This study examines top public university library websites. It used automated checkers like the WAVE Tool to find common accessibility errors. Two of the most common errors were forms missing a label and text with a low color contrast ratio. In addition, this study names each university included in the study. This makes it clear...
This articles provides some context about the limitations of screen readers and why it is necessary to create accessible content. For example, screen readers do not use natural language processing to understand language or analyze images. This is why creating accessible content is so important with features like alternative text...
If you are updating an existing course in Storyline 360 headings and lists may not be compatible with screen reading software. You need to go into the Design Toolbar and select Fonts and choose “Upgrade Project Text” for the headings and lists to be accessible to learners using screen reading software. I recommend checking...
This is a helpful article on how to create accessible calendar tables with abbreviations. It highlights how to use the aria-hidden when using an abbreviation. It also notes that the tag is only recognized by VoiceOver on Macs. There are a lot of helpful examples provided.
This journal article provides a summary of the laws relating to online learning at higher education institutions. It then explores some of the instructional barriers students encounter. The article concludes by providing a variety of strategies that can make an online learning environment more accessible. This includes making...
Google is also updating Android OS with new accessibility features. Google Maps will make it easier to find reviews related to wheelchair accessibility. They are also going to denote if a building has Auracast support which is a bluetooth audio standard compatible with hearing aids. The Lookout app will have a new Find Mode that...
Apple is previewing iOS 18 by highlighting a host of new accessibility features included in the update. Eye tracking assistive technology is very expensive so it will be interesting to see how well Apple’s eye tracking works especially with third party applications. I think Vocal Shortcuts will be very useful for people with...
Assistive technology companies like EyeGaze charge a lot for their products. This is because there is a lot of tech to ensure that it works accurately and is compatible with third party applications. Hopefully, Apple can lower the costs in the future for people with disabilities who use eye tracking technology.
This study highlights the benefits of consistent homework reminders for students. About 80% of students were watching the required lab videos. The professor began sending out consistent email reminders and the adherence jumped to around 90%. LMS platforms should include a feature that can push out weekly homework reminders...
This report by the Center for Democracy and Technology highlights the risks of using AI for crucial benefits like Medicaid, Medicare, unemployment, and Social Security Disability. These AI tools need to be more transparent and explain their decision making to the beneficiary. AI algorithms can have unknown biases and are more...
This article profiles how ETS created an accessible rebrand of their website in about two months. I appreciate how from the start they ensured the theme colors and text were accessible. The WebAIM Million study highlights that color contrast is the most common accessibility error. Check out the full article for all the details.
Check out the newest draft of the WCAG 3.0 Guidelines. It is currently in the exploratory phase and the final version will probably be ready sometime between 2026-2028. These new guidelines are meant to apply broadly to devices like wearables and mobile devices, which weren’t part of the scope of WCAG 2.0. Content that meets...
Sometimes we forget to celebrate the wins and remember the past. AIM HE Act did not gain traction and pass, unfortunately. The original update to the ADA that introduced Web Content Accessibility Standards (WCAG) had an exception for password-protected instructional materials. This meant that instructional content would once...
This article provides guidance on the Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG) standard 2.4.11, which requires items to not be obscured when they receive focus.
This article highlights the challenges people with disabilities face in the workplace when trying to access digital content. It references a study exploring the assistive technologies being used in the workplace to support employees who are blind or have low vision. As awareness increases we can solve common digital...
I like the principles being promoted in this manifesto. Hopefully, websites will prioritize principles like accessibility, security, independence, and transparency in the future.
Screen reading software cannot handle unlimited heading levels. JAWS and TalkBack in particular have difficulties with heading levels beyond 6. Narrator has issues with heading levels beyond 9. Basically, try to avoid using heading levels beyond 6 if possible.
This is an interesting dissertation that explores digital accessibility by analyzing higher education institutions in Colorado. The study finds the most common digital accessibility barriers on the websites of public and private institutions. Private and vocational schools had more accessibility errors. The overall error (2.5%)...
This is an accessibility checker that can help web authors ensure their content is accessible. The plugin works with Drupal, WordPress, and SquareSpace.
I just used this demo homepage for an accessibility presentation. If you’re looking for a webpage to demo inaccessible and accessible content this can be a helpful resource.
This article provides more information about the European standard EN 301 549. This standard includes WCAG 2.1 requirements but extends to platforms like authoring tools and adds additional accessibility standards.
ADA Digital Accessibility on Academic Library Websites (crl.acrl.org)
This study examines top public university library websites. It used automated checkers like the WAVE Tool to find common accessibility errors. Two of the most common errors were forms missing a label and text with a low color contrast ratio. In addition, this study names each university included in the study. This makes it clear...
Blaming Screen Readers 🚩×5 (adrianroselli.com)
This articles provides some context about the limitations of screen readers and why it is necessary to create accessible content. For example, screen readers do not use natural language processing to understand language or analyze images. This is why creating accessible content is so important with features like alternative text...
Storyline 360 Remember To Upgrade Project Text! (community.articulate.com)
If you are updating an existing course in Storyline 360 headings and lists may not be compatible with screen reading software. You need to go into the Design Toolbar and select Fonts and choose “Upgrade Project Text” for the headings and lists to be accessible to learners using screen reading software. I recommend checking...
