Using Technology to Ensure Accessibility

Accessibility / Usability Accessibility is the degree to which a product, device, service, or environment is available to as many people as possible. Usability is the extent to which a device, service, or environment can be used by to achieve specified goals with effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction in a specified context of use.

Why accessibility?

The Practical Reasons Accessibility benefits ALL users: Speech or hands-free software (in the car) Older technology (software/plug-ins) Slow internet connections Mobile devices Prefer text only size quotas

The Practical Reasons 30% of web users (under age 60) are affected by one or more: Severe Visual Impairment Low Vision Colorblindness/Color Deficiency Deaf and Individuals with Hearing Loss Impaired Mobility Learning Disorders Other Neurological Impairment

The Legal Reasons Rehabilitation Act of 1973 First anti-discrimination law for persons with disabilities. Prohibited discrimination in any program or activity receiving >$2,500 in federal funds.

The Legal Reasons Section 504 Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity offered by an entity or institution that receives financial assistance from the federal government. Specifically, postsecondary institutions must provide “appropriate adjustments and provide reasonable accommodations that allow students with disabilities full participation in activities and programs available to students without disabilities.”

The Legal Reasons Reasonable Accommodation for Students A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are customarily done in the workplace, campus, or academic environment that permits a qualified person with a disability to enjoy equal educational opportunities.

The Legal Reasons Section 508 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 All electronic and information technology used by the federal government must be accessible to people with disabilities. Technology is “accessible” if it can be used as effectively by people with disabilities as by those without.

“It is unacceptable for universities to use emerging technology without insisting that this technology be accessible to all students.” 2010 White House letter to all college and university presidents celebrating the 20 th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Socially Responsible Reasons The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognizes access to information and communications technologies, including the Web, as a basic human right.

The SU Policy Reasons SU’s “Non-Discrimination, Students with Disabilities Policy” states that: …the University will provide reasonable accommodations. All members of the University community are responsible for promoting compliance with this policy. SU’s “Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disability Policy Statement” states: Syracuse University is committed to compliance with Section 504 …, the Americans with Disabilities Act …, and all other applicable laws prohibiting disability discrimination. The “Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy Statement” states: The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on … disability… This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

10 things you can do now to make your s more accessible

1. Do not use “stationery”

2. Use simple fonts, 12 point or larger Decorative Fonts Pick me! I Look Great!

3. Color is important. BadBetter OkayBest

4. Refrain from placing images in the body. If you must, make sure to use alt tags.

5. Don’t rely on colors, bold, italic, ALL CAPS, or other formatting tricks for emphasis. Instead, make your point with language, or organize the with important information first.

6.Do not use unnecessary punctuation!!!!!!!! *Special characters*, lines of punctuation to mark a section break, and other non-standard uses of punctuation are all very confusing for screen readers. :(

7.If an is important enough to forward, take the time to do it right. Ensure that it is accessible before you send it on.

8. Spell out hyperlinks: YES: Syracuse University at NO:“Click here” (without context) NO:Incomplete URL’s, i.e. syr.edu

9.Skip the soapbox ≠ signature Personal manifesto

10. Know your audience

Examples

Accessibility Toolkit and other resources: Your Organization’s Accessibility Team Names, contact information and local online resources