilityComputer accessibilityIn human-computer interaction, computer accessibility refers to the accessibility of a computer system to all people, regardless of disability or severity of impairment...
- Design for All
- KnowbilityKnowbilityKnowbility is an American non-governmental organization based in Austin, Texas, working to support the independence and empowerment of people with disabilities by promoting the use and improving the availability of accessible information technology...
- Section 508 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973Section 508 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973In 1998 the US Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act to require Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities...
- Universal designUniversal designUniversal design refers to broad-spectrum ideas meant to produce buildings, products and environments that are inherently accessible to both people without disabilities and people with disabilities....
- VisitabilityVisitabilityVisitability is an international movement to change home construction practices so that virtually all new homes, whether or not designated for residents who currently have mobility impairments, offer three specific accessibility features...
- Web accessibilityWeb accessibilityWeb accessibility refers to the inclusive practice of making websites usable by people of all abilities and disabilities. When sites are correctly designed, developed and edited, all users can have equal access to information and functionality...
- Web Accessibility InitiativeWeb Accessibility InitiativeThe World Wide Web Consortium 's Web Accessibility Initiative is an effort to improve the accessibility of the World Wide Web for people with disabilities...