Web Accessibility

This Accessibility Section provides a set of established guidelines that [WEBSITE URL] strives to meet, a checklist of design considerations, and additional references. The checklist provides a quick reference for numerous design issues. Additional references are provided for those who wish to gain a broader understanding of disability and accessibility issues.

[WEBSITE URL] is in the process of, or has adopted Section 508 and W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 Level AA as the benchmark to further Universal Accessibility. These Section 508 guidelines were published to the federal register on December 21, 2000. The Access Board (the federal board assigned to create Section 508 standards) used the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative guidelines as the benchmark for developing their standards. For more information about the Access Board and guidelines visit their Web site 

[WEBSITE URL] embraces these standards and will be evaluating our site on a regular basis, increasing the opportunity for all individuals to access information over the Internet. The Universal Access Design Standards are being integrated into [WEBSITE URL] and will continue to evolve as new technologies and opportunities emerge.

Checklist of Design Considerations

The purpose of this list is to provide a summary of the types of issues to consider when creating and designing accessible HTML pages on [WEBSITE URL]

WCAG 2.0 checklist Level A

1.1.1 – Non-text Content: Provide text alternatives for non-text content
1.2.1 – Audio-only and Video-only (Pre-recorded): Provide an alternative to video-only and audio-only content
1.2.2 – Captions (Pre-recorded): Provide captions for videos with audio
1.2.3 – Audio Description or Media Alternative: (Pre-recorded) Video with audio has a second alternative
1.3.1 – Info and Relationships: Logical structure
1.3.2 – Meaningful Sequence: Present content in a meaningful order
1.3.3 – Sensory Characteristics: Use more than one sense for instructions
1.4.1 – Use of Colour: Don’t use presentation that relies solely on colour
1.4.2 – Audio Control: Don’t play audio automatically
2.1.1 – Keyboard Accessible: by keyboard only
2.1.2 – No Keyboard Trap: Don’t trap keyboard users
2.2.1 – Timing Adjustable: Time limits have user controls
2.2.2 – Pause, Stop, Hide: Provide user controls for moving content
2.3.1 – Three Flashes or Below: No content flashes more than three times per second
2.4.1 – Bypass Blocks: Provide a ‘Skip to Content’ link
2.4.2 – Page Titled: Use helpful and clear page titles
2.4.3 – Focus Order: Logical order
2.4.4 – Link Purpose (In Context): Every link’s purpose is clear from its context
3.1.1 – Language of Page: Page has a language assigned
3.2.1 – On Focus: Elements do not change when they receive focus
3.2.2 – On Input: Elements do not change when they receive input
3.3.1 – Error Identification: Clearly identify input errors
3.3.2 – Labels or Instructions: Label elements and give instructions
4.1.1 – Parsing: No major code errors
4.1.2 – Name, Role, Value: Build all elements for accessibility

WCAG 2.0 checklist Level AA

1.2.4 – Captions (Live): Live videos have captions
1.2.5 – Audio Description (Pre-recorded): Users have access to audio description for video content
1.4.3 – Contrast (Minimum): Contrast ratio between text and background is at least 4.5:1
1.4.4 – Resize Text: Text can be resized to 200% without loss of content or function
1.4.5 – Images of Text: Don’t use images of text
2.4.5 – Multiple Ways: Offer several ways to find pages
2.4.6 – Headings and Labels: Use clear headings and labels
2.4.7 – Focus Visible: Ensure keyboard focus is visible and clear
3.1.2 – Language of Parts: Tell users when the language on a page changes
3.2.3 – Consistent Navigation: Use menus consistently
3.2.4 – Consistent Identification: Use icons and buttons consistently
3.3.3 – Error Suggestion: Suggest fixes when users make errors
3.3.4 – Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data): Reduce the risk of input errors for sensitive data

 

Additional References

The following is provided as a reference for Universal Web site Accessibility issues.

The Law

  • section508.gov
    The Section 508 Web Site is an excellent source for general information, standards, evaluation, events, and resources surrounding Section 508, which will impact electronic and information technology on the Web.
  • justice.gov/sites/default/files/crt/legacy/2009/02/18/508law.pdf
    Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended for the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. The content of this document directly relates to the Federal government and any public or private industry contracting with the Federal government.
  • ada.gov/websites2.htm
    Guidance issued by the Department of Justice on the ADA as applied to the Web sites of public entities in a 2003 publication entitled, Accessibility of State and Local Government Web sites to People with Disabilities, (June 2003)

Document Accessibility Notice

Are you having difficulty accessing documents? For help write, send an email, or call:

Mail: [insert mailing address]

Email: [insert email address]

Call: [insert telephone]