Accessibility: a Website Design issue
Do not confuse usability with accessibility. The two are very different, but one is seen as being less important than the other. These should be viewed acutely, but some of the ideals on accessibility do still apply to usability and vice versa.
Optimization of site usability helps make it more accessible, or at the very least provides a better framework upon which to build. If the general population finds that the site is difficult to use, then it will certainly be problematic for people with learning challenges or disabilities. At the same time, the amount of thought that goes into making the site accessible is no less important than making it usable.
The Internet is a medium made for people, and web 2.0 technology makes it more people-friendly all the time, so for many web design courses and schools accessibility is crucial.
Putting The User First
If you strip all the fancy stuff away from Web design, pages are ultimately being built for people to use. Content is the key, not the flashy visuals you often see on websites today. Plan out the usability of the site and make sure that all the needs of the viewer are met before you begin to use Dreamweaver or any other similar program. No matter what you are making, a web page or a house, you’re ultimate goal is the same, which is to deliver a quality final product.
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