Assistive Technology Focus: Screen Readers
Imagine online shopping or editing a Word doc without being able to see the screen. Seems impossible right? Luckily for people with visual impairments, both the tasks mentioned, and much more, can be accomplished by using a screen reader. Screen readers are a type of assistive technology that reads the text and interactive components on […]
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 […]
What is a VPAT?
If you have created a digital product or service that is used by federal government employees or if you receive funding from the federal government, you need a VPAT® (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template®). A VPAT® is a document table that contains information about how an ICT (information & communications technology) product or service conforms with […]
LEGO’s Commitment to Learning Through Play for the Visually Impaired
Staying true to their commitment of re-defining play and re-imagining learning, the LEGO Foundation and LEGO Group are taking steps to ensure that LEGOs can be experienced by all children, especially those who are visually impaired. In August, LEGO debuted its first audio and Braille building instructions, a free service that gives visually impaired people […]
Website Accessibility Lawsuits Continue and Accelerate in 2019
Innovation, design, and ease-of-use are synonymous with most of our experiences on websites. However, if you have a disability, you will most likely have a different experience. Disabilities affect how you navigate a website, read and hear content, and perform tasks that an able-bodied person might find menial. Title III of the Americans with Disabilities […]