Enterprise Web Accessibility Standards Version 2.0 1/5/2005

Introduction A workgroup of 15 agency webmasters reviewed and revised the Enterprise Web Accessibility Standards published in 2000. These slides highlight the changes to the Standards, the challenges for implementation and compliance, and the next steps. 1/5/2005

Topics of Discussion What has changed in Version 2.0? What are the challenges for implementation? How can we foster compliance with the standards? 1/5/2005

What has changed? Introduction and Scope Added the benchmark of applicable Federal Section 508 standards 1.1 Markup Added HTML markup requirements related to accessibility 1.5 Forms Added a new standard requiring accessible forms 1.6 Timed responses Added a new standard requiring that users be given the option to request additional time 1/5/2005

What has changed? (cont.) 2.1 Navigation Added the requirement of a visible or hidden skip navigation link 3.6 Image Maps Added a new standard requiring the use of accessible client-side image maps, when possible. 4.1 Content Formats Provided recommendations for use of HTML, PDFs, and other formats 5.1 File Optimization Provided guidance on optimizing file size 1/5/2005

What has changed? (cont.) 6 Web Accessibility Statement Required a link to a web accessibility statement and provided sample text for the statement 7 Web Site Validation Added accessibility requirements for web site validation 8 Web Applications Added a new section adopting Section 508 requirements for web-based applications 1/5/2005

What are the implementation challenges? Executive management support Allocation of skilled resources Tools and software acquisition Training and support Time 1/5/2005

How do we foster compliance? Educate executive management about the legal requirements of web accessibility. Ensure the provision of adequate resources at the agency level to achieve compliance Provide support for agency webmasters, web developers, and content providers Share resources via the Mass.Gov portal services pages Informal training and sharing via WebMASSters meetings and other forums 1/5/2005

Next Steps Final Approval of the Enterprise Web Accessibility Standards, version 2.0 Publication of the Standards on Mass.Gov/ITD Announcement to Agency CIOs, Agency Heads and WebMASSters Presentations to Kitchen Cabinet CIOs, the CIO Council and the WebMASSters group Ongoing support and consultation via Mass.Gov office 1/5/2005