Digital Accessibility Archives

Accessibility: Empowering Digital Inclusion and Bridging the Digital Divide

Posted on April 29, 2024 by aashish-dev

In the digital age, accessibility has become a fundamental aspect of technology development, ensuring that digital content and services are inclusive for all users, including those with disabilities. Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) serves as a critical reminder of the importance of digital accessibility. Integra, a leader in providing innovative accessibility solutions, recognizes the significance of this day and its alignment with our mission to create universally accessible digital environments. This essay explores the importance of digital accessibility, the impact of GAAD, and how Integra’s commitment and capabilities contribute to enhancing digital inclusivity.

The Importance of Digital Accessibility

Digital accessibility involves designing digital content and technologies that are usable by people with a wide range of abilities. This practice not only helps individuals with disabilities but also provides a better user experience for all. Integra’s approach to digital accessibility, highlighted through our comprehensive suite of services, underscores the importance of inclusivity in digital content creation. From ensuring compliance with international standards like WCAG and ADA to offering specialized services such as accessible document services, Integra is dedicated to removing barriers in the digital landscape.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) and Its Impact

Global Accessibility Awareness Day GAAD is celebrated annually on the third Thursday of May to spotlight the need for inclusive design and promote digital accessibility. This observance is crucial as it encourages developers, corporations, and the public to consider the digital experiences of people with disabilities. Integra honors GAAD by participating in global discussions, hosting workshops, and engaging with the community to share best practices in accessibility. These activities align with our core values and emphasize our commitment to making accessibility integral to technology development.

Promoting Accessibility

Integra has been at the forefront of the accessibility movement with advanced services and innovative solutions such as our AI-powered tool, Quixl iAlt. This tool leverages artificial intelligence to generate accurate alt texts for images, enhancing web accessibility and ensuring compliance with legal standards. For publishers, integrating Quixl iAlt into our service offerings addresses one of the biggest barriers to accessibility compliance: the lack of meaningful image descriptions for screen readers used by visually impaired users, especially in academic and scholarly books and journals, which are critical to scholarly communications.

Our participation in the Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) promoting extends beyond annual events. Integra is committed to year-round advocacy and education to raise awareness about the importance of accessibility. As part of this year’s contribution to raise awareness on Accessibility, Integra will be joining the panel on European Accessibility Act (EAA) at the 5th ALPSP University Press Redux scheduled for 16-May-2024, which happens to be the Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2024, creating awareness through blog post on European Accessibility Act (EAA) as that is one of the most significant mandate that will affect business across sectors. We will continue to advocate and act as an enabler to organizations to advance accessibility standards and practices globally.

Accessibility Advocacy at Integra

Looking ahead, Integra is focused on expanding its accessibility services by embracing emerging technologies and developing new solutions that anticipate and address future accessibility challenges. Our ongoing investment in research and development positions us to lead the way in creating cutting-edge, accessible digital experiences. By fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion, Integra aims to set new benchmarks in the industry and inspire others to prioritize accessibility.

Integra’s dedication to digital accessibility is unwavering. We reaffirm our commitment to making the digital world accessible to everyone. Integra’s ongoing initiatives and innovations not only contribute to the global accessibility agenda but also reflect our belief that accessibility is not just a feature but a fundamental right. Together, through awareness, innovation, and collaboration, we continue to make significant strides in building an inclusive digital future.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column]
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Achieving Digital Inclusion with the European Accessibility Act (EAA)

Posted on April 24, 2024 by prakash.nagarajan

The European Accessibility Act – Promoting Digital Inclusivity

Digital accessibility is increasingly acknowledged as a fundamental human right, vital for social inclusion and equal opportunity. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) spearheads initiatives to ensure that all digital products and services are accessible, particularly for individuals with disabilities. As a cornerstone of legislative efforts towards inclusivity, the EAA mandates comprehensive accessibility standards across digital platforms, thereby facilitating equal access for a diverse range of users. Countries in the European Union must enforce their European Accessibility Act (EAA) laws by June 28, 2025, with extensions until June 28, 2030 for services previously not requiring accessibility.

This legislation aligns with global movements towards digital equity, emphasizing that access to information and services via digital means is a right, not a privilege. By setting robust standards, the EAA aims to transform the digital landscape into a universally accessible environment.

Understanding Accessibility and Compliance

Accessibility refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environments for people who experience disabilities. The concept extends beyond mere physical access to include digital access, which is crucial given the pervasive role of technology in daily life.

Compliance and conformance are two pivotal terms in the realm of accessibility. Compliance means adhering to laws and regulations, while conformance refers to following technical standards. In the context of the EAA, organizations must not only comply with legal requirements but also conform to established standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and EN 301 549, which specify how digital accessibility should be implemented.

Key Provisions of the European Accessibility Act

The EAA delineates clear obligations for digital products and services, aiming to remove barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities from accessing them. One of its primary goals is to harmonize accessibility standards across EU member states, ensuring consistency and predictability for businesses and consumers alike.

