a11y

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...

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...

For GAAD (Global Accessibility Awareness Day) the A11Y Collective is organizing a ‘Pay what you want’ discount on all accessibility courses....

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 highlights the benefits of captioning videos.

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 article provides tips for creating accessible highlighted text on a webpage.

This article highlights how to access the speech view using different screen readers like NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver.

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.

This is a free tool that can provide image descriptions and alt text for images. It uses ChatGPT 4 and is provided by Arizona State University.

This article by Adrian Roselli highlights why it is important to keep your alt text short and to the point. It also provides a lot of helpful articles with alt-text tips at the bottom of the page.