Page Overview: Training Resources

Understanding the history of the disability rights movement is crucial when discussing accessibility today because it provides context and perspective on the challenges overcome and progress made. This page offers a snapshot of the evolution of disability rights through key aspects:

1. Overview of the Disability Rights Movement: Highlights the significant progress since the 1900s, including the landmark ADA legislation, driven by dedicated advocates working to eliminate discrimination and promote full participation.

2. Self Advocacy Groups: Focuses on how these groups empower individuals with disabilities to advocate for their own rights and drive systemic change, emphasizing their role in promoting equal rights and accessibility.

3. Protests: Examines pivotal protests like the 1977 sit-in and the “Capitol Crawl,” which were crucial in demanding legislative changes such as the ADA and showcasing the community’s resilience.

4. Legislation: Details key laws, including the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the ADA, which have provided essential protections and promoted accessibility across various sectors.

5. The Independent Living Movement: Describes how this movement advocates for the autonomy of individuals with disabilities, highlighting the efforts of pioneers and organizations in promoting accessible living and self-determination.

6. Impact Makers: Highlights the essential role of advocates in driving significant legislative and social changes, ensuring that the rights and needs of people with disabilities are recognized and addressed.

Terms to Know

First things first, understanding specialized terms is vital for clear communication, credibility, and comprehension. We’ll begin by reviewing some accessibility-specific language, providing direct definitions for each term to ensure that all users can understand the content.

A11Y

“A11y” is a numeronym denoting accessibility, with the number 11 representing the count of letters between ‘a’ and ‘y’. This term is commonly used to specify digital accessibility on the internet.

Accessibility

Accessibility involves creating information, activities,
and environments that are understandable, meaningful, and usable for as many
people as possible.

ACT

Accessibility Conformance Testing (ACT) establishes and documents rules for how to
test the conformance of web content to accessibility standards such as WCAG.

ARIA

Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) is a set of attributes you can add to HTML elements to make web content and applications accessible.
ARIA coding describes buttons and their functions for
screen readers, devices
that interpret websites for visually impaired individuals.

ATAG

Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines (ATAG) explain how to make authoring tools accessible; these resources help people
with disabilities create web content and help authors
to create more accessible,
WCAG-conforming web content.

BAD

The Before and After Demonstration (BAD) is the WAI’s multi-page resource featuring an inaccessible website and a retrofitted version of the same website. Each web page includes a WCAG evaluation
and inline annotations.

EARL

Evaluation and Report Language (EARL) is a machine-readable format for expressing test results. EARL helps entities process test results, such as those generated by web accessibility evaluation tools, using a vendor-neutral and platform-independent format.

UAAG

User Agent Accessibility Guidelines (UAAG) documents explain how to make user agents accessible to people with disabilities. User agents include browsers, browser extensions, media players, readers and other applications that render web content.

W3C

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is the leading global standards organization for
the web. W3C collaboratively develops and maintains
web standards.

WAI

The W3C’s Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) creates standards and resources, such
as WCAG to help people understand and implement accessibility in various settings.

WCAG

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provides a single shared standard for web content accessibility that meets the needs of individuals, organizations, and governments internationally. WCAG documents explain how to make web content more accessible
to people with disabilities.

WCAG-EM

Website Accessibility Conformance Evaluation Methodology (WCAG-EM) is an approach for determining how well a website conforms to WCAG. This method is a supporting resource for WCAG standards; it does not define additional WCAG requirements but is published as a W3C Working Group Note.

Eight Ways to Promote Online Accessibility

What Can You Do To Help?

1) Design for Accessibility

People can support accessibility by focusing on it during the design phase, ensuring that spaces and structures are accessible from the beginning. This includes consulting accessibility guidelines, gathering feedback from disabled communities, and integrating accessible technology into spaces. By integrating these considerations early on, designers can create environments that cater to diverse needs and ensure equal access for all.

2) Advocate for Accessibility Online

Promote the importance of making digital content accessible to all users by encouraging the use of alternative text for images, screen reader compatibility, and high-contrast color schemes. Share resources and tools for testing and improving website accessibility, and engage in online discussions to raise awareness about the necessity of accessible digital design.