Key aspects of the EAA include requirements for digital content to be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. These requirements apply not only to public sector bodies but also to private enterprises that provide essential services such as banking, e-commerce, and digital media.

Impact on Businesses and Service Providers

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) introduces comprehensive changes that significantly affect both public and private sectors, with a special emphasis on digital services like e-commerce and consumer banking, as well as manufacturers of widely-used technologies such as computers, smartphones, and service terminals like ATMs and ticketing machines.

Public Sector

Public entities are required to ensure that all digital services, including websites, mobile applications, and all forms of electronic communications, comply with the EAA. This includes making information, such as electronic tickets and real-time travel information, fully accessible. Public service terminals like ATMs, ticketing machines, and check-in machines must also meet specific accessibility standards to accommodate all users, including those with physical, visual, or hearing impairments.

Private Sector

For the private sector, the EAA casts a wide net, encompassing a vast array of services and products. Companies involved in e-commerce, consumer banking, and the provision of digital content including ebooks must ensure their platforms and services are accessible. This includes making websites user-friendly and ensuring that mobile apps can be navigated efficiently by everyone, including those with disabilities.

In addition to these digital provisions, physical products like smartphones, computers, and consumer electronics sold in the EU must adhere to EAA standards. This ensures that new products entering the market are usable by the broadest possible audience, including those with disabilities.

Compliance Across Borders

Businesses outside the EU that target European customers must comply with the EAA. This stipulation ensures that any product or service sold within the EU meets the same accessibility standards, regardless of where it is manufactured or developed. This global reach of the EAA underscores its broad impact, aiming to set a universal standard of accessibility that could influence international markets and practices.

Obligations and Implementation

Businesses need to incorporate accessibility into their digital presence comprehensively. This includes the development of websites and mobile apps that adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and ensuring that all digital and physical products—such as payment terminals, interactive terminals, and consumer electronics—are designed with accessibility in mind from the start.

Training and Audits

Companies are also required to train staff regularly on accessibility principles and conduct audits to ensure ongoing compliance. This proactive approach not only helps in maintaining standards but also improves customer service for people with disabilities.

Exemptions and Penalties

Small businesses, referred to as ‘microenterprises,’ might be exempt from some of the stringent requirements, though they are encouraged to comply voluntarily. For larger businesses, failure to meet the EAA standards can result in penalties, which are determined based on the extent and seriousness of non-compliance. This emphasizes the importance of all businesses understanding and implementing the necessary changes well ahead of the final deadlines.

These changes herald a significant shift towards an inclusive digital economy in Europe, promoting an environment where accessibility is no longer an afterthought but a fundamental aspect of product and service design. For more detailed guidance on compliance, businesses can refer to the resources provided by European standardisation bodies and accessibility experts.

Achieving Compliance with the European Accessibility Act

Adhering to the EAA involves overcoming both technological and operational hurdles. Organizations must invest in new technologies and training to ensure compliance. This might include revamping existing digital platforms to meet accessibility standards and implementing ongoing monitoring mechanisms to ensure continued adherence. Achieving this level of compliance can be daunting, but with the right guidance and expertise, it is entirely feasible.

Assessment and Gap Analysis

The first step toward EAA compliance involves a thorough evaluation of your digital products to determine their current level of accessibility. This assessment pinpoints any deficiencies in adherence to accessibility standards. Understanding where your products stand is crucial in planning the necessary modifications to enhance accessibility.

Remediation Strategies

Once gaps are identified, the next step is to implement remediation strategies to resolve these issues. This process involves making the necessary adjustments to your digital products to ensure they meet the required accessibility standards. Remediation might include altering user interface design, improving navigational structures, or ensuring that all content is perceivable to various assistive technologies.

Consulting and Compliance Guidance

Navigating the complexities of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and other relevant standards can be challenging. Professional consulting services can provide you with the expertise needed to understand these guidelines and apply them effectively. These services offer strategic advice on best practices for designing and maintaining accessible digital products, ensuring ongoing compliance with the EAA.

By systematically assessing, remediating, and consulting on accessibility standards, businesses can ensure their digital products are not only compliant with the EAA but also more usable for a broader audience, ultimately enhancing user experience and satisfaction.

Future of Digital Accessibility in Europe

The future of digital accessibility in Europe looks promising as the EAA sets a precedent for other regions to follow. Continued advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, offer new opportunities to enhance accessibility. Moreover, the EAA is likely to evolve, incorporating feedback from users and technological innovations to remain effective.

The role of continuous monitoring and updates cannot be overstated. As digital landscapes change, so too must accessibility standards to ensure they remain relevant and practical.

The European Accessibility Act is more than just legislation; it is a commitment to the fundamental human right of accessibility. By mandating that digital products and services are accessible to all, the EAA not only promotes inclusivity but also fosters a more equitable society. As technology continues to advance, the principles of the EAA will remain crucial to ensuring that no individual is left behind in the digital age.

