Introduction to Accessibility

(What does that mean?)

Carolyn Fiori, College of San MateoJudy Lariviere, Skyline College

Assistive Technology Specialists

How do you interact with a computer?

Screen Keyboard Mouse Audio

Hearing Low vision Vision Manual dexterity Learning differences (some type of a

learning disability, reading difficulties, memory problems, brain injury)

What barriers do people with disabilities face when interacting with a computer?

As Tim Berner-Lee, W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web said:

◦ "The power of the web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect.“

Think of accessibility as Universal Design

What is accessibility?

Accessible design is good design.

Accessible web design is based on the concept of universal design, the design of products and environments to be used by all people to the greatest extent possible without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

Why is Accessibility Important?

Examples of universal design

Why is Accessibility Important?

Think of accessible web design and accessible content in on-line classes as "electronic curb cuts."

Why is Accessibility Important?

Applying accessible design practices and standards results in improved web design for everyone (e.g., accessing web with iPhone or other smart phone with internet access).

Implementing accessible web design provides equal access and equal opportunity.

Why is Accessibility Important?

While watching the video, Keeping Accessibility in Mind, think about these key points:◦ What barriers do these individuals identify for

accessing the internet?◦ Why is it important to design with accessibility in

mind?

WebAim video

How does Assistive Technology break down barriers (to a certain point)?

It is the responsibility of Disabled Students Program and Services (DSPS) to ensure the web is accessible or to help students with disabilities access the content in their college courses.

Myth

Reality: The faculty and staff of DSPSare not the web accessibility police! 

DSPS' role is to increase awareness at all levels (faculty, staff and administrators) about the importance of accessibility for individuals with disabilities, the why, and the how. 

Reality

It is up to faculty who are creating the content to ensure that the material included

in the on-line courses is accessible.

Course Management Systems automatically ensure that everything is accessible.

Myth

Reality: Content and information added to the shell needs to be made accessible by faculty.

Warning in eCollege about Adding Course Content

JAWS◦ CSM Reading Center

Keyboard access/trackball Screen Magnification

◦ Keep consistent Kurzweil 3000 Dragon NaturallySpeaking Captions

Assistive Technology - Accessing Content

Consistency of layout and navigation, font, announcements

Different formats available (pdf vs MS Word) Power Point (outline)  Good contrast between background and

text.Contrast example

Color alone is not used to convey or express meaning. Color example

Images have an alt tag (description).District Office CNN

Design with “Accessibility in mind”

All links, menus and buttons can be accessed using the keyboard.

PDF files have accessible text. The text outline for a PowerPoint

presentation is available. Word documents include headings. Tables

have row and column headers marked.

Design with “Accessibility in mind”

Include an accommodation statement on your syllabus.

Set up accommodations at the beginning of the course.

What is an accommodation? (timed tests, discussion – threads, textbooks in alternate formats)

Remember the students

When do you use your lifeline to DSPS?

Resources Web Aim Introduction to Web Accessibility–

www.webaim.org Jim Thatcher Accessibility Tutorials –

www.jimthatcher.com @one – Web Accessibility Course

Summer 2009 CCCConfer.org, Archives, page 21 (at

bottom) 6/6/08 Container, Content, Capability: Accessibility Considerations for CMS