3) Integrate Accessibility in Client Discussions

Incorporate accessibility discussions early in project planning to ensure websites and digital products are inclusive from the start. All designers should educate clients on accessibility standards like WCAG, identify potential barriers, and propose solutions to enhance usability for all users. This proactive approach not only improves user experience but also aligns with legal requirements and ethical standards, fostering a commitment to accessible design.

4) Advocate for Accessible Architectural Design

Support the inclusion of ramps, elevators, and wide doorways in buildings to accommodate people with mobility aids. Encourage the installation of accessible restrooms, braille signage, and auditory signals, and work with local governments to enforce accessibility standards in new constructions and renovations.

5) Encourage Accessibility Consultations in Business Planning

Emphasize the importance of incorporating accessibility consultations early in business planning stages. This ensures that products, services, and facilities are designed with inclusivity from the outset. By incorporating these consultations, businesses can identify potential barriers that may exclude people with disabilities and proactively address them.

6) Advocate for Accessible Transportation Options

Push for improved accessibility in transportation infrastructure and services. This includes supporting initiatives for accessible public transit, rideshare services, and private transportation solutions. Supporting these enhancements ensures greater mobility and independence for people with disabilities in daily travel.

7) Spark Discussions About Accessibility

Initiate discussions in your community, workplace, or social circles about why accessibility matters. Share personal stories, statistics, and examples of how accessible environments benefit everyone, fostering a culture of understanding and support. By raising awareness and educating others, you can help change attitudes and promote a more just and respectful society.

8) Advocate for Legislature Supporting Accessibility

Lobby for laws that protect and promote accessibility rights, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Engage with policymakers to support the development and enforcement of legislation that ensures public spaces and services are accessible to everyone.

Web Accessibility Presentations and Training

Example Outlines for Web Accessibility Presentations

This section offers example outlines for four web accessibility presentations. It demonstrates how to use Accessibility Topics as building blocks for various presentations.

Introducing Web Accessibility

Goal:

Explain the basics of web accessibility, its importance, and its impact.

Audience:

Anyone interested in the web, disability, or related topics.

Description:

This topic emphasizes the Web’s role as a crucial communication tool, highlighting the need for equal, barrier-free access for people with disabilities and older adults.

What This Topic Covers:

    • Web access is essential for full participation in the information society
    • Accessibility barriers affect access to web-based information and services
    • Web accessibility is crucial for older adults and people with disabilities
    • WAI guidelines and resources are the international standard for web accessibility
    • How to get involved and find more information on web accessibility

Resources for Developing a Presentation:

    • Primary Resources:

1) Introduction to Web Accessibility: Explains the scope of accessibility and its benefits to individuals, businesses, and society. It includes links to standards and evaluation resources plus simple examples of accessibility.

2) How People with Disabilities Use the Web: Provides examples of people with various disabilities using web tools

3) WAI Guidelines: Addresses different components of web accessibility

4) Participating in WAI

5) Older Users and Web Accessibility: Meets the needs of aging web users

a. Overview of “Web Accessibility for Older Users: A Literature Review” – includes statistics on the impact of aging

Handouts:

WCAG 2 at a Glance: A summary of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

Suggestions for Speakers:

    • Discussion: Use scenarios from “How People with Disabilities Use the Web” to show the importance of web accessibility
    • Demonstration: Show videos:
      • 1) “Video Introduction to Web Accessibility and W3C Standards” (4 minutes)
      • 2) “Web Accessibility Perspectives: Explore the Impact and Benefits for Everyone” (7:36 minutes)
      • 3) Videos of people with disabilities using the web
    • Demonstration: Show accessible vs. inaccessible websites and their impact with assistive technologies. Consider using the Before and After Demonstration.
    • Activity: Ask attendees about what accessibility accommodations they are aware of (e.g., ramps, captions). Discuss how these features benefit everyone and draw parallels with web accessibility.
Digital Accessibility Business Case (10 minutes, for senior management)
Example Scenario:

Short Presentation on the Business Case for Digital Accessibility at a Senior Management Meeting

Notes:
    • Handout: WCAG 2.1 at a Glance
    • Resource: Before and After Demonstration
Audience Takeaways:
    • Understand the meaning and importance of web accessibility
    • Recognize benefits like improved mobile access, SEO, and usability
    • Learn about web accessibility policies and liabilities
    • Discover case studies and successful corporate accessibility practices

Sample Outline:

  • Introducing Web Accessibility (4 minutes):

