Speaker(s)
- Jeff Singleton, Principal, Converge Accessibility
- Ken Nakata, Principal, Converge Accessibility
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: Beginner
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
Newcomers to web accessibility are often confused where to start. This session provides a starting point that will jump start the understanding of basic web accessibility principles and help define an effective initial evaluation path to achieving and maintaining accessible content.
Abstract
This session provides simple vendor-neutral steps that any organization can use to achieve web accessibility. It explains which WCAG 2.1 A/AA provisions are critical for avoiding a "surf by" lawsuit and how automation and manual testing come into play. It also explains why a simple Accessibility Statement ensures program access and equivalent access to goods and services—even if a website is not yet fully accessibility. It also reviews how to build accessibility into web development processes so that future content remains accessible.
Keypoints
- Why an Accessibility Statement is important and how to write one.
- Easy steps for avoiding a website accessibility lawsuit.
- How to create a self-sustaining culture of web accessibility.
Disability Areas
All Areas
Topic Areas
Uncategorized, Web/Media/App Access
Speaker Bio(s)
Jeff Singleton
Jeff Singleton is one of the nation's leading authorities on web accessibility and testing. He is a former member of Microsoft's Accessible Technology Group (ATG) and led the quality assurance team for Windows Narrator. An expert user of most assistive technologies, Jeff has a keen understanding of accessibility standards (such as WCAG and Section 508) as well as the practical impact of accessibility issues on people with disabilities.
Jeff has led important projects with leading companies such as HP and Microsoft. And he has helped government agencies like the Veteran's Health Administration make their technology accessible. For the last several years, NASA has also trusted Jeff to perform accessibility reviews of the technologies (including web sites) used by its grantees.
One of Jeff's strongest talents and passions is educating others about accessibility. For the last twelve years, he has led training sessions at important international accessibility conferences, such as the California State University, Northridge Center on Disabilities CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, and the National ADA Symposium. Jeff also holds an ADA Coordinator Title III Business Certificate and is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE).
Ken Nakata
Ken Nakata is a technology-focused civil rights attorney. His work focuses on web 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 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. He is a Founding and former Board Member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). Ken is admitted to the bars of New York, Washington, and the District of Columbia and is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He also received his undergraduate degree in mathematics from the Johns Hopkins University. He is also certified as a privacy professional with the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Principals (CPACP) with the IAAP, and a Sun Certified Programmer for the Java 2 Platform.