Lightning Talk - Accessbility

LightningTalkAccessibility

How to program with accessibility in mind. 

What is web accessibility?
  -Accessibility on the web includes those with visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological impairments
  
Focus on accessibility for individuals with visual impairments
  -people who are completely blind
  -people who are color blind

How does someone who is completely blind use the web?
  -screen readers
    -apple products come ccessible out of the box
  -braille displays
  
Who programs using accessibility tactics?
  -mostly people who get federal funding
    -colleges, 
  
Who should program with accessibility in mind?
  -everyone!
  
Why is programming with accessibility in mind not used widely?
  -Developers think that it creates a lot of extra work
  -Developers don't have personal experience with someone who utilizes accessibility
  
What are some things to add?
  -short image descriptions
  -make sure color is not the only thing delineating hierarchy 
  -contrast ratio of 4.5:1
  -make sure links have color contrast that will be identified
  -when using tables, identify rows and columns with good description
  -option to skip navigation bar for screen readers
  -description for text fields and buttons
  -document should have a text only version
  -if a plugin is needed, provide a link for download

How to start
  -Ask someone what they look for in a website
  -Start with usability. This makes things easier for everyone
  -Use a checklist

  
  
Resources:  http://www.html5accessibility.com
            http://www.hhs.gov/web/508/accessiblefiles/checklisthtml.html