Whenever I am presented with steps on how to conduct an accessibility evaluation, user testing with real users is always listed as a step. What I rarely see is information on why testing is so important, what the benefits from testing real users are, and what you get by testing with real users that you can’t get by using accessibility tools or testing with your own screen reader.
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Posts Tagged ‘W3C’
How Usability Testing Adds Value to Accessibility Evaluations
Tuesday, March 1st, 2011Does your website legally need to be accessible?
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010The other day I was asked the question “To what level does any website legally need to be made accessible?”
“The influence of web accessibility on business and industry is more significant when the demands of a client, or potential client, like the US federal government, must be met.” (WebAim.org)
The law that exists today says that if you are the federal government or supply electronic and information technology goods and services to the federal government, then yes, you must comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 508 Standards). This law requires “Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities.” (section508.gov)
What tools are people using to view your web site?
Friday, August 14th, 2009When designing a site, it is important to remember that not all of your users will be accessing your web site using a computer screen, keyboard, or standard computer mouse. People with disabilities use a variety of adaptive technologies to access web sites.
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Four WCAG 2.0 Guidelines that could Improve Readability for all Audiences
Monday, July 6th, 2009I often hear how accessibility can help everyone. One of the most common examples I’ve heard is that sidewalk ramps not only help people in wheel chairs but they also help people rolling luggage, strollers, hot dog carts, grocery carts, etc. Along the same lines the WCAG 2.0 guidelines listed below are by far some of my favorite because they can improve content in a web site for everyone. These guidelines should not only be applied to accessibility, they should also be applied to style guidelines and user interface guidelines for a site.
Tips for Evaluating a Site for Accessibility
Wednesday, June 17th, 2009
Accessibility is the development of information systems flexible enough to accommodate the needs of the broadcast range of users regardless of age or disability.
When creating a site that is accessible, make sure that it is accessible no matter what Internet browser is being used. You will also want to take into consideration that there are different types of assistive devices that users may be using and of these devices there are different versions of each device. Below are few tips and considerations to take when evaluating a site for accessibility.
W3C Releases Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0
Sunday, December 14th, 2008On Dec 12, 2008, W3C announced the publication of WCAG 2.0. An online press release can be found here: http://www.w3.org/2008/12/wcag20-pressrelease.html and the guidelines can be found here: http://www.w3.org/TR/2008/REC-WCAG20-20081211/.
The following are the key differences between 1.0 and 2.0 guidelines: (more…)