Accessibility and Aesthetics: A View Through The Color Contrast Lens

Posted on October 20, 2023 by aashish-dev

Design in educational media is more than just aesthetics; it’s about ensuring that content is clear and accessible to everyone. As education continues to shift towards the digital realm, the role of color—a fundamental design element—becomes crucial in shaping user interactions and perceptions. Moving forward, the evolution of digital education will hinge on a thoughtful design approach. By blending visual design principles with digital pedagogy, educators have the opportunity to craft intuitive, inclusive, and visually engaging content, making certain that learning remains captivating and effective for everyone.

The Science Behind Color Contrast and Its Impact on User Experience

Color contrast is the difference in brightness between two colors. Scientifically, it’s about how light or dark colors appear against one another, with higher contrast making text and design elements stand out more distinctly. From a user experience perspective, this is critical. Think of students with color vision deficiencies or even the average reader facing glare on a screen – without proper contrast, content could become unreadable.

Let’s delve deeper into some practical scenarios to illustrate the significance of this issue:

Digital Textbooks: Imagine a high school student using an e-textbook with pale yellow text on a light gray background. If the contrast isn’t sufficient, students might struggle to read the content, especially during longer reading sessions, which could lead to eye strain or even headaches.

Interactive Learning Platforms: In a college setting, students often rely on online platforms for quizzes and assignments. If buttons or multiple-choice options have low contrast, a student with mild vision impairments or even one in a dimly lit room could mistakenly click on the wrong option.

Visual Aids in Lectures: Teachers, especially in PreK-12, often use slides with diagrams, charts, and text to enhance learning. When color contrasts are poor, students seated at the back or those with slight vision challenges might miss out on crucial information.

Educational Games and Simulations: In elementary schools, learning through games is prevalent. A game with low contrast colors might not only reduce the fun but can also impede the learning process. For instance, if a child can’t distinguish between game elements due to poor contrast, they may become frustrated and lose interest.

Annotations and Highlights: In both physical and digital textbooks, students frequently highlight and annotate. If a platform automatically sets annotations in colors that blend too much with the background, students might overlook their notes or struggle to find them later.

In fact, while the frequency of color blindness can vary across countries, overall an estimated 8% of males and 0.5% of females are affected by congenital color blindness. For them, discerning between certain color combinations can be a challenge. Beyond just those with color blindness, factors like screen brightness, ambient lighting, and even age can impact how content is perceived. This makes it imperative for education media creators to emphasize legibility in design, ensuring that the vast majority can seamlessly consume the content.

The Role of Color Contrast in Digital Design

The transition to digital has revolutionized education. With the plethora of digital learning platforms and digital textbooks, the importance of color contrast in digital design has skyrocketed. Digital interfaces must not only be pleasing to the eye but also comply with accessibility standards, like the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). This ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can access and engage with the content with ease.

Good UI/UX practices put color contrast at the forefront. High contrast can lead to better comprehension and reduced eye strain, making learning sessions more productive and less tiring.

Tools & Techniques to Evaluate & Improve Color Contrast in Your Designs

WCAG Guidelines: The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provides a comprehensive guide on color contrast ratios. Guideline 1.4 Distinguishable of the WCAG2.1 standard provides guidelines for intelligent use of colors for truly inclusive design accessible for all users.

Color Contrast Checkers: These tools, available online, allow designers to test color combinations for accessibility. By entering foreground and background colors, one can determine if the contrast ratio meets accessibility standards. A free resource that on can use is the color contrast checker by WebAIM (Web Accessibility In Mind), a non-profit organization based at Utah State University.

Tips for Choosing the Right Color Combinations

A design can be beautiful and still be ineffective if it doesn’t prioritize readability. Here are some guidelines for striking the right balance:

Prioritize Readability Over Trend: Always prioritize legibility. A trending color palette may be enticing, but if it sacrifices readability, it’s a poor choice for educational content.

Utilize Palettes Effectively: Pre-existing color palettes, specifically curated for accessibility, can be invaluable. These palettes already factor in the best combinations, ensuring that text and background colors complement each other effectively.

Test Before Finalizing: It’s essential to test chosen colors on various devices under different conditions to guarantee they remain effective across the board.

Creating an Accessible Experience Through Thoughtful Use of Color Contrast

The essence of inclusivity in design lies in its universality. In the realm of education, where every piece of information is crucial, inclusivity ensures that no student is left behind due to design limitations.

Utilizing color contrast thoughtfully means not just adhering to guidelines but also empathizing with the end user. By marrying aesthetics with accessibility, we ensure that our education media caters to all, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future for learners everywhere.

Integra is a trusted partner in content development, digital learning and accessibility services for many leading organizations worldwide. For more than a decade Integra has been supporting various organizations with accessibility services. Integra, as a Benetech Global Certified Accessible™ (GCA) Vendor, is committed to enabling organizations seeking to make their content accessible to everyone. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you in accessibility compliance.

