Achieving Accessibility
Making the Web Work for People with Disabilities
Mike Scott, Illinois Department of Human Services
Nathan Zak, MSF&W Accessibility Solutions
Achieving Accessibility
What is accessibility?
Accommodating People with Disabilities
- People with low vision or blindness
- People with limited use of their hands
- People who are deaf or hard of hearing
- People with learning disabilities
Compatibility with Assistive Technologies
Why is accessibility important?
Your Students, Your Staff....
- 10-20% of Americans have or will have a disability
- An aging population has increasing accessibility needs
- Accessibility and usability go hand-in-hand
The Law
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- “Section 504” of the Rehabilitation Act
- “Section 508” of the Rehabilitation Act
- Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act
The Lawsuits
- America Online
- Priceline & Ramada.com
- State of Arkansas
- Target.com
How do we make the web accessible?
Common Principles
- Content & Semantics - use HTML as it was meant to be used
- Text Alternatives - “alt” text, transcripts, captions
- Contrast - visual & auditory
- Order - reading order, tab order
- Keyboard Operability - focsable, operable, predictable
How do we achieve accessibility?
Step 1: Assess your Starting Point
Step 2: Set Priorities
Step 3: Identify Resources, Roles & Responsibilities
Step 4: Communicate
Keys to Success
- Be Proactive
- Find the Right Resources
- Get Training & Technical Assistance
- Don't be Overwhelmed
How can we help?
Accessibility Support Services
- Audits
- Training
- Technical Assistance
- Quality Assurance