In 2018, there are approximately 57 million Americans living with a disability.  And while these individuals may face a wide array of accessibility barriers, website developers and content authors have a significant amount resources available to alleviate these difficulties.

Robert Martin, Web Development Manager and Accessibility Lead for the Rhode Island Department of Administration will present an “Introduction to Web Accessibility” to discuss these issues in depth.  He will introduce convenient tools and intuitive techniques for web developers and content managers to ensure that all web content is accessible to users with:

• Limited Mobility: Inability to use a mouse, slow response time, limited fine motor control
• Hearing Impairments: such as hard-of-hearing and deafness.
• Visual Impairments: low vision, blindness, and color blindness.
• Cognitive Disabilities: including dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder.

In short, understanding accessibility requires an awareness of the special needs of multiple user groups, including people with disabilities and mature users with age-related disabilities.  By understanding our users’ needs, digital asset managers can effectively and efficiently create technological solutions to minimize or eliminate any barriers a person with a disability may encounter.  

To address these key concepts, this seminar will include the following:

• An introduction to web accessibility
• Understanding the human need behind accessibility practices
• The Legal Landscape (Section 508 and ADA)
• The Four Principles of Accessibility
• Best Practices
• Testing Methods
• Q&A