Be My Eyes Available on Windows Now! (www.bemyeyes.com)
Be My Eyes is making its ChatGPT assistant (Be My AI) available on Windows platforms now along with iOS and Android.
Brief Note on Calendar Tables (adrianroselli.com)
This is a helpful article on how to create accessible calendar tables with abbreviations. It highlights how to use the aria-hidden when using an abbreviation. It also notes that the tag is only recognized by VoiceOver on Macs. There are a lot of helpful examples provided.
Creating accessible and inclusive online learning: Moving beyond compliance and broadening the discussion (www.researchgate.net)
This journal article provides a summary of the laws relating to online learning at higher education institutions. It then explores some of the instructional barriers students encounter. The article concludes by providing a variety of strategies that can make an online learning environment more accessible. This includes making...
Google is bringing loads of accessibility updates to its Android apps (www.androidauthority.com)
Google is also updating Android OS with new accessibility features. Google Maps will make it easier to find reviews related to wheelchair accessibility. They are also going to denote if a building has Auracast support which is a bluetooth audio standard compatible with hearing aids. The Lookout app will have a new Find Mode that...
Apple Announces iOS 18 Accessibility Features, Including Eye Tracking (www.macrumors.com)
Apple is previewing iOS 18 by highlighting a host of new accessibility features included in the update. Eye tracking assistive technology is very expensive so it will be interesting to see how well Apple’s eye tracking works especially with third party applications. I think Vocal Shortcuts will be very useful for people with...
You’ve Got Mail (and Homework): Simple Strategies for Promoting Student Engagement with Prelecture Videos (pubs.acs.org)
This study highlights the benefits of consistent homework reminders for students. About 80% of students were watching the required lab videos. The professor began sending out consistent email reminders and the adherence jumped to around 90%. LMS platforms should include a feature that can push out weekly homework reminders...
Challenging the Use of Algorithm-driven Decision-making in Benefits Determinations Affecting People with Disabilities (cdt.org)
This report by the Center for Democracy and Technology highlights the risks of using AI for crucial benefits like Medicaid, Medicare, unemployment, and Social Security Disability. These AI tools need to be more transparent and explain their decision making to the beneficiary. AI algorithms can have unknown biases and are more...
How to Create an Accessible Design System in 60 Days (medium.com)
This article profiles how ETS created an accessible rebrand of their website in about two months. I appreciate how from the start they ensured the theme colors and text were accessible. The WebAIM Million study highlights that color contrast is the most common accessibility error. Check out the full article for all the details.
W3C Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 3.0 (www.w3.org)
Check out the newest draft of the WCAG 3.0 Guidelines. It is currently in the exploratory phase and the final version will probably be ready sometime between 2026-2028. These new guidelines are meant to apply broadly to devices like wearables and mobile devices, which weren’t part of the scope of WCAG 2.0. Content that meets...
Accessible Instructional Materials in Higher Education (AIM HE) Act (nfb.org)
Sometimes we forget to celebrate the wins and remember the past. AIM HE Act did not gain traction and pass, unfortunately. The original update to the ADA that introduced Web Content Accessibility Standards (WCAG) had an exception for password-protected instructional materials. This meant that instructional content would once...
The Complete Guide to Captioned Videos (meryl.net)
This article highlights the benefits of captioning videos.
How to test 2.4.11: Focus Not Obscured (Minimum) (www.tpgi.com)
This article provides guidance on the Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG) standard 2.4.11, which requires items to not be obscured when they receive focus.
Blind and low-vision people have powerful technology but still face barriers to the digital world (www.msn.com)
This article highlights the challenges people with disabilities face in the workplace when trying to access digital content. It references a study exploring the assistive technologies being used in the workplace to support employees who are blind or have low vision. As awareness increases we can solve common digital...
Manifesto for a Humane Web (humanewebmanifesto.com)
I like the principles being promoted in this manifesto. Hopefully, websites will prioritize principles like accessibility, security, independence, and transparency in the future.
Level-Setting Heading Levels (adrianroselli.com)
Screen reading software cannot handle unlimited heading levels. JAWS and TalkBack in particular have difficulties with heading levels beyond 6. Narrator has issues with heading levels beyond 9. Basically, try to avoid using heading levels beyond 6 if possible.
Digital Accessibility in Colorado Higher Education Institutions (www.proquest.com)
This is an interesting dissertation that explores digital accessibility by analyzing higher education institutions in Colorado. The study finds the most common digital accessibility barriers on the websites of public and private institutions. Private and vocational schools had more accessibility errors. The overall error (2.5%)...
A Brief Note on Highlighted Text (adrianroselli.com)
This article provides tips for creating accessible highlighted text on a webpage.
How to get speech output as text from screen readers (gist.github.com)
This article highlights how to access the speech view using different screen readers like NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver.
Editoria11y Accessibility Checker (editoria11y.princeton.edu)
This is an accessibility checker that can help web authors ensure their content is accessible. The plugin works with Drupal, WordPress, and SquareSpace.
Accessible University Demo Site (www.washington.edu)
I just used this demo homepage for an accessibility presentation. If you’re looking for a webpage to demo inaccessible and accessible content this can be a helpful resource.
301,549 ways to improve accessibility: EN 301 549 (www.deque.com)
This article provides more information about the European standard EN 301 549. This standard includes WCAG 2.1 requirements but extends to platforms like authoring tools and adds additional accessibility standards.