Local entrepreneur calls for more accessible Web

The promise of the World Wide Web is limitless: a global network of companies, organizations, businesses and individuals available to everyone with a computer and Internet connection.  Availability, however, does not equal accessibility and millions of Americans find it difficult if not impossible to connect to the possibilities and opportunities of the web.
Through his company Charlottesville CSS Web Development,  Greene County entrepreneur Nick Stone aims to offer clients the ability to make their website accessible to people with disabilities.
While most web site design uses prepackaged code (computer instructions), Stone handwrites code for each project allowing him to streamline the instructions and install accessibility as part of the base code.
For example: Everyone is familiar with physical modifications now required to make public buildings handicap accessible.  Stone brings similar modifications to web sites.
By handwriting code for each site, Stone removes virtual obstructions, adds handicap ramps and Braille buttons in the elevators.  Surprisingly, this simplifies the site, making it easier for search engines like Google which leads to better access and greatly improves search results.
“I have had an interest in disabilities since I was a boy,“ explains Stone.  “My brother is mentally challenged and I have done a lot of volunteer work for groups advocating for the mentally challenged.“
“I have just always been interested in it because I have a connection to someone who is challenged and whom I love dearly,“ he continues.  “My experience gives me another lens to look through and see the world.  I think it is important and something I need to do.“
Web development was not Stone’s chosen direction until he took a programming course while studying for his Masters Degree in Business Administration during the 1980’s.
“The first program I wrote worked perfectly.  I was ecstatic and have been coding and programming ever since,“ says Stone.  “We all have a gift in some area and this is mine.“
At the same time Stone was discovering his love for computers and programming, he was Head of Market Research for an international trading company, where he designed and programmed an inventory control system. After that success, he then branched out into consulting. 
His move into the world of web development did not come until he and his wife moved to Greene County in 2005.
“My wife Ake is an artist and wanted to do an online business for her customizable handbags,“ says Stone.  “We researched and interviewed and finally I decided to learn how to do it myself.  Her site was my first project and we launched it in 2006 where it quickly ascended to number 1 on Google worldwide for customizable handbags.“.“
“AKe has a background and education in fashion design.  She does the artistic element of the website design and I am the guy that makes the software work.“
The Stones are among a growing number of Americans doing business from home. 
“We work out of our home and take a break once a while to socialize with our dogs and look at the mountains from our back porch,“ Stone admits.  “It is a more peaceful environment to work in.“
The couples’ collaboration and Nick Stone’s background in business and marketing, combined with his experience working with disabled has led to his current push to make sure all on-line sites are accessible to everyone including those people with disabilities.
Stone pulls it together for businesses by using his SEO ability to get the best search results for his clients and by making client sites accessible. (Search Engine Optimization is the process of getting your site to come up first in an on-line search.)
The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that 1 in every 5 Americans (more than 50 million) is disabled - a number expected to grow.  Other statistics show 1 million service personnel already disabled by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. 
U.S. Law and the Americans with Disabilities Act have mandated a need for designers and consultants to create accessibility in not only the real world but the virtual world as well. 
Stone has no trouble in helping the disabled by showing businesses the benefit of making websites accessible.  Accessibility allows on-line businesses to reach 25% more potential customers.
  “We all have our own way of trying to make the world around us a little better,“ continues Stone.  “I want to make the web more accessible.  That is my little effort on behalf of the community.“