Assistive Technology Focus: Captioning, Transcripts and Audio Descriptions
I love captioning. I realized that I understand content, easily retain information and enjoy my viewing experiences more when I watch videos, TV and movies with the text right on my screen. Plus, I rarely need to backtrack to figure out what a character in a movie or show said! This is an example of […]
Website Accessibility & California Housing Laws: Make Sure Your Site Complies
Most websites fall under Title III of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which governs access of persons with disabilities to places of “public accommodations.” These are defined as entities that own or operate a place of public accommodation, which include the real estate, mortgage and insurance industry. In addition to the ADA, there are […]
What the tech industry can learn from “Crip Camp”
Judith “Judy” Heumann, contracted Polio as a child in 1949 which left her unable to walk. When she was old enough to go to school, the principal of the public school denied her entry–citing that she was a fire hazard–because she used a wheelchair. She also could not go to the movies, was asked to […]
Assistive Technology Focus: Screen Readers
…the Internet can mean many things to people with a disability: a luxury, a necessity, a way to participate in the information society, a way to gain access to more information than was previously available, or only one of the many ways of accessing information. It is also seen as a technology which may potentially […]
Accessible Video Conferencing While Social Distancing & Working From Home
To date, most states in the U.S. have some type of “stay at home” or “shelter in place” order to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Many are relying on video conferencing tools to socialize and stay connected to friends and family. These video conferencing tools have become even more important for the almost 30% of […]
As Remote Learning Becomes the Norm, So Must Fully Accessible Learning Tools
With schools finishing the year at home due to COVID-19, decisions made about remote learning tools will significantly affect students with disabilities. The urgency to accommodate all students may be greater than educational institutions have ever experienced. Students and teachers are fortunate to have options for distance learning, and there will certainly be a learning […]
Accessible Web Becomes a Member of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
Accessible Web began in 2016 with the goal of making websites accessible to everyone. We believe that like physical public spaces, the web is also a public space that should be fully accessible to all, regardless of the lack of legal obligation. Because we are dedicated to making the web accessible to society as a […]
Are JavaScript Based Accessibility Toolbars a Viable Way to Meet ADA Compliance?
The digital accessibility industry is flooded with companies selling accessibility toolbars that allow users to change font specific settings, contrast settings, use a built-in screen reader and other accessibility-based site adjustments. Many of these companies claim guaranteed ADA compliance, just by purchasing a subscription to the toolbar and by implementing it onto your site. I […]
Supreme Court Denied Domino’s Request to Hear Accessibility Case
The Supreme Court of the United States has denied Domino’s petition to hear a case about whether its website and app is required to be accessible to people who are disabled. This leaves in place the decision that the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals made stating that the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) does […]
CPACC Certifications Completed!
We’re excited to announce that Peter Jewett and Pete Bruhn, our co-founders, have completed their International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) Certifications. Both are continuing to work towards IAAP Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) Certifications, and another round of 5 team members are in the process of studying and […]