Advanced Accessibility Series
Welcome to the first post in the Advanced Accessibility Series adapted from a presentation given at the University of Vermont.
Not just software
Accessibility applies to three levels of technology:
- Hardware
- Software (Browser, operating system, etc)
- Webpage (HTML) code
- Code for connection to the network
A piece of technology is only considered accessible when all 4 levels are accessible. The example below is primarily a hardware level issue,
Cell phones Accessibility Issues in the Classroom
If a student is only given the option to use their cell phones to do course related work, this cause a classroom accessibility issue because:
- Small keyboard and screen size makes it difficult for users with motor disabilities to use, especially if the input is timed
- The bright backlight of a cell phone may cause some users to not be able to see the colour on the screen.
Legal Considerations
Before undertaking any project (web development or otherwise), it's important to know the accessibility laws that apply to your project so that you don't run into costly issues down the road.
There are two legal sections in US law that relate to accessibility:
- Section 504
- About accommodating accessibility for old systems that weren’t designed with it
- Eg. A visually disabled student asks for a digital copy of a handout from class
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Section 508
- About moving the responsibility for accessibility to individual company's rather than the government. Now each company ( of > 49 employees) must implement inclusive design.
- Eg. All new handout are also available digitally to all students
To defend these rights, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) pursues legal action in the US against companies that don’t comply, even Google.
References:
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