Offshore Accessibility – Leader in Offshore Accessibility Testing | Section 508 Compliance | WCAG Conformance | BarrierBreak https://www.barrierbreak.com/importance-of-labelling-your-controls/ Creating a limitless future Mon, 22 May 2023 11:48:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.barrierbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/favicon.ico.png Offshore Accessibility – Leader in Offshore Accessibility Testing | Section 508 Compliance | WCAG Conformance | BarrierBreak https://www.barrierbreak.com/importance-of-labelling-your-controls/ 32 32 Importance of Labelling your Controls  https://www.barrierbreak.com/importance-of-labelling-your-controls/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/importance-of-labelling-your-controls/#respond Mon, 08 May 2023 12:16:24 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=21809 Label is an important piece of text that tells you what the purpose of the control is. Users can decide based on the label if clicking or activating the button will submit the form details or reset the form!  Unique and descriptive labels must be provided for all types of controls.   Adding visual labels is… Read More »Importance of Labelling your Controls 

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Label is an important piece of text that tells you what the purpose of the control is. Users can decide based on the label if clicking or activating the button will submit the form details or reset the form! 

Example of a button having visible label as Subscribe

Unique and descriptive labels must be provided for all types of controls.  

Adding visual labels is beneficial for all users but it is essential to remember to programmatically define the labels. A programmatically defined label will tell assistive technology users about the purpose of the control when they navigate between different controls on a web page or an application. In the absence of label, assistive technology will identify the control as unlabeled! Furthermore, off-screen labels should be avoided as they are not available for everyone! 

Example of two input fields having visible label as Name and Corporate Email respectively.

Labels can be provided in the form of text, images, symbols, text along with images or symbols. In the case of images used as labels, make sure that textual descriptions are added such that the information can be made available for assistive technology users! 

Example of a search field along with search image button.

Generally, textual labels are provided for input fields, drop-downs, checkboxes, and radio buttons whereas symbols or icons are used for menus and buttons. It is recommended to place labels to the left or top of input fields and drop-downs and on the right of checkboxes and radio buttons.  

For Global Accessibility Awareness Day, (GAAD 2023), BarrierBreak ran a campaign “#LabelYourControls” as we believe Accessibility is a journey and labelling your controls is a crucial step of this journey when it comes to making your digital solutions accessible for people with disabilities! Our team shared helpful tips throughout the day i.e. 18th May, 2023 marking GAAD on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Download the 12 tips on how to #LabelYourControls on web, android and iOS and feel free to share these tips with your colleagues, friends, or anyone who may be interested in promoting accessibility. 

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HR Tech trends that are starting to make workplaces more accessible & inclusive https://www.barrierbreak.com/hr-tech-trends-that-are-starting-to-make-workplaces-more-accessible-inclusive/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/hr-tech-trends-that-are-starting-to-make-workplaces-more-accessible-inclusive/#respond Tue, 14 Feb 2023 05:36:00 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=21370 The workplace is rapidly changing, and HR solutions and a big part in making it more accessible for everyone. From AI-powered recruitment tools to employee engagement platforms, plenty of new trends are revolutionizing the way HR teams work.   Technology can help in different ways:  HR Tech Trends   Here are the five important HR Tech trends… Read More »HR Tech trends that are starting to make workplaces more accessible & inclusive

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The workplace is rapidly changing, and HR solutions and a big part in making it more accessible for everyone. From AI-powered recruitment tools to employee engagement platforms, plenty of new trends are revolutionizing the way HR teams work.  

Technology can help in different ways: 

  • HR Tech solutions for Managing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion –  Can provide organizations with insights that can inform better HR decision-making and can ensure that all employees have equal access to HR information and resources, regardless of their location or abilities. 
  • Making HR Tech accessibleIt is critical for organizations to accommodate employees with disability in their organization. This includes making the everyday solutions that organizations are using for employees to meet accessibility standards and guidelines like Web Content Accessibility Guideline.  
  • Job Accommodations – Companies can now provide necessary accommodations for employees with a disability that make it easier for them to work in a comfortable environment. This is especially important when it comes to providing access to assistive technology and resources to assist employees to become effective and productive at the workplace. 

Here are the five important HR Tech trends that have started making an impact on making workplaces more accessible and inclusive. They support organizations to better engage with their employees, streamline their processes, improve productivity, and create a better working environment for everyone involved including employees with disabilities. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)  

ML and AI are transforming businesses’ operations by reducing administrative overhead and improving efficiency. ML can help streamline processes, automate everyday tasks, and improve data accuracy, while AI can be used to make decisions based on data analysis.  

