10 Great Tips for Accessibility

Technology is accessible when designed to understand the needs of individuals with impaired abilities, and developed to create universal compatibility between users and computer systems. Assistive Technology is often the merger between people seeking to operate software, and programmers, who are developing the services being offered to the public. If done successfully, people with different kinds of disabilities should be able to easily navigate and access all components of the intended product regardless of what platform it is used on. 

Background

1. Gather Resources on Accessibility

In order for a project to serve individuals with disabilities, every person involved must learn what web accessibility is, how it is used, and who it impacts. Think of Accessibility as a working factory. Ultimately, a machine will produce more efficient tools, but the goal is to make sure that everyone can enjoy the usability of the repair regardless of which tool is used.

                                      Helpful Resources

Internal Prioritization

2. Classify Your Technology Project

Create a foundation for accessibility testing by classifying your technology project. For example: a Data base management system requires different coding than an electronic spreadsheet would, in order to create an accessible program. This step will help to set in place identifiable components for future testing.

3. Create a Platform for Accessibility for your Organization

Craft a summary of goals the organization aims to achieve, address the communities you intend to serve, and summarize the ideal output that you would like the user to take away. Use this as a guide when communicating to the public what you do and how your program will be accessed.  

4.  Understand Legal Guidelines for Accessibility, Comply with Federal and State Standards

5. Create in House Rules

You need uniformity in the management, storage, and maintenance of the accessibility system to which you are seeking to put in place. Set in-house rules and make sure everyone involved in the project knows them. 

6. Develop an Inventory for Data Collection, Gathering, and Analysis

It is important to keep all information organized and maintained while a system undergoes maintenance, updates, and development changes. Without this step data might be misinterpreted, and it may be difficult to spot system failures or malfunctions.

Outside Resources

7. Use Your Network

Reach out to organizations that specialize in, or have previous experience with, Web Accessibility. Technology is constantly expanding, creating room for experts in the fields of Assistive Technology, Usability, and Equal Rights for the Disabled. Contact those experts to gain a full perspective of the moving parts needed to create an accessible system. Establish alliances with similar organizations for collaborating ideas, management tips and sharing key developments within the field of accessible technology.

8. Find a Credible Organization to Run An Accessibility Audit

You MUST run an Accessibility Audit of your project to know whether it meets the accessibility standards required by law. An Accessibility Audit is an evaluation made by accessibility consultants and people with disabilities to check how well your product supports the needs of impaired users. When searching for an auditor, make sure to use credible organizations that specialize in assessing a webpage and the content within a webpage for compliance with W3C Accessibility Standards, Americans with Disabilities Standards, and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

9. Run An Accessibility Audit for the Targeted Impairments

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) recognizes 13 Categories associated with physical and learning impairments. W3C requires compliance with the following discrepancies:

10. Analyze Findings From Accessibility Testing

The final phase of accessibility testing is analyzing your findings, and deciding whether to make crucial business and legal decisions regarding how much time, effort, and money that your organization is willing to invest in making the product accessible. Accessibility is complex because it requires embedding elements of accessibility in the code of a program as it is being created.   In short, accessibility cannot simply be added onto a program after it has already been fully developed. Similar to a fully baked cake, you cannot add a foundational layer to the cake after it is completed, without restructuring the entire structure of the cake itself.

                If you chose to work with an accessibility auditor, the organization will likely offer services for interpreting the accessibility testing results. Results are generally delivered in code indicating various types of non-conformity with accessibility standards.  You may need help and require special knowledge about understanding the error codes and how they can be resolved.  Some errors exist because your software is incompatible with Assistive Technological devices, while others errors may not comport with W3C standards. Some accessibility problems may require long term planning and commitment to resolve. Therefore, organize your analysis in a way that best fits your practice, and platform for accessibility.

Conclusion

                Accessibility is a broad subject, that requires a limited scope for completing the project. Be patient with the process and understand that accessibility is an ongoing feature. The difficulty is making all functions compatible, therefore once established, maintenance becomes less troublesome. Remember, you are creating a product for individuals who are seeking simple accommodating services. Do not forget to user test. Ask members from the community which you intend to serve for feedback of your product and its functionality.