Accessibility

In working with the US Government, I have found that there are requirements (Laws) that dictate that all govnt websites be accessible to people with disabilities. The US law is Section 508, from their website:

In 1998, Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act to require Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. Inaccessible technology interferes with an individual's ability to obtain and use information quickly and easily. Section 508 was enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology, to make available new opportunities for people with disabilities, and to encourage development of technologies that will help achieve these goals. The law applies to all Federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology. Under Section 508 (29 U.S.C. ‘ 794d), agencies must give disabled employees and members of the public access to information that is comparable to the access available to others. It is recommended that you review the laws and regulations listed below to further your understanding about Section 508 and how you can support implementation.

 

http://www.section508.gov/

I always validate. I sell professional services and it's hard to explain to a customer why your site is invalid. Same applies if you do web development for any organization as a professional. Sooner or later someone tells the org that their site is invalid and they start questioning your capabilities.

You can go a long way towards accessibility just by asking yourself, "how would I know this if I couldn't see the picture"? The Lynx browser will become your friend.

Use alt and title attributes for images that actually explain something other than "img0073.jpg". Avoid javascript like the plague - especially for menues. Both techniques will almost guarentee highe SE placement by themselves.

Finally, remember that the primary business functionality targeted by  many sites is not visual appeal. Make their business goals your own and you'll produce servicable wesites for them. Impose your goals on the site at the expense of theirs and the site will be useless to them.

Awesome stuff.