Accessibility

November 30, 2022

Accessibility

What are some issues with accessibility online?

Here is a Youtube video identifying some issues with accessibility online:

According to TGPI, a blog about online accessibility, the most common top ten issues for accessibility online are (https://www.tpgi.com/ten-common-web-accessibility-issues/) :

1. Image Alt Text Errors

Click the audio to listen.

Not using alternative text for images can be problematic for screen reader users. For example, the text is too limited to explain the idea, the text can be too wordy and distracts the reader from the primary purpose of the image, no alternative text is provided, and the text is only decorative.

2. Not providing a visual indication of the current focus

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Sometimes a web page author needs to visually indicate where the current input focus is placed within the page, making it difficult for keyboard-only users, screen magnification users, and speech recognition users who depend on this information.

3. Failure to use proper labels

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When form controls are not correctly labeled, assistive technology cannot link the label with its power, making it difficult for a person who uses assistive technology to understand the purpose of management.

4. Non-descriptive text for hyperlinks

click the audio to listen

Often, the link text will need to provide more detail to understand the link's purpose out of context. For example, links may be present on the page that use the text "click me" or "click here." Since assistive technology can allow users to find, sort, and quickly navigate to the links on a page, the text used for that link is essential for assistive technology users to quickly complete their tasks.

5. Link areas are too small

Users with dexterity issues need help with using a mouse to click on the clickable target areas that are too small.

6. Improper use of heading elements

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The headings on a web page usually help a user to help navigate the page and to understand the relationship of the web page content. However, heading elements are lacking, with creates difficulties for screen readers.

7. Color Contrast

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Using color contrasts on web page content outside of the allowable color contrast ratio can affect users who have low vision or are color blind.

8. Embedding non-accessible documents

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Web page creators sometimes will embed documents such as PDF, Microsoft word, or PowerPoint, which are inaccessible documents for persons with disabilities.

9. Same descriptive text for different resources

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Using the exact descriptive text for links that point to different resources. When focused on creating excellent user experiences, it is best to make your descriptive text relevant and unique.

10. Tables markup

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Often, tables are used for layout. However, a web page author must consider how the content is lined out on a table, which can confuse screen reader users. Also, sometimes the data tables need the proper markup to allow screen readers users to obtain the information required to fully understand the data contained within the specific data cell.

What are some resources for teachers on accessibility?

Here is a list of resources and videos for teachers on accessibility:

This Microsoft support webpage offers training on how to create more accessible tables in Excel. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/video-create-more-accessible-tables-in-excel-86e50f77-0f15-4537-ab1d-62d0e4cd5645

This webpage explains document accessibility. https://adasitecompliance.com/document-accessibility/

The Reading Rocket website offers many resources and information on accessibility for teachers.

https://www.readingrockets.org/article/accessibility-tools-and-resources-getting-started-accessibility_ctd

https://teachaccess.org/resources/fact-sheet-why-teach-accessibility/

https://www.w3.org/WAI/teach-advocate/

https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/resources-by-theme/accessibility-and-online-learning-resources

Accessibility scanners/ tools:

https://www.audioeye.com/your-website-accessibility-checker/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAm5ycBhCXARIsAPldzoWDHuP0q5NozpZ8bWUqEI6CjNtKHLs7DymeBJ7Pj6SKwVpvRdJqYL8aAktXEALw_wcB&utm_campaign=2021_US_SEM_RCH_ADA_WCAG_Software_Tools&utm_content=629730335968&utm_medium=GoogleSearch&utm_source=PaidSearch&utm_term=wcag%20tools