stephen bouikidis, avoiding the target trap: creating accessible section 508 compliant content

WelcomeStephen Bouikidis

Executive Vice PresidentNetReach

Today’s Topics• Key Elements of Section 508• Who Needs to Comply• Legal Implications of 508• Useful Resources

Key Elements of Section 508

Enacted in the 1998 Workforce Reinvestment Act

to provide accessible content to people with disabilities

Priorities (W3C)• [Priority 1]

– A Web content developer must satisfy this checkpoint. Otherwise, one or more groups will find it impossible to access information in the document. Satisfying this checkpoint is a basic requirement for some groups to be able to use Web documents.

• [Priority 2]– A Web content developer should satisfy this checkpoint. Otherwise,

one or more groups will find it difficult to access information in the document. Satisfying this checkpoint will remove significant barriers to accessing Web documents.

• [Priority 3]– A Web content developer may address this checkpoint. Otherwise, one

or more groups will find it somewhat difficult to access information in the document. Satisfying this checkpoint will improve access to Web documents.

Websites must satisfy the following 16 specific items

for web accessibility

1. Offer Text EquivalentsA text equivalent for every non-text element shall be provided (e.g., “alt”, “longdesc”)

2. Present Synchronized Multimedia Equivalent alternatives for any multimedia presentation shall be synchronized with the presentation.

3. Remain Independent of ColorWeb pages shall be designed so that all information conveyed with color is also available without color, for example from context or markup.

For example, use a “strong” tag as well as color to convey emphasis of a word or phrase.

4. Stay Independent of Style Sheets Documents shall be organized so they are readable without requiring an associated style sheet.

For example, do not replace structural elements of HTML like headings, paragraphs and lists.

5. Provide redundant links for server-side mapsRedundant text links shall be provided for each active region of a server-side image map.

6. Use client-side image maps Client-side image maps shall be provided instead of server-side image maps except where the regions cannot be defined with an available geometric shape.

7. Label row and column headers Row and column headers shall be identified for data tables.

8. Use the headers attribute in complex tables Markup shall be used to associate data cells and header cells for data tables that have two or more logical levels of row or column headers.

9. Supply Frame Titles (attributes and elements) Frames shall be titled with text that facilitates frame identification and navigation.

NOTE: Use of frames is not advisable. Impacts on the usability of the site and can often create confusion.

10. Reduce Flicker Pages shall be designed to avoid causing the screen to flicker with a frequency greater than 2Hz and lower than 55 Hz.

11. Offer a text-only alternative (LAST Resort)A text-only page, with equivalent information or functionality, shall be provided to make a Web site comply with the provisions of this part, when compliance cannot be accomplished in any other way. The content of the text-only page shall be updated whenever the primary page changes.

12. Write accessible scriptsWhen pages utilize scripting languages to display content, or to create interface elements, the information provided by the script shall be identified with functional text that can be read by assistive technology.E.g.- hidden content exposed with JavaScript, such as a mouse over. If turned off, is there an alternative way to link?

13. Specify Accessible Applets and Plug-insWhen a Web page requires that an applet, plug-in or other application be present on the client system to interpret page content, the page must provide a link to a plug-in or applet that complies with §1194.21 (a)(1-11).

E.g.-include a link to the plug-in such as Adobe Acrobat.

14. Design Accessible FormsWhen electronic forms are designed to be completed online, the form shall allow people using assistive technology to access theinformation, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues.

15. Offer Skip NavigationA method shall be provided that permits users to skip repetitive navigation links.

16. Alert Users to Timed ResponsesWhen a timed response is required, the user shall be alerted and given sufficient time to indicate more time is required.

Who Needs to Comply?

• Any US Federal Website (.GOV)• Any vendor who provides information

to federal sites

Section 508 does not apply to:

• The private sector*• Agencies or establishments using federal

funds* currently being challenged

Legal Implications of 508

Target, AOL, Southwest Airlines, Ramada, B&N, Priceline.com

Who Should Comply?

Everyone** If you know what’s good for you

9 Good Reasons to Make your Websites Compliant

• You could be non-compliant with various laws.

• It’s the right thing to do• It increases market size• It addresses the aging

population

• It enhances corporate image and brand

• It reduces corporate risk• It’s not just about people

with disabilities• It improves SEO and

Usability.• My mother made me do

it!

Examples

www.learningthroughlistening.orgwww.ready.gov

Useful Resources

• Cynthia Says- (http://www.cynthiasays.com/) test your sites for Section 508 Compliance

• Section 508.gov- official Section 508 site; access to tools and resources available

• Section 508 Tutorial-(http://www.jimthatcher.com/webcourse1.htm) nice tutorial on making your sites 508 compliant

• Access Board (http://www.access-board.gov/508.htm) developers of Section 508 standards

• World Wide Web Consortium Web Accessibility Initiative- (http://www.w3.org/WAI) Collaborators and developers of accessibility guidelines

Any Questions?

Thank You!Stephen Bouikidis

Executive Vice PresidentNetReach

stephen@netreach.com; 215-283-2300, ext. 147

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