<chapter id="accessintro-1">
<title>Introduction to Accessibility</title>
<indexterm>
<primary>Section 508</primary>
</indexterm>
<para>This chapter introduces you to accessibility in the GNOME
Desktop.</para>
<para>All software products
should incorporate accessibility features to enable people with disabilities
to use the software easily and efficiently. Recent legislation such as Section
508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act heightens awareness of the need to provide
accessible software. </para>
<para>The GNOME Desktop is easy to use and incorporates many accessibility features. Every
supported application and utility in the GNOME Desktop is designed with accessibility and usability in mind. Users
with physical disabilities such as low vision or impaired motor skills can
use all of the functionality of the GNOME Desktop thanks to the customization tools that are available. The
customization tools enable you to customize the appearance and behavior of
the desktop.</para>
<para>The ability to easily customize the GNOME Desktop contributes greatly to the accessibility of the desktop.
This guide describes the various customization options that you can use to
tailor the desktop to suit your particular needs.</para>
</chapter>
