ia/ - Accessibility

User account security measures offer annoying barriers without a reasonable payoff

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:44:52 -0700

Random internet browsing brought me to a choice user response to "internet security measures":

Like, I know they are there for good reason, but so many web sites require so many different variations of passwords, I just can't keep up with them all. My bank for example...It's one of those "password must contain atleas 8 characters, upper and lowercase and atleast one number". Okay, I did that, I've managed to remember it...but then, I have to have 8 different security questions. It doesn't always promt me with one, but about every 5th time I log into the site they throw me one of the questions. I can't keep up with all the answers. There are multiple answers to most of the questions. I don't have a fave band, I have several. I don't have a fave candy, or movie or any of that other crap.... So, if I answer wrong 3 times, they disable my account and make me re-register it.....*grumble*

An interview with Joe Clark

Thu, 30 Oct 2003 10:39:41 -0800

An Interview with Joe Clark is a very good read for anyone who is interested in Accessibility. The interview focuses on the current state of accessibility in the US, Canada and around the world. He makes some very compelling points and discusses issues that everyone working on the Web should be interested in. If you haven't had a chance to pick up a copy of Building Accessible Websites I would highly recommend it.

From Digital Web.

W3C release WCAG 2.0 working draft

Wed, 25 Jun 2003 09:19:09 -0700

The W3C has released a draft for the new Web Content Accessibility Guidlines (WGAC) 2.0. Since the WCAG 1.0 were released in May '99 this is a welcome update, and gives a flavour of the changes in how content is used on the web. Accessibilty is also being simplified to make it easier for content producers to make their content accessible. A, Double A, and Triple A are gone to be replaced by CORE and EXTENDED checkpoints.

This document is well worth a read and although not yet a reccomendation will give so idea of how best to start planning WGAC 2.0 compliance.

Managing Section 508 testing

Tue, 14 Jan 2003 05:55:33 -0800

William T. Kelly on Builder.com offers tips for managing Section 508 testing.

Project managers, developers, and quality assurance staff who embark on testing the first Section 508-compliant Web development project are often breaking new ground. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 mandates that U.S. government agencies provide people with disabilities access to electronic and information technology. These tips will help you find the right testing methodology to ensure that your Web development project is Section 508 compliant and also meets your client requirements.

New WAI reccomendation

Sun, 22 Dec 2002 18:24:08 -0800

The W3C have made the user agents accesability guidelines into a reccomendation. What this means in practice is that most browsers and other programs designed to access web content will be required to meet the reccomendations in order to conform with local accesability laws. This will almost certainly apply in the EU and US. Hopefully this will force more use of WAI standards, allowing content providers to use newer standards with confidence.

Accessible text on the web

Sat, 07 Dec 2002 05:25:37 -0800

The MCU: Understanding web typography - an introduction - In this article I attempt to cut a swathe through the complexities of Web typography; explain the possible pitfalls; and provide some guidelines for creating accessible and easy to read web pages.

Court: Disability law doesn't apply to Web

Fri, 08 Nov 2002 05:16:28 -0800

Anitra Pavka pointed to the follow up article in ComputerWorld on the SouthWest Airlines web site accessiblity case. This is the case that tries to argue that web sites should fall under the aegis of ADA laws. Courts rejected the suit and the plaintiffs plan to appeal. Some excerpts,

[B]uilding in accessibility during a Web site's design costs only a quarter of the amount needed to retrofit a site later, said Jennifer Vollmer, a research analyst at Meta Group Inc. Accessibility ... has not just been a priority for companies."

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0

Tue, 05 Nov 2002 05:50:22 -0800

Judge: Disabilities Act doesn't cover Web

Tue, 22 Oct 2002 18:53:46 -0700

Mark , Christina and Adam are discussing this troubling US court ruling affecting accessibility of web sites. This article in news.com covers the ruling.

Alertbox: Making Flash Usable for Users With Disabilities

Mon, 14 Oct 2002 09:40:45 -0700

NN/G report summary on making Flash usable with MX.

Flash designs are easier for users with disabilities to use when designers combine visual and textual presentations, minimize incessant movement, decrease spacing between related objects, and simplify features.