Will the Revolution Have Wheelchair Ramps?Web 2.0 and the Illusion of Inclusion

Eileen BoswellCommunity Transportation Association of America

Transportation Research Board Annual MeetingJanuary 13, 2009

Overview

• Definitions

• Challenges

• Solutions

• Recommendations

• Resources

Definitions• Web 2.0• Disability• Web Accessibility

– Perceivable– Operable– Understandable– Robust

• Section 508• Inclusive Design

Challenges• Non-accessible formats of files/documents• Keyboard equivalents for all mouse actions• Images, color contrast, animation• Complex or ambiguous language

• Posting to blog or a wiki

• Text equivalent of photo sharing?

Web 1.0

Web 2.0

Specific Accessibility Issues• Wikis• Photo sharing (e.g. Flickr)• Video sharing (e.g. YouTube)• Networking Sites (e.g. Facebook)• Webconferencing• Virtual Worlds (e.g. Second Life)

• Acquire only software applications that include accessibility checks

• Do a usability study• Have target populations test your site• Write a Web 2.0 policy statement• Provide a contact name/number for alternative formats.

Solutions

Image description:Double-headed arrow showing range of cost/ investment for accessible technology

High-tech

Low-tech

$$$

$

Recommendations• Find your Section 508 officer (for Feds)• Choose the simplest interface that meets your

needs• Provide alternative means/format where

appropriate• Solicit feedback from disability advocates and/or

focus groups• Prepare for ongoing maintenance/upgrades

Resources• The Access Board • Section 508

– buyaccessible.gov

• EPA Web 2.0 Working Group White Paper• GSA draft principles for accessibility and Web

2.0 (forthcoming)• World Wide Web Consortium Web Accessibility

Initiative (W3C/WAI) Guidelines 2.0 (12/2008)

Questions and DiscussionThank you!

Eileen BoswellInformation Specialist

Community Transportation Association of America

boswell@ctaa.org202.415.9650