After all, in the world of education, inclusivity isn’t just a design principle; it’s a mandate.

From Draft to W3C Recommendation: WCAG 2.2 Is Here

Posted on October 13, 2023 by aashish-dev

The much-anticipated update to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.2 (WCAG 2.2) has been released as a World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Recommendation. The announcement was made by the W3C’s Accessibility Guidelines Working Group on October 5, 2023.

Below are the new Level A and AA success criteria that are introduced in the new recommended guidelines:

The primary focus of the new criteria in WCAG 2.2 is to enhance the user experience by improving accessibility in navigation and interaction. In a recent blog post, we provided an overview of the updated guidelines, offering examples for each success criterion.

It’s worth noting that over 80% of all the Web Accessibility Laws & Policies enacted across the globe, and 100% of the accessibility laws in major economies like the USA, European Union, Canada, Australia, in the last decade are based on WCAG recommended guidelines (WCAG2.0) or a derivative of WCAG2.0. Interestingly the UK Government’s digital accessibility guidance has already updated its guidance referring to WCAG2.2 for websites and mobile apps.

Countries around the world are prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity in all aspects of life. As a result, content publishers, including those of books and digital learning resources, must swiftly ensure their content meets accessibility standards.

Since 1994, Integra has been a trusted partner in content development, digital learning media development, and accessibility services for leading organizations worldwide. For over 12 years, Integra has provided accessibility services. As a Benetech Global Certified Accessible™ (GCA) Vendor, Integra is dedicated to helping organizations ensure their content is accessible to all.

Accessible Education Content – Bridging the Gap for Students with Diverse Needs

Posted on October 2, 2023 by aashish-dev

“One in five children, adolescents and youth are entirely excluded from education,” reports UNESCO. While there are multiple reasons for this, including poverty, gender, ethnicity, language, religion, location, etc., one of the primary reasons is disability. In fact, the UNESCO report goes on to state that children with disabilities are “disproportionately excluded from school.”

If we, as a society, aim to better the lives of our children and their children after them, we need to start now by working to reduce barriers to equitable education access for all. For us, as technology-based solution providers for the education sector, this is a mission that takes precedence over our ambitions to garner market share or maximize revenue.

Barriers to Education for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities face not just physical barriers to education but also technological and attitudinal barriers. The most common barriers to education include:

Physical Access

Educational institutions in most countries lack the infrastructure to support physical access for students with disabilities. The lack of ramps, accessible washrooms, appropriate tile marking for students with visual impairments, accessible transportations options, and accommodation facilities are the most common obstacles.

Personalization

The one-size-fits-all approach does not take into account the strengths and individual needs of differently abled students. Stringent policies, such as those for suspension, or minimum attendance requirements, that don’t consider the varying abilities and requirements of differently abled students can lead to discrimination. This also holds true for the pace of curriculum progress and support.

Stereotypes and Attitudes

While strides are being taken to promote DEI, negative stereotypes regarding students with disabilities still exist. Lack of awareness and/sensitivity among educators and students can make it difficult for students with disabilities to access equal opportunities in education. In some countries, students with disabilities are provided education in separate institutions, propagating existing attitudes and stereotypes.

Accessible Learning Resources

Availability of braille, audiobooks, or text-to-speech materials for students with visual impairments, captioning for students with hearing impairments, access to multiple content formats for students with learning disabilities or ADHD, etc., can go a long way in ensuring education content accessibility.

Principles of Creating Accessible Education Content

The role of inclusive learning materials in improving access to education is undeniable. Educational publishers and EdTech solution providers are the critical link to creating accessible materials and spaces for students with disabilities. The starting point is compliance with the web accessibility guidelines and standards for education content and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework.

Universal Design for Learning

UDL provides concrete guidelines to ensure that all types of learners are able to “access and participate in meaningful, challenging learning opportunities.” The framework is based on scientific research on the way humans learn. Here are the basic guidelines at a glance:

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

A whopping 90% of websites did not meet the WCAG standards, as of 2018. The situation has not improved despite the shift to online resources in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. A study of 1,000,000 websites revealed more than 51 million different accessibility errors and an average error count of 51.4 per home page, as of 2021. The web accessibility guidelines and standards are crucial for ensuring accessibility in education content with learning becoming increasingly hybrid, remote and virtual.

The core principles of the WCAG guidelines are:

Strategies to Create Accessible Educational Content

By following the UDL and WCAG 2.1 guidelines, inclusive learning materials that help in improving access to education can be created.

Ensure Ease of Seeing and Reading

Choose colors, fonts, size, contrast, layouts and headings that are easily distinguishable, especially for students with visual impairments or learning disabilities. Clear structures and layouts go a long way in promoting accessibility in education content.

Make Images Accessible

Add image descriptions, alt tags, and alt text to provide text-based alternatives for images. This helps those using screen readers for learning materials. But keep this text concise and avoid embedding important information as text within images. This is not machine-readable.

