National Federation of the Blind Nonvisual Accessibility Web Certification Granted to Target.com

Web site Certified As Equally Accessible to Blind and Sighted Users

BALTIMORE, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the nation's leading advocate for Internet access by blind Americans, has awarded the Gold Level NFB-NVA Certification to Target.com.  The NFB applauds Target's commitment to ensuring equal access to its Web site to blind consumers and commends Target's leadership in Web accessibility.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The Internet has become integrated into every aspect of daily living, from working to shopping to entertainment.  The blind population, which stands at 1.3 million and is growing as Americans age, must have access to Web sites and new Web applications if we are to participate fully in modern society and the information economy.  We commend Target for making its Web site fully accessible and therefore giving the blind independent access to Target's valuable information and services."

Anne Taylor, director of access technology for the National Federation of the Blind, said: "It has been a pleasure working with Target to make its Web site accessible to all shoppers.  We appreciate the Target.com team's hard work and congratulate them on achieving Gold Level NFB-NVA Certification."

Steve Eastman, president of Target.com, said: "We are pleased to offer a simple and convenient online shopping experience for all our guests at Target.com.  As our online business has evolved, we have worked with the National Federation of the Blind to significantly improve the experience for guests who require assistive technology and we will continue to do so as our business grows and new technologies become available."

The NFB Nonvisual Accessibility Web Certification Program connects Web site and application developers with leading experts on blindness and accessibility to ensure that their Internet sites or applications are fully accessible to and usable by blind people employing screen access software.  Applicants go through a rigorous evaluation and testing procedure and work with a web accessibility consultant (WAC) to address any accessibility issues discovered during the evaluation.  Once the site or application has addressed all accessibility issues, it is granted the right to display an NFB-NVA seal of approval on its site.  Sites are continuously monitored to ensure that they remain compliant with certification criteria.  If a site remains accessible, its certification is renewed on an annual basis.  If accessibility issues arise, the National Federation of the Blind and the WAC will work with the site developers to remedy them.

For more information on the NFB-NVA Certification, please visit http://www.nfb.org/nfb/certification_intro.asp.  To learn more about the National Federation of the Blind, please visit www.nfb.org.

About the National Federation of the Blind

With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States.  The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence.  It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind.  In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind. 

About Target

Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,740 stores in 49 states nationwide by delivering today's best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE: TGT) gives more than $3 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.

SOURCE National Federation of the Blind