Accessibility means ensuring compatibility with assistive technology. Try to favor true accessibility over mere compliance with standards. For example, use text to describe a picture that will mean something to the visually impaired. Rather than just using placeholder or minimal text to satisfy the requirement.
Examples
- Untagged PDF being read by a screen reader (30 second video)
- Two versions of Amazon site (1:07 minute video)
Standards
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
- Note: Meeting the WCAG 2.0 A and AA guideline requirements, means you have met 508 and 504 requirements. This applies to mobile as well.
- Section 508.gov
Tools
- Making Files Accessible 508 Compliant: Checklists and Tips from HHS
- Microsoft Word 2010 508 Accessibility Checklist
- Using the Acrobat XI Pro Accessibility Checker
- Website Accessibility Evaluation Tool
- Web accessibility best practices - also breaks down by format(.pdf, powerpoint, etc.)
Resources
- Caption Services from the Media Access Group at WGBH
- Web Accessibility: Why, What, and How (overview)
- HHS accessibility resources
- Techniques and Failures for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0
- Web Accessibility in Mind
- YouTube Help: Add subtitles and closed captions
- YouTube Help: Transcripts
- Penn State Accessibility Website
Webinar Recordings from AETC E-Learn Committee Meeting
- Caption This! Update on Section 508 Compliance (Sept 2015)
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