Accessibility for Videos

Closed captioning is crucial for students with hearing impairments. This also helps students who might access videos in public spaces, where it is difficult to use sound or hear clearly.

Offer Multiple Content Formats

Multiple formats will cater to the learning styles and preferences of all types of students, including those with disabilities. They also prove useful for students with ADHD and learning disabilities, allowing access to materials in audio, video or text format. Also, offer the flexibility to view materials online as well as offline, via downloads.

Accessibility as a Pathway to DEI

The Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of the United States lists 13 categories of disabilities that could hamper learning. Data released by the National Center for Education Statistics in May 2023 reveals that about 14% of students enrolled in public schools in America can be classified in at least one of these categories.

Ensuring accessibility in education can further our attempts at ensuring Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity (DEI), especially for students with special needs. Fortunately, the creation and distribution of accessible educational content has been eased with the availability of cloud-based, AI/ML-powered technology platforms. Now, all that needs to be done is to choose a powerful platform to further accessibility in education.

WCAG 2.2: Latest Proposed Recommendation & Web Accessibility Impact

Posted on July 24, 2023 by aashish-dev

Step into a world of endless digital possibilities, where web accessibility forms the bedrock of an all-inclusive online realm. Today’s fast-paced tech landscape demands that we embrace digital platforms and ensure seamless access and easy navigation for every individual, regardless of their abilities.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, popularly known by its acronym WCAG, have played a pivotal role in making the web more accessible to people with disabilities. These guidelines ensure that individuals can effectively perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with online content. Since their initial publication in May 1999, the world of digital accessibility has made significant strides.

As we near the expected release of WCAG 2.2 as the final W3C Recommendation by the end of August 2023, let’s take a quick review of the new guidelines that will be included.

WCAG 2.2 takes a progressive leap from version 2.1, gearing up to address emerging challenges posed by mobile devices, touch interfaces, and assistive technologies. Complying with WCAG 2.2 extends beyond mere legal requirements; it reflects a firm commitment to inclusivity, offering equal access to all users. Let’s embrace the digital future, ensuring it remains open to everyone.

Key Changes and Enhancements in WCAG 2.2

Drawing upon the foundation of WCAG 2.1 accessibility guidelines, the most recent candidate recommendations for WCAG 2.2 unveil nine innovative success criteria. These new guidelines prioritize the enrichment of user experiences and the promotion of inclusivity, enabling individuals with disabilities to seamlessly access digital content.

However, there’s one noteworthy alteration between WCAG 2.1 and WCAG 2.2—the exclusion of criterion 4.1.1 Parsing. The rationale behind this decision stems from the current functionality of modern browsers and assistive technology. Any functional challenges that may affect users with disabilities will now be addressed by other success criteria.

Revamped & Refreshed WCAG Standards for Better Accessibility

WCAG 2.2 extends the success criteria of WCAG 2.1, focusing on enhancing accessibility for three key groups: those with cognitive or learning disabilities, low eyesight, and disabilities on mobile devices.

2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Level AA) and 2.4.12 Focus Not Obscured (Enhanced) (Level AAA)

Both the new guidelines 2.4.11 and 2.4.12 focus on smooth user experience for interactive controls, like links or buttons, to retain a distinct and consistent focus state. This ensures their visibility, even when situated amidst other page elements. As a result, users can effortlessly discern the selected button or link without any obstructions from neighbouring elements.

Example: In a web form with several buttons for navigation, with these guidelines in place, the active button will have a distinct visual indication, such as a highlighted border or colour change.

2.4.13 Focus Appearance (Level AAA)

Ensuring an inclusive web experience, guideline 2.4.13 mandates visible focus indicators for interactive controls like buttons and links. These indicators must have contrasting colours from their surroundings, sufficiently large (at least double the area of a 1 CSS pixel thick perimeter), and not obscured, easily distinguishing them from non-focus states. By complying with this, users navigating without a mouse, relying on keyboard or alternative input methods, can effortlessly identify the active or selected control. This update reflects the commitment to Level AAA accessibility, empowering all users to interact seamlessly with websites.

Example: When a visually impaired user tabs through a webpage, with these guidelines in place, the active button will have a distinct visual indication, such as a highlighted border or colour change.

2.5.7 Dragging Movements (Level AA)

Enhancing user experience for individuals with limited motor ability is the primary goal of WCAG standard 2.5.7. It facilitates these users, aiding them in using path-based gestures like sliders and drag-and-drop interfaces. A single pointer mode of operation is introduced to address these challenges. It ensures that interfaces reliant on dragging and keyboard controls become accessible via clicks or tap and hold.

Example: A mobile app that allows users to reorder items by dragging them can incorporate a click-based alternative, enabling users with motor limitations can achieve the same functionality seamlessly.

