This month we launch a series of Accessibility Snapshots with the goal of offering tips, advice, or personal experience from Assistive Technology (AT) users and experts in the accessibility field. Our first short video is from John Rempel on the importance of accessible websites. John is an AT Specialist with the
Center for the Visually Impaired in Atlanta. Having a vision impairment himself, he understands firsthand the nuances and complexities of usability and accessibility. He is also certified as an Orientation & Mobility Specialist and Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, and has written extensively for AFB's
AccessWorld. Check out John's video as he discusses the barriers that inaccessible websites pose and demonstrates several tools that he finds useful.
John Rempel on the Importance of Accessible Websites
An Accessibility Statement Shows Your Commitment
Does your agency have an up-to-date accessibility statement? An accessibility statement on your website demonstrates your organization’s commitment to providing accessible information to all users and provides users with the means to contact you if they do encounter barriers on your website. Many organizations include a statement identifying compliance with
Section 508 Standards and conformance with
WCAG 2.0 Guidelines and include examples of the types of accessibility testing conducted. Some organizations go even farther to include a comprehensive accessibility policy.
If you are undergoing the process of making your website more accessible, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) recommends including a statement of your commitment to fix the accessibility barriers on your website.
Check out the following accessibility statements and resources:
Georgia.gov Accessibility
University System of Georgia Accessibility
Section 508.gov Accessibility Policy
Disability.gov Accessibility Statement
W3C Improving the Accessibility of Your Website
WebAIM Releases Results of Web Accessibility Practitioners Survey
In July, WebAIM conducted a survey of web accessibility practitioners and received 900 valid responses from practitioners worldwide. Two findings that stand out: respondents are optimistic that web content has become more accessible from the previous year and a large percentage of respondents agree that more accessible websites have a bigger impact on improved accessibility than does better assistive technology. WebAIM’s survey of screen reader users produced very similar responses. A key take-away: more accessible websites greatly impact the experience of AT users.
For the results of both surveys, see
Web Accessibility Practitioners Survey Results and
Screen Reader User Survey Results.
WebAIM is an organization within the
Center for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) at Utah State University.
