Disability Drives Innovation: Accessibility Spotlight
Haben Girma, the first person who is deaf-blind to graduate from Harvard Law School, believes that disability drives innovation. She uses the example of two Italian friends whose desire to correspond through letters sparked the invention of the typewriter. One was blind and the other sighted, so the latter created a machine where his friend […]
Why Voting Must Be Accessible to All & How It Isn’t
If voting is a civic duty, shouldn’t all voters have access to all process steps? As state and federal elections draw near, this question is urgent and, because of Covid-19, in-person options for voting are more risky or, just plain unavailable. Unfortunately, when it comes to digital access, voting is not an easy process for many […]
Assistive Technology Focus: Sip and Puff Devices
Most types of assistive technology require the use of one’s hands, motor capacity, or mobility in another part of the body to use computer devices and the internet. Sip and Puff (or SNP) devices enable individuals who are unable to use a manual device to access computers and other essential technology. Users “take a sip” […]
Announcing Our New Suite of Accessibility Tools: Accessible Web RAMP!
Since our launch in 2018, we’ve recognized the challenges organizations face in navigating the complexities of online ADA compliance and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). So, we created a new product that addresses these challenges: Accessible Web RAMP, a suite of SaaS tools designed to help teams discover, understand, and resolve web accessibility issues. Accessible Web […]
WCAG Version History
WCAG 1.0 In May 1999, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 1.0 were established. A first step in establishing guidelines for accessibility on the web, WCAG 1.0 focused mainly on HTML. This edition of the WCAG included the conformance levels that we are still familiar with today: A, AA, and AAA. From the perspective of […]
Deadline approaching for Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
In 2005 Ontario became the first Canadian Province to pass accessibility laws and has one of the most comprehensive policies created to date: The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Many countries, like the US, have laws that require government organizations or organizations that use government funds to have and procure accessible technology, websites, […]
Accessibility Updates: Windows, Firefox, and Apple
We’re always thrilled to hear about technology companies updating their products specifically for accessibility. Not only does improved technology enhance experiences for people with disabilities, but these updates move the needle further toward progress. Let’s hope other companies and organizations follow suit because everyone benefits from accessibility. Here are some of the highlights from the […]
Disability Rights Are Not Optional: How Proposed GOP Legislation Will Hurt the ADA
“Disability rights are human rights, and these civil rights must never become optional benefits that can be taken away whenever it’s convenient or cheaper for employers and those in power.” -Senator Tammy Duckworth The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) just celebrated its 30th anniversary, but even with this legislation in place, there are still lots […]
Assistive Technology Focus: Braille Display Devices
One of the best aspects of working in the digital accessibility field is learning about the innovative tools that enable users with disabilities to access and understand content they would otherwise be unable to experience. Assistive technology (AT) enables individuals with disabilities to access computers, electronic devices, and the web using alternative or additional input […]
Thirty Years After the ADA Was Passed, There Is Still Lots To Be Done
On July 26th, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. In the past 30 years, many improvements to our physical world have been made–from curb cutouts to accessible entrances to braille buttons on elevators, ATMs, and kiosks. Many people with disabilities stress that though their lives have vastly improved since it […]