The Challenges of Accessibility in Montreal: A Path Towards Improvement
Montreal, a city renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture, unfortunately, has a less admirable legacy when it comes to accessibility. As a city built in various stages over centuries, many of Montreal’s private and public spaces were designed without consideration for individuals with mobility challenges. This historical oversight has left a significant portion […]
Implementing Accessibility to Improve Your Home
For most people, the home is where you might spend a large portion of your day. Having a home that is organized and efficient can make a huge difference in your day to day experiences. Let’s explore how we can use accessibility to improve the functionality of your living space. As someone who lives with […]
Beethoven’s Silent Symphony: The Role of Music Notation in Enabling Compositional Excellence Despite Hearing Loss
Ludwig van Beethoven, a name synonymous with classical music, continued to compose some of his most profound works even after losing his hearing. This remarkable feat not only underscores his genius but also highlights the critical role of music notation as an early form of accessibility in the arts. Beethoven’s ability to compose despite his […]
What is a VPAT?
A VPAT, short for Voluntary Product Accessibility Template, is a document that organizations complete to demonstrate their dedication to creating products that are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. It serves as a formal declaration of compliance with accessibility standards, reflecting a commitment not just to ethical principles but also to adhering to […]
Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2023
Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is on May 18. As many of us know, accessibility is not a one-off project; it is an ongoing effort that requires knowledge, resources, and commitment. Here are some tips for celebrating and reaffirming your organization’s commitment to accessibility this GAAD. Take a course in Accessible Web Academy Did you […]
WCAG 2.1 vs 2.2
WCAG 2.2 guidelines are an updated set of web accessibility standards being drafted by the W3C. Their upcoming release contains new success criteria that builds on the WCAG 2.1 standard while still leaving the existing guidelines intact. Understanding WCAG 2.2 vs WCAG 2.1 is an important step for your organization’s long term web accessibility strategy. What’s […]
What You Need to Know About CO HB-1110
What is CO HB-1110? Colorado’s state legislature recently passed House Bill (HB) 1110 making it the first state to require state and local governments to be compliant with digital accessibility standards. These standards already existed at the federal level, but codifying them into state law gives more legal power to those who face discrimination and […]
Voluntary Product Accessibility Template – VPAT
Your VPAT or Voluntary Product Accessibility Template tells users how accessible your product or services is for users with assistive technologies. What is a VPAT? A VPAT is a document used to help users of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) make informed decisions before engaging with a service or product. The first iteration of this document […]
A Case for Usability and UX Testing
“Nothing About Us, Without Us” If your website hasn’t been tested by real assistive technology users, how do you know it’s truly barrier-free for people with disabilities? You really can’t. That’s why it’s important to include people with disabilities in your web design and accessibility remediation process. Usability/UX testing is your opportunity to have real […]
Clear, Concise, and Convenient: The Importance of Plain Language
Learn how using plain language can improve user experience, make web content more accessible to everyone, and even boost your SEO rankings. What is plain language? Plain language is simple, straightforward, and easy to understand communication. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as: Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other […]