2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum) (Level AA)

With the introduction of the new minimum target size guidelines, all clickable elements on webpages, like buttons and links, must now provide ample space for easy pressing by people with motor disabilities or touch screen users. The objective is to enable seamless interaction for everyone, including individuals with disabilities, ensuring effortless access to essential webpage components without unintentionally clicking on surrounding content.

Example: Imagine a person with limited motor control trying to navigate a website using a screen reader. With the new guidelines, the buttons and links will be big enough for the person to confidently interact with the critical elements on the page, like submitting a form or accessing important information, without any inconvenience.

3.2.6 Consistent Help (A)

Success Criteria 3.2.6 focuses on delivering a seamless user experience for individuals seeking support in locating help on the website. This becomes especially vital for users with diverse disabilities accessing digital platforms. Maintaining consistent and easily accessible help and support information on websites is paramount. This ensures users can swiftly find the assistance they need, eliminating the frustration of repeated searches.

Example: Imagine a visually impaired user navigating a website looking for help in understanding a website feature. With this criterion, they can quickly find the necessary support, enhancing their overall experience.

3.3.7 Redundant Entry (Level A)

WCAG standard 3.3.7 seeks to help users with short-term memory difficulties and other cognitive issues by reducing the need to recollect information they may have provided in a previous step or in an earlier stage of a process, such as a registration or form submission.

Example: During a registration process, provide a checkbox option for users to confirm that their billing address and mailing address are the same, eliminating the need to re-enter the information unnecessarily.

3.3.8 Accessible Authentication (Minimum) (Level AA) and 3.3.9 Accessible Authentication (Enhanced) (Level AAA)

WCAG standard 3.3.8 and 3.3.9 aims to provide users with cognitive challenges or other disabilities an accessible, and safe method to log in and access digital experiences, while avoiding re-entering login information that was previously entered or the need to authenticate by solving puzzles.

Example: Enable device authentication, where users can log in using their fingerprint or face recognition, ensuring a simple and secure method for access.

Embracing an Inclusive Digital Future

As we approach the much-anticipated release of WCAG 2.2, the world of web accessibility is set to take a significant stride towards inclusivity. With the nine new success criteria, including seamless focus states, visible focus indicators, and improved interactions for users with disabilities, WCAG 2.2 reflects a firm commitment to an all-inclusive digital landscape. Let’s embrace these changes and ensure equal access for all, making the web a welcoming space for everyone.

Integra is a trusted partner in content development, eLearning and accessibility services for many leading organizations worldwide since 1994. For over 12+ years Integra has been supporting various organizations with accessibility services. As a Benetech Global Certified Accessible™ (GCA) Vendor, Integra is committed to enabling organizations seeking to make their content accessible to everyone. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you in accessibility compliance!

Role of color psychology in accessibility

Posted on January 20, 2022 by aashish-dev

Improve accessibility with the use of colors and contrasts

Think again if you think accessibility is just about wheelchair ramps and disability claims. Accessibility is about good design for each one of us. Most of us feel awkward using our phones in ways others might find strange – like holding it farther from the eye.

Inclusive design ensures that products and services are designed to be accessible to a range of people regardless of their age, gender, ability, ethnicity, and more. It puts people under the spotlight in the design process. From the design perspective, it is not a limitation. But an opportunity to reach out to the maximum audience with ubiquitous ease of use.

Inclusive design is an inherent aspect of all good design. It should be a crucial part of the process, not a bolt-on at the end. That’s why color plays a vital role right at the beginning of the process.

The psychology of color and its impact on design

All of us have favorite colors. We like to paint our homes in a specific shade too. It is because these colors evoke unique emotions in us. And when it comes to accessibility, choosing a color goes beyond the reason one simply likes it. The choice of color can impact visual aesthetics and stimulate emotions that can influence the viewer in a particular way.

An experiment by Hubspot[The Button Color A/B Test] proves just that. The team made an exciting discovery while A/B-testing green and red button colors for conversion rate. The expectation was that green would perform better, thanks to traffic lights. But surprisingly, red outperformed green by 21%. They concluded that it could probably be because red is a more attention-seeking color.

How can color address the challenges of different audiences

Empathy is a vital aspect of the inclusive Design system. Designers need to think of the limitations and motivations that inspire and influence all types of humans. The prime intention of an inclusive design system is to consider diversity and address it with suitable solutions.

When designing for a color-blind audience, blue seems to be a good choice. Red and green are the most affected by color-vision deficiency, while nearly everyone can see blue.[Reading is the primary activity of the Web] To say it more definitely, almost everyone can differentiate blue as a different shade from others.

Similarly, people on the autism spectrum have a wide range of conditions. Many of them can face difficulties with cognition when using the web. That’s why navigation and layout should be consistent across the entire site. Performing similar actions on similar user interface elements should produce similar results. They may also have contrast sensitivity [Sensory challenges for autistic pupils], so using suitable color contrast is advisable.

