Introduction to Web Accessibility: A Practical Demonstration of the Real-Life Implications for People with Disabilities

Handouts Media

Presented at 8:00am in Cotton Creek II on Thursday, November 15, 2018.

Speaker(s)

• Jeffrey Singleton, Director of Accessibility Consulting Practice, Cxytera
• Ken Nakata, Director of Accessibility Consulting Practice, Cxytera

Session Details

• Length of Session: 1-hr
• Format: Lecture
• Expertise Level: Beginner
• Type of session: General Conference

Summary

Web accessibility newcomers are often bewildered on where to begin. This session provides a jump start in understanding basic web accessibility principles and the impact on people with disabilities.

Abstract

Understanding web accessibility and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 A/AA is just about impossible for anyone who is not a web professional. This can make hard for newcomers to understand what WCAG is and how it affects people with disabilities in a practical way. This session is designed to overcome this problem.

We will dissect WCAG 2.0, explain what the provisions mean, and provide a demonstration using assistive technology of how each provision is important for meeting the needs of users with disabilities. This will make it easier for attendees to understand the importance of WCAG and communicate this importance to others, including policy-makers, decision-makers, and budget officers.

NOTE: Given the introductory nature of the session it would be most beneficial presented at the start of the general sessions. This will allow attendees to utilize the basic understanding gained in interacting with vendors and in understanding more advanced sessions they attend later

Keypoints

1. Gain an understanding how people with disabilities use the web.
2. Minimize fear of the WCAG 2.0 Guidelines.
3. Communicate the importance of WCAG 2.0 to others.

Disability Areas

All Areas

Topic Areas

Assistive Technology, Uncategorized, Web/Media/App Access

Speaker Bio(s)

Jeffrey Singleton

Jeff Singleton has worked in evaluating and supporting software for over two decades. Jeff is the Senior Accessibility Consultant at Cyxtera, the makers of Compliance Sheriff. Jeff is skilled in the use of AT software such as screen readers, assistive input devices and screen magnification for validating and testing projects. Jeff Singleton also has an in depth knowledge of accessibility requirements and guidelines such as Section 508 and the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and how they apply to real world applications.

Ken Nakata

Ken Nakata is an attorney in the area of IT accessibility and works as the Director of Accessibility Practices for Cryptzone. His work focuses on web and software accessibility from both a legal and technical perspective. He also helps organizations manage the change towards accessibility in all aspects-including crafting policies, developing stakeholder ownership, and forging awareness and commitment to the legal and business case supporting accessibility.

Ken worked for twelve years as a Senior Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice. He has argued on behalf of the United States government many times before the federal courts and has helped shape the government’s policies for the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. In addition to litigation, he also helped developed many of the Department’s policies, including Accessibility of State and Local Government Websites to People with Disabilities available at https://www.ada.gov/websites2) and which reflects the Department’s current view towards ADA compliance for state and local government websites. Ken is a frequent speaker on both law and technology and is equally adept at conducting one-on-one workshops with programmers and developers as well as explaining law and policy to large audiences.

Handout(s)

• An Introduction to Web Accessibility and Practical Demonstration of Real-Life Implications