The Low Hanging Fruit of Web Accessibility

Almost everyone uses the Web.

Almost everyone creates content for the Web.

Web content

Everyone needs to create their content in such a way that everyone else can access it.

The Typical Computer User

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Accessibility Standards

But web accessibility doesn't have to be hard.

It can't be hard if we want everyone to do it.

So, let's simplify…

Web Accessibility in Five Simple Steps

Step 1. Use headings.

Headings should form an outline of the page content

Headings apply to all document types

Step 2. Add alternate text to images.

Alternate text = equivalent communication

Test #3: Example - Slide 4

Alt text applies to all document types

Step 3. Choose colors with high contrast.

There are free tools that make it simple to check contrast.

Step 4. Add captions to videos

Caption files are plain text files

And there are free tools to help you create them

Step 5. Ask questions about accessibility before selecting other features or tools.

Try using it without a mouse!

A few examples

Discussions

Example: Google Docs

Example: Inaccessible CAPTCHA

Example: Type the RED WORD

Example: Is this webinar accessible?

Questions to Always Ask When Choosing Features and Tools

Vendors must hear from their customers that accessibility is a high priority

That's it.

Wow, web accessibility really is simple!

No it isn't.

Have you forgotten this slide?

But everyone doesn't need to know all that.

Web accessibility specialists need to know all that.

…or most of it.

They also need to know where to find help.

Some people need to know more than others.

Everyone, in descending order by how much they should know about web accessibility

Everyone needs to know

Where to Turn For Help