While different people have different abilities and limitations, at their intersection is inclusive design. It connects diverse people in similar circumstances. For instance, situational and ability-based impairments have similar user needs. Take the example of having a larger font size. Usually, it is intended for people with visual impairment or senior citizens with reading limitations. But it can also greatly serve a person in a moving car with a lesser attention span. Designers may start with one set of people in mind and eventually benefit a larger population.

The magic of color contrast

In digital media, finding shades that offer sufficient contrast between text and background can help boost accessibility – especially for people with low vision impairments and color deficiencies. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)[Intent of this Success Criterion] has put forward strategies, standards, resources to make the Web accessible to people with disabilities. It has suggested a contrast ratio of 4.5:1 as the minimum Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG)[4] 2 standard for regular-sized text.

W3C further elaborates that the highest attainable grade for accessibility is AAA, which requires a 7:1 contrast ratio. But since it may not be feasible to reach AAA level across sites, the goal is to achieve the highest level in crucial spaces like headlines, action buttons, and a few others.

How greys can help in contrast

In accessibility, the brighter shades are made more visible with subtle shades. The colors white, black, and grey are well-perceived by most people with functional vision. Designers can pair these colors in foreground/background combinations of confusable colors.

Choosing bright colors

When it comes to maximum accessibility, colors and contrast are not the only aspects. The color’s brightness, luminance, or intensity plays a vital role. The colors have to be bright enough compared to the adjacent colors to be apparent and easy to understand.

Utilizing colors smartly to maximize accessibility

Text is the core of a web page. But typography, icons, buttons can impact accessibility in a big way. A few examples are underlining links on hover or marking required fields with an asterisk. A combination of typography and image also adds to ease of use. Some familiar examples are the word “Next” paired with a right-pointing arrow or the word “Home” with an outline of a house. In the right colors and contrast, this intelligent blend of visual and text goes a long way in maximizing accessibility.

Enabling enhanced user experience with personalization

Web accessibility is not about placing users in a funnel and pushing them down one path. It is about creating an uninhibited digital ambiance to create a user journey effortlessly. Personalization enables users to customize their own experience with minimal work.

Personalization can hide extraneous information for people who are distracted by lots of information and find it difficult to focus on crucial details. Thus, they only get to see the content they wish to perceive.

Personalization allows users to change numerical information into visual cues for people who have difficulty understanding numbers. For example, a temperature of 32°F/0°C can be conveyed as a person with a hat, scarf, and mittens, and the text ‘very cold’.

Future of web and mobile accessibility

The future is likely to see the web more accessible for diverse people, going beyond just disabilities. Universal design or ‘design for all’ [Present and future of web content accessibility] will emerge as a working philosophy for creating web pages. It may also automatically lead to an adjustment of web environments to match user characteristics like impairment or age. Technology is also likely to develop to adapt the web to the user’s environment like low light or mobile device viewing. Together, it will make the world wide web accessible in every way.

Digital Accessibility – Business and beyond

Posted on December 21, 2021 by aashish-dev

Today, digital transformation is at the heart of how an organization uses technology to deliver value to its customers. While digital transformation has been a key strategic driver in the pre-pandemic world, digital disruption has permanently changed many aspects of our lives in the wake of COVID-19. A simple proof would be the operational shifts in the medical industry. ‘Telemedicine’ is now a household word. People prefer telemedicine over physical visits even after the pandemic because of its convenience and other benefits. Bank visits have become infrequent, and Artificial Intelligence and chatbots have mostly taken over customer service.

Digital transformation has effectively helped us bridge the gap of social distancing.

However, digital transformation efforts often suffer from a lack of vision. Take the example of the approach adopted for the marketing of services. The main focus for organizations and designers when promoting businesses through the web, applications, or software is on the look and feel, optimization across devices, and user-friendliness of the end product. However, this approach is far from inclusive, as it often overlooks digital accessibility.

What is digital accessibility?

According to the United Nations (UN), access to communication and information is a fundamental human right. Digital accessibility is all about ensuring access to digital products for all, irrespective of their abilities and impairments.

As products and services get increasingly digitized, businesses must incorporate digital accessibility as an essential consideration in all aspects of decision making. Digital accessibility is about tapping into a more extensive customer base and providing equitable support and a conducive work environment to the employee base. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential drivers in today’s global economy. Organizations are starting to think and strategize inclusively.

The challenges and opportunities of digital accessibility

Digital accessibility is the route to the proverbial round table – a level playing field with representation across demographics. And an inclusive world means opportunities for all in education, employment, services, healthcare, information, and much more. With the boost of social media, digital accessibility also means more independence – of choice and finance and access to community and social well-being.

There are quite a few challenges to creating digital accessibility. Some of the more important ones are:

Lack of awareness and basic knowledge of the needs of the diverse audience.
Web toolkits and content authoring tools are available easily. While these are user-friendly and reduce the hassle of technical know-how, how much accessibility these tools ensure is suspect.
Willingness to take extra steps to do more than be just compliant. Digital accessibility should be more than just a checkbox activity.
Inclusion, diversity, and equity are still aspirational for many organizations, and the road to digital accessibility is not clear.

