Teaming Up: How to Work with Tech Providers to Improve AccessibilityFriday, March 6, 2015

9:00 AM PST

Presentation Outline

Changing the Way We do Business in the Federal Government

Adopting New Technologies

Tips for Working with Tech Providers

Examples in Action

Lessons Learned

Vendors are PEOPLE, Too

Changing the Way We Do Business

The New Federal Government: Open, Transparent and Participatory

BORPSAT BORPSAVT

Why are we taking a seat at the Virtual table? ─ Much bigger─ Less reliant on logistics─ More accessible─ Much cheaper─ Available all day─ Better data

Adopting New Technologies

Available Collaboration Tools

Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Establish a line of communication with the vendor. Don’t be afraid to commit to a relationship.

Present the vendor with solutions, not just issues.

Go to bat with a full list, don’t nickel and dime them.

Make it personal. Share “real” people’s experiences.

Help them understand the impact of the solution – accessibility not only impacts your users, everyone can benefit.

Give ‘em props –positive reinforcement is a proven effective management process.

Share the story! It’s good for them, it’s good for you.

Educate at every opportunity.

Tips for Working with Tech Vendors

Challenge:SharePoint is Section 508-compliant (out-of-the box), but presented usability issues upon implementation. Reaching beyond the sales and support teams to the development team.

Example in Action: SharePoint

Example in Action: SharePoint

1. Set “More Accessible” mode as the default

2. Created a Site Map that integrates functions, as well as links to pages (e.g., Add a calendar item, Add a discussion)

3. Improved site navigation and added help features

4. Added descriptive labels

5. Revised table formats

6. Added alt tags and removed non-tagable tool tips

7. Removed unreadable check boxes

8. Disabled pop up boxes

9. Removed disabled ribbon features

10. Simplified forms and limited mandatory fields

11. Created buttons for short cuts

Actions & Accessibility Fixes:

More Accessible Mode

One-Touch Action Buttons

Example in Action: Bamboo

Challenge:Finding an accessible web part to integrate into the ePolicyWorks online workspaces (SharePoint 2010) that would allow members to send emails directly to other members from within the workspace

1. Researched and identified possible solutions2. Confirmed functionality and tested accessibility3. Identified accessibility issues (graphic was not

properly tagged)4. Contacted Bamboo to alert them to the issue and

collaborated with them to come up with a solution

5. Fast tracked update6. Created an accessible product for all to use

Example in Action: Bamboo

Actions & Accessibility Fixes:

Accessible Bamboo Web Part

Challenge:Found that the crowdsourcing platform was

inaccessible and presented many usability issues.

Example in Action: IdeaScale

Example in Action: IdeaScale

1. Increased font sizes and color contrast

2. Used CSS to hide unnecessary functionality within the IdeaScale template that hindered usability for those utilizing assistive technology

3. Improved the read order of the IdeaScale voting features for assistive technology

4. Added setting to turn "Events" off when not active

5. Simplified the URL in the “Reset Password email” to improve ease of use

6. Corrected keyboard focus when clicking “Forgot Password”

7. Removed unnecessary graphics

8. Added alt text to "Close Window" throughout the template

9. Improved dropdown menu behavior throughout the template

10. Inserted a success message for screen reader participants so that they know their action was performed successfully

11. Required numbers for all numeric form fields

12. Came up with an alternative to CAPTCHA

Actions & Accessibility Fixes:

Remediation Plan

Accessible ePolicyWorks Template

New IdeaScale Template

Lessons Learned Most vendors are very willing to work with you. Accessibility issues are often lack

of knowledge rather than negligence. Education is the key. Try working with smaller companies. They can be easier to work with and have

less layers to work through. Try feeding with carrots. Come to the table with a positive attitude and with

solutions to the issues. Commit to a relationship and take more of a team approach. We’re in this

together! Make sure you have the right people the table. Connect with the development

team to ensure the details are properly communicated and changes are made. Follow up. Make sure the changes are carried over and on to new products and

templates. These changes should not just be for you, but for all. Sometimes you don’t win, but you still have an opportunity to educate. And be

persistent, don’t give up. Push to include the changes in the next iteration. There’s always the next version!

Remember…Vendors are PEOPLE, Too

PatienceEmpathyOutreachPersistenceListenEducate

Questions

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