DiverseAbility.Net

The Essentials: Keeping User Accessibility in mind with Websites, Software Programs, Operating Systems, Networks and & Facilities.

1. Educational entities should purchase operating systems that have universal accessibility features built-in.

The following link leads to material that demonstrates how accessible environment settings can be found in an operating system — triggering accessibility features in Windows:

Windows Accessibility Features and Utilities

• Features triggered include browser text size/screen enlarging features.
• Narrator reads the text that appears on the screen.

Caution: Keep in mind the accessibility barriers that exist in most operating systems. They provide a minimal level of accessibility so individualized needs may have to be met with assistive technology that is specifically designed for that individual.

Review the accessibility features in  the different operating systems that are commercially available.

2. It is important to explore how computer user settings function with accessible web site design.

Rememberaccessible web design benefits all users and includes features, such as :

• “Alt tag” or captioned text that describes graphic elements such as images, other controls, buttons, drop downs and tables;
• Tables and fonts that have relative sizes designated with percentages;
• Navigable and non-repetitive links that are usable with a screen reader and keyboard controls; Keyboard controls include tabbing, arrows, mouse keys functions.

There are guidelines, evaluation tools, and on-line training that can help in designing accessible web sites.

• Guidelines:
  • Web Content Authoring Guidelines (WCAG)
  • Section 508 Standards for Web-based intranet and internet information and applications
  • How do these standards differ?
• Evaluation Tools:
  • You can use Bobby as an on-line checker for the WCAG guideline priorities and Section 508 standards with your design.
  • You can also use Cynthia to check your website in a checklist format.
• Trainings:
  • You can take a free on-line web accessibility training with the Web Accessibility Course offered by the Information Technology Technical Assistance and Training Center (ITTATC).
  • Phillip Johnson, Web Developer with NMSU Distance Ed., has a simple on-line training tool in development.

3. Assure accessible alternative formats (digital/electronic) for all user files available on your website:

When placing files on your web site, keep in mind that assistive technology controls work more effectively with text-based (ASCII/HTML) documents rather than the images that are captured in Adobe's Portable Document Files (PDF). Significant barriers to accessing PDF files exist for users of screen readers.

As with web/software design, user assistive controls function most effectively with text-based (ASCII/HTML) rather than image (PDF) based information.

• PDF Accessibility Guidance

If inaccessible files exist on your web site, make sure that accessible alternative files (digital and electronic) are available for students.

Best practice:
In New Mexico, K-12 and higher education schools are required to provide accompanying formats usable with assistive technology   in their computer based/distance learning courses.  For example, if a print quality PDF file is hosted on the web site, then a text-based file with the same information is hosted alongside of it.

4. Assure accessibility across your server network with the following:

Allow All Accessibility Features / Utilities on Installed Operating Systems (2000/XP) with Each Computer Station.

Allow the User Account to save these user settings utilizing these features in a roaming account that can be used on different computer stations across the campus network.

5. Assure Physical and Diverse User Accessibility in Facilities.

See the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Physical / Ergonomic Accessibility in Facilities. These guidelines provide a concise listing of the ADA specifications for spatial areas, signage and controls, such as for media labs, resource rooms, libraries, and classrooms.

For information on assistive devices that can be used to provide individuals with different types of disabilities access to universally accessible workstations, see the DiverseAbility Matrix.

6. If digital audio and/or video files (such as MPEG; WAV files) are used with web-based instruction or websites, assure that captioning with text accompanies the sound information.

(Note: You can also include a voice over for describing the video or visual actions essential to the meaning of a video’s content.)

There are tools available for captioning such as:

• Magpie: (a free tool that works with video clips)
• Most commercial video production software includes easy “transparent” titling modules with which the text can be typed and overlaid on the clips accompanying the audio tracks
• Voice-overs can be recorded on one of the sound tracks in most commercial video production software. Examples of video production software that includes titling and multiple sound recording:
  • Pinnacle Systems
  • Adobe’s Premiere Pro:

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Note: For more technical information on electronic and information technology accessibility standards: See IT Accessibility Standards for Details (Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act).

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DiverseAbility.Net is a resource of the Disability Law Resource Project and New Mexico Technology Assistance Program . All are federally funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, U.S. Department of Education.

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