How to Manually Test a Website Without Technical Knowledge (combined with Web Accessibility Evaluation)

Proposal No: 852

Bios & Handouts

Speaker(s)

• Kara Zirkle, Accessible Technology Coordinator, Miami University
• Stephanie Robbins, Program Support Specialist, George Mason University

Disability Area: Cognitive|Learning   Mobility   Vision   Deaf|HOH   Other Disability   Other Text  

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Topic Area: Legal   Best Practices   Web|Media Access   Alternate Format   Campus Policy   Curriculum Access   Assistive Technology   Information Resources  

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Length of Session (in hours): 3-hr

Format: Lab

Expertise Level: All Levels

Type of session: Not provided

Summary of Session

This session will offer a low-technical instruction on how to manually test websites for accessibility. We will review a checklist with specific steps to check for accessibility. This list will cover about 75% of web accessibility. No technical knowledge would be required.

Abstract

This session will offer a low-technical instruction on how to manually test websites for accessibility. Basic technical knowledge of commonly used keyboard controls and navigating a website will be used. We will review web accessibility standards, using less technical definitions allowing the everyday user to have better knowledge of accessibility problems. Using the checklist and step-by-step instruction will allow attendees to easily create a report of issues found on the website. This report can then be used by the developer to address accessibility issues of the website.

Kepoints

1. Attendees will learn the overall Web Accessibility Standards and key areas to review for accessibility.
2. Attendees will learn how to test websites for accessibility without having any technical knowledge.
3. Attendees will learn how to complete a report to give developers to review their site for accessibility.

Speaker Bio(s)

Kara Zirkle

Ms. Zirkle has over 15 years experience working with individuals with disabilities. Kara has worked in Government and Higher Education. She is currently working at Miami University building accessibility procurement and policy. She worked at George Mason University prior for 9 years working closely with Enterprise Architecture reviewing accessibility. She works to ensure that Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 compliance of electronic and information technology (E&IT) is accessible to faculty, staff, students and public both with and without disabilities.

Stephanie Robbins

Stephanie Robbins has worked in the field of Assistive Technology for 4 years and is currently a Program Support Specialist for the Assistive Technology Initiative at Mason. She provides training support for students with disabilities as well as support in maintaining 508 web compliance through manually testing websites & applications for accessibility. She enjoys working both with students & faculty in regards to providing overall accessibility support.

Handout(s)