In Australia and around the world, we are seeing web accessibility take a more prominent role in government and legislation. Sarah will discuss how legislation and policy has influenced the perception and understanding of web accessibility in different parts of the world. It will also look at whether the “big stick” that is policy and legislation is actually translating into an increase in accessible websites. And is the stick the best method for achieving a Web that is accessible to all? The session will conclude with some practical “carrot” tips for influencing and enacting change within your own organisation.

1. Web accessibility: are we there yet? Sarah Pulis Manager, Digital Media and Technology Twitter: @sarahtp #a11y

2. What does web accessibility mean to you?

3. What is web accessibility? People with disabilities can use the web Disabilities include: Visual Hearing Motor Cognitive WEB ACCESSIBILITY: ARE WE THERE YET?

4. Examples of web accessibility WEB ACCESSIBILITY: ARE WE THERE YET? Alternative text for images Keyboard Input Caption and/or transcripts for media <img alt=“Connecting Up Australia logo” …

5. The case for web accessibility Accessibility is a basic human right Accessibility supports social inclusion Business case for accessibility Social responsibility Increase audience reach Increased usability for all Better search results WEB ACCESSIBILITY: ARE WE THERE YET?

6. The carrot or the stick? Standards, laws and carrots

7. Web accessibility is like tennis

8. Web accessibilityis like tennis WEB ACCESSIBILITY: ARE WE THERE YET?

9. Web accessibilityis like tennis WEB ACCESSIBILITY: ARE WE THERE YET?

10. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2 1.1 Text alternative 1.2 Time Based Media 1.3 Adaptable 1.4 Distinguishable 2.1 Keyboard accessible 2.2 Enough time 2.3 Seizures 2.4 Navigable 3.1 Readable 3.2 Predictable 3.3 Input assistance WCAG 2.0 4.1 Compatible

11. Overview of Standards and laws WEB ACCESSIBILITY: ARE WE THERE YET?

12. Government playing the game SECTION 508, UNITED STATES OF AUSTRALIA

13. Civil action Jodhan vs. Canadian Government How would you feel if... You couldn’t apply for employment? You couldn’t access statistical data? You couldn’t fill out an online census form? WEB ACCESSIBILITY: ARE WE THERE YET?

14. Business and individuals playing the game WEB ACCESSIBILITY: ARE WE THERE YET?

15. What about everyone else? Who should have minimum access requirements? How do we encourage more businesses to consider making their website more accessible? What are the challenges you face in making your website accessible? WEB ACCESSIBILITY: ARE WE THERE YET?

16. Twitter conversation from today… @stcaccess @jkiss Unfortunately, businesses require monetary reasons & governments require laws. Just a sad fact. /cc @dboudreau @webaxe Is true, but have seen 1st hand uptake by govtmgmt when a11y successes openly acknowledged. @stcaccess @dboudreau @theartofpeople WEB ACCESSIBILITY: ARE WE THERE YET?

17. How can I make my own website more accessible? Practical tips and tricks WEB ACCESSIBILITY: ARE WE THERE YET?

18. Making a case for web accessibility Social responsibility factors Content is available to all audiences Increased general usability for everyone Increased findability with Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Positive image and publicity WEB ACCESSIBILITY: ARE WE THERE YET? Not-for-profit sector

19. Improving your existing website Understand the basics, set your targets and communicate your intentions Identify accessibility issues and prioritise repairs Repair accessibility barriers efficiently and effectively Tender love and care for the future WEB ACCESSIBILITY: ARE WE THERE YET? http://www.w3.org/WAI/impl/improving.html

20. Building a new accessible website Identify all the players Conduct initial assessment Develop organisation policy Select software that supports accessibility Provide training (esp. content managers) Develop accessible website Promote organisation awareness Monitor website accessibility WEB ACCESSIBILITY: ARE WE THERE YET? http://www.w3.org/wai/impl/overview.html

21. 10 tips for a more accessible website Use alt tags on images Use an ordered layout Provide captions and/or transcripts or audio description for media Use descriptive link text Use accessible text WEB ACCESSIBILITY: ARE WE THERE YET?

22. 10 tips for a more accessible website Check that the colour contrast in your design is sufficient Don’t use colour as the only visual cue Allow users to skip to navigation Use tables appropriately, and make them accessible Ensure CAPTCHAs are accessible WEB ACCESSIBILITY: ARE WE THERE YET?

23. Sarah Pulis (@sarahtp) Manager, Digital Media and Technology sarah.pulis@mediaaccess.org.au 02 9212 6242