For companies that do not have the resources or expertise to conduct an accessibility assessment and create a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT), working with an outside vendor partner can be a viable option. An outside vendor partner can provide expertise and resources to conduct an accessibility assessment and create a comprehensive and accurate VPAT. Choosing the right vendor partner to create your VPAT is critical to the success and[…]
READ MORE about Find Your Perfect Match: Tips for Selecting the Right VPAT Vendor PartnerA Credibility Checklist for the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®)
I frequently receive questions asking how to review an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) based on one of the four Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPAT) versions. At Microassist, I teach both a four-hour and eight-hour course on purchasing, which includes interpreting an ACR. As anyone who has attempted to interpret one of these attestations will tell you, the task of interpretation will vary in complexity depending on the type of product,[…]
READ MORE about A Credibility Checklist for the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®)Accessibility Testing Tool Reality Check
When talking with customers about accessibility, I frequently get asked: Why can’t automated accessibility testing tools find all errors? This question is understandable, given we have accessibility guidelines such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, technical standards such as HTML5 and WAI-ARIA, and a myriad of patterns and practices. First, let’s address the assumption that accessibility testing tools can only catch between 30% to 50% of errors. There is a[…]
READ MORE about Accessibility Testing Tool Reality CheckWhy Accessibility Matters When Buying Technology (and Other Most Asked Questions)
We surveyed our CTO Hiram Kuykendall and accessibility policy expert Kathy Keller on some of the often-asked questions we hear from both purchasers and public sector contractors faced with ensuring accessibility during the technology purchasing process. Why Accessibility Matters Josh and Lauren, who have been blind their entire lives, recount their experiences on how living with disabilities influences their everyday lives. They also discuss the significance of web and app[…]
READ MORE about Why Accessibility Matters When Buying Technology (and Other Most Asked Questions)Digital Accessibility Checklist for Section 503 Focused Reviews
Last year, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) began acting on Directive (DIR) 2018-04, placing an increased emphasis on disability inclusion in the workplace. In order to accomplish that goal, the agency said it will be conducting “focused reviews” of compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, which requires federal contractors to take affirmative action to recruit, hire, promote, and retain individuals with disabilities. Focused reviews may[…]
READ MORE about Digital Accessibility Checklist for Section 503 Focused ReviewsU.S. Senators Introduce Groundbreaking Legislation to Enhance Accessibility and Inclusion in American Democracy for People with Disabilities
Accessibility in the News — 2/9/2024. U.S. Senators Bob Casey and Amy Klobuchar have introduced a comprehensive legislative package aimed at dismantling barriers that impede the participation of individuals with disabilities in American democracy. The proposed measures include the Accessible Voting Act, which seeks to improve voter accessibility and expand ballot-casting options, the Removing Access Barriers to Running for Elected Office for People with Disabilities Act, which safeguards federal disability[…]
READ MORE about U.S. Senators Introduce Groundbreaking Legislation to Enhance Accessibility and Inclusion in American Democracy for People with DisabilitiesDepartment of Justice Settles Complaint With Medstar Health Ensuring Equal Access to Medical Care for People with Disabilities
Accessibility in the News — 2/2/2024. MedStar Health, a prominent healthcare provider in Maryland and Washington, D.C., has agreed to a $440,000 settlement and corrective actions to resolve allegations of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Justice Department filed a complaint, asserting that MedStar Health excluded necessary support persons, thereby denying equal access to medical care for individuals with disabilities. The complaint highlights instances where the healthcare provider[…]
READ MORE about Department of Justice Settles Complaint With Medstar Health Ensuring Equal Access to Medical Care for People with DisabilitiesWhat Are States Doing To Make The Outdoors More Accessible?
Accessibility in the News — 1/26/2024. Outdoor activities offer numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits, and everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy these experiences, regardless of their abilities. Accessible outdoor recreation promotes social integration, allowing individuals with disabilities to participate in shared activities with friends and family. Beyond the social aspect, exposure to nature has been proven to have therapeutic effects, contributing to improved mental health and reduced stress.[…]
READ MORE about What Are States Doing To Make The Outdoors More Accessible?Will 2024 See A Rise In Businesses Catering To People With Disabilities?
Accessibility in the News — 1/19/2024. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness and emphasis on creating an inclusive society that accommodates the diverse needs of all individuals. One significant aspect of this inclusivity is the establishment of businesses that cater specifically to people with disabilities. These enterprises not only provide valuable products and services but also play a crucial role in fostering a more accessible and equitable[…]
READ MORE about Will 2024 See A Rise In Businesses Catering To People With Disabilities?With Their 2025 Accessibility Goal Looming How Does Ontario Fare Compared To AODA Guidelines
Accessibility in the News — 1/12/2024. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) aims to make the province fully accessible by 2025, but challenges persist, particularly in Toronto, home to an estimated 900,000 people with disabilities. Hard of hearing individuals face difficulties navigating public transit due to insufficient aids, leaving them reliant on others. Although Metrolinx claims to have visual displays of route stops, users argue their effectiveness. Advocates[…]
READ MORE about With Their 2025 Accessibility Goal Looming How Does Ontario Fare Compared To AODA Guidelines