1) Define web accessibility.
2) Introduce the demographics of the disability marketplace and/or the aging population
3) Highlight the variety of barriers faced by people with disabilities

  • Business Case for Web Accessibility (6 minutes):

1) Explain the carry-over benefits of universal design, including:

a. Better access for older people and mobile users
b. Improved search engine optimization (SEO)
c. Improved usability for everyone

2) If relevant, provide a brief policy overview, mentioning national legal requirements and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
OR
Introduce the social benefits of accessibility and explain how web accessibility is a part of corporate social responsibility (CSR)

3) Share documented case studies of accessibility improvements

Using an Accessible Web (1 hour, for people with accessibility needs)

Example Scenario:

Presentation on Web Accessibility for Non-Technical Audiences

Notes:

    • Handout: “WCAG 2.1 at a Glance”
    • Resources:
      1. Before and After Demonstration
      2. “Better Web Browsing: Tips for Customizing Your Computer”

Audience Takeaways:

    • Understand devices and strategies used by people with disabilities and older adults
    • Learn what an accessible website offers
    • Know about WAI accessibility guidelines
    • Learn how to approach organizations about accessibility barriers

    Sample Outline:

    • Introducing Web Accessibility (5 minutes):
        1. Define web accessibility
        2. Describe how people with disabilities and older adults use the web through scenarios or videos
    • How People with Disabilities Use the Web (25 minutes):
        1. Discuss adaptive strategies and assistive technologies
        2. Demonstrate useful adaptive strategies/technologies from “Better Web Browsing: Tips for Customizing Your Computer”
    •  Components of Web Accessibility (10 minutes)
        1. Explain the four principles of accessible web design:
          Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust (POUR)
        2. Discuss WCAG guidelines using “WCAG 2.1 at a Glance”
        3. Explain web accessibility components and their relation to WAI Guidelines
    • Promoting Web Accessibility (5 minutes):
        1. 1. Teach how to contact organizations with inaccessible websites
    •   Questions (15 minutes):
        1. Allow time for questions and discussion.
    Accessible Web Design (2 hour lecture, for web design students)
    Example Scenario:

    Lecture on Web Accessibility in a Web Design Course

    Notes:
      • Handout
        1. WCAG 2.1 at a Glance
        2. WAI Web Accessibility Resources
      • Resources:
        1. Before and After Demonstration
        2. “How to Meet WCAG (Quick Reference)”
        3. “Involving Users in Web Projects for Better, Easier Accessibility”
    Audience Takeaways:
      • Understand how people with various disabilities use the web
      • Recognize the business benefits of web accessibility
      • Identify web barriers and solutions
      • Use WAI resources for further learning
      • Apply processes, techniques, and tools to evaluate web accessibility

    Sample Outline:

    • Introducing Web Accessibility (5 minutes):
        1. Define web accessibility
    • How People with Disabilities Use the Web (15 minutes):
        1. Discuss how people with disabilities use the web
        2. Highlight barriers from inaccessible design
    • Business Case for Web Accessibility (15 minutes):
        1. Explain benefits like better access for older users, improved SEO, and usability
        2. Mention demographics of the disability and aging population
        3. Highlight case studies
      • Components of Web Accessibility (10 minutes):
        1. Explain the four principles of accessible web design:
          Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust (POUR)
        2. Discuss WCAG guidelines using “WCAG 2.1 at a Glance”
      • Designing Accessible Websites with WCAG 2 (45 minutes):
        1. Explain WCAG requirements with examples
        2. Use “How to Meet WCAG (Quick Reference)” to design accessible websites
        3. Stress the importance of user involvement
        4. Use interactive coding exercises
      • Evaluation for Web Accessibility (30 minutes):
        1. Introduce preliminary and conformance evaluation
        2. Demonstrate evaluation techniques and tools
        3. Highlight user involvement in evaluations
        4. Use interactive evaluation exercises
      • Suggested Preparatory Reading for Students:
        1. “Introduction to Web Accessibility”
        2. “How People with Disabilities Use the Web”
        3. “Developing a Web Accessibility Business Case for Your Organization”
      • Suggested Homework Assignment:
        1. Ask students to fix web pages (possibly from the Before and After Demonstration), using “How to Meet WCAG (Quick Reference)”, and describe the barriers addressed and solutions applied