I think AI can help authors develop alt text similar to how auto-generated captions provide a base that a human can edit. I worry that the hype around web browsers using AI to describe images might lead to authors not adding alt text. AI can’t determine the author’s intention for each image and will miss key details. I do...
I think Shawn does a great job highlighting the accessibility features in Venngage and how Canva lacks most of these features. It is important to note that the ability to export to an accessible PDF requires a paid Venngage business or enterprise account. Venngage is best for companies that can provide a paid account to their...
This article provides a helpful summary of the changes to Section 504 and the ADA and when these new updates will come into effect. The biggest change is that these laws are adopting the WCAG 2.1 AA standard. This will require entities funded with government money and recipients of Health and Human Services funding to meet these...
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...
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%)...