Does digital accessibility have a genuine business case?

Governments across the globe are implementing several regulations around accessibility standards. Organizations and businesses have started to view digital accessibility seriously as this has become a regulatory and compliance need. In the process, they are also waking up to several other advantages like an increased footprint, creating sustained brand equity, and improving customer experience and in-house staff productivity.

The four main views driving the business case for digital accessibility include:

Removing barriers and driving innovation through enhanced design, various ways for users to interact with the interface/program, delivering a more intuitive user experience, and discovering new research and development opportunities.
Creating a responsible brand image by combining inclusivity and accessibility agenda in an organization’s CSR (corporate social responsibility) agenda and giving back to the community.
The people with disabilities market is virtually untapped. There is a significant opportunity for businesses with the right vision and strategy. Additionally, implementing digital accessibility standards improves customer experience, increasing customer loyalty.
Today, digital interaction is an essential part of the fabric of everyday life, hence being compliant is not an option for organizations but is a societal mandate. Non-compliance has a severe risk of financial and reputational loss; future-focused businesses are investing in their services and technologies being digitally accessible.

Accessibility principles and standards

Four simple principles define accessibility standards – perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. For a service or product to be digitally accessible, it must be:

Perceivable through the use of sight, touch, or hearing
Operable by the use of a mouse or keyboard
Understandable easily
Robust and work across devices, old and new technologies, browsers, and several digital touchpoints

Over and above, there are defined standards regarding readability, alternative text, navigation, data tables, font, colors, links, forms, buttons, documents, multimedia, and more.

Normalizing digital accessibility

Impairment and abilities are all about the correct match. Just as we wouldn’t label a fish as ‘impaired’ for its inability to fly, we need to reframe our ideas of disability for our fellow citizens. Disability is the outcome of a failure to match a person to their environment, which is true of all humans. All people have varying impairments, from temporary and situational to permanent. The idea is to create a nurturing and conducive environment for all so that maximum people can benefit from it. Similarly, making technology accessible to all would allow greater reach and the greater good.

Driving diversity and inclusion using digital accessibility

Building an inclusive culture is the need of the hour. Due to the indirect but sustained effects of the pandemic, mental health issues have multiplied. Today we have a more significant population who suffer from disabilities. Businesses must build products and services, keeping this in mind. Building a more inclusive and accessible culture can help us tackle societal issues and create sustainable change. At a recent event, senior leaders from leading global organizations discussed the issue of ‘empowering people through digital inclusion‘. Key takeaways included:

promoting empathy for both the clientele and in-house staff
leading with the passion for creating lasting change
making technology and its use more human-centered
embracing the new ways of working that are evolving
keeping the conversation going to ensure continued focus

Why is accessibility becoming important in learning?

With schools shutting down for the pandemic, accessibility in learning has assumed critical importance. As education was one of the most impacted areas, the rise of Edtech with the promise of easy access to learning for all was one of the most outstanding achievements of 2020. Leveraging the latest technologies, Edtech firms offer novel features and learning techniques that make education more accessible to students with physical and sensory impairments.

Additionally, the way we learn has changed radically over the years. Continuing education no longer requires a career break and can be done at one’s own time and pace. Education is now independent of time and location. Emerging technologies like Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and AI improve accessibility for pupils with learning difficulties or disabilities.

AR and VR are helping make the entire learning space immersive. Such experiences are beneficial for neurodiverse learners who can engage with the learning platform. Higher engagement rates improve children’s knowledge retention and skill development across the spectrum.

Ways to Embrace Accessibility in a Digital Strategy

Today, any digital strategy is incomplete without a conversation about accessibility. Digital provides a potent medium to overcome the barriers of traditional media. Hence, building accessibility into an organization’s digital strategy is the way forward. Some simple ways to ensure it includes:

Introducing digital accessibility as an indispensable aspect of an organization’s digital strategy at the planning stage itself.
Setting measurable performance indicators and creating inclusive personas for digital accessibility testing.
Investing in appropriate education around accessibility to ensure product teams understand the scope and audience needs during the planning and developmental phases.
Understanding the regulatory and accessibility standards, both globally and locally, ensures compliance.

In conclusion

The power of advancing technology is today impacting people’s everyday lives. This change is irreversible and will only assume greater significance in the future. And in the journey to create an inclusive global culture, digital will continue to play a dominant role.

Digital accessibility opens businesses up to newer audiences that were unexplored before. But conversations and strategies around accessibility are much more than business outcomes. It is an ethical business practice. Today, adopting digital accessibility is the best way to be future-forward.

Integra is a trusted partner in content and accessibility services for many leading organizations worldwide. With a focus on providing end-to-end solutions for digital content, learning services, and content workflows, we help our customers realize transformational business value.