This can be especially beneficial for employees with disabilities who may not have access to traditional tools or resources. With ML and AI, they can work more efficiently, without having to worry about the manual labor of traditional methods.  

Microsoft has added live captions to PowerPoint as part of its AI-powered features. This feature automatically generates real-time captions for the spoken words in a presentation. These captions make it easy for the audience to follow along especially people who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

The Business Wire reports that the Global Artificial Intelligence in HR Market is estimated to be USD 3.89 Bn in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 17.61 Bn by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 35.26%.  

Virtual and Hybrid Work 

The demand for HR tech solutions that support remote work and virtual technologies has increased and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote working tools and technologies are becoming more popular as companies strive to provide employees with greater accessibility and flexibility.  

These tools enable companies to connect with their employees regardless of their physical location. They also make it easier for companies to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities, allowing them to stay connected and productive even when they are not physically present in the office. 

Zoom video conferencing and online meeting platform is a popular tool for virtual & hybrid work due to its versatility and ease of use. It is compatible with screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver supporting employees with visual impairment to access the platform and participate in online meetings.  

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Solutions 

Companies are investing in HR tech solutions that help them track and improve their DEI efforts, including tools for monitoring and analyzing diversity data, and promoting equitable hiring practices. Companies using HR tech solutions for DEI have reported improvements in their ability to track and analyze DEI data, allowing them to make more informed decisions on how to improve their DEI efforts. 

The study from RedThread Research, found the number of technology vendors serving the DE&I market has grown by 87 percent since 2019, and DE&I vendors experienced an 82% CAGR over a 4-year span. 

Gamification & Engagement 

HR tech solutions are incorporating gamification elements to increase employee engagement and motivation, and these solutions have become increasingly popular in employee training. By incorporating gamification elements, these solutions create a more engaging and enjoyable work environment, leading to increased employee satisfaction and motivation. 

As per the report from TalentLMS, 83% of employees who undergo gamified training are more motivated at work. However, accessibility is an important aspect to consider when designing or procuring gamification tools for the workplace. It is also important for companies to have policies and processes in place to support employees with disabilities and ensure that they are able to fully participate in gamification initiatives. 

The Global Gamification Market size is expected to reach $58.8 billion by 2028, rising at a market growth of 26.8% CAGR during the forecast period 2022 -2028 

Employee Well-being & Mental Health 

Well-Being and Mental Health are no longer a buzzword. These are becoming increasingly important areas of focus for companies and HR departments, and HR tech solutions are being developed to support these efforts. Companies are providing employees with access to mental health support, and HR Tech solutions should ensure that they support companies create a more inclusive and supportive work environment with their solutions.  

Conclusion 

As per the report by Fortune Business Insights, the global Human Resource Technology Market Size is projected to reach USD 39.90 billion in 2029, at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period, 2022-2029. 

Technology is revolutionizing the way HR approaches workplace accessibility and inclusion. Companies today are recognizing the importance of accessibility in HR tech and are taking steps to ensure that their HR tech tools are accessible to all employees. This includes conducting accessibility assessments, implementing accessibility standards and guidelines, and working with accessibility vendors to ensure that their HR tech tools meet accessibility requirements. In today’s competitive business environment, investing in accessible HR tech can definitely be a competitive advantage. 

Get in touch with our accessibility consultant to help you incorporate accessibility into your HR Tech Solutions or write to us sales@barrierbreak.com.  

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WCAG 2.2 – What to expect as per January 2023 Update! https://www.barrierbreak.com/wcag-2-2-what-to-expect-as-per-january-2023-update/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/wcag-2-2-what-to-expect-as-per-january-2023-update/#respond Fri, 10 Feb 2023 06:04:06 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=21366 The next version of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 is scheduled to be published in April 2023 as per the new Candidate Recommendation released on January 25 2023. In the past, we have seen that the final release of WCAG 2.2 has been pushed back few times, June 2021, December 2022 and now the… Read More »WCAG 2.2 – What to expect as per January 2023 Update!

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The next version of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 is scheduled to be published in April 2023 as per the new Candidate Recommendation released on January 25 2023. In the past, we have seen that the final release of WCAG 2.2 has been pushed back few times, June 2021, December 2022 and now the latest is April 2023. 

Back in August 2022, we had published a blog on WCAG 2.2 AQuick start Guide to find out what to expect from the new version of the guidelines. Since then two Candidate Recommendations of the guidelines have been released. The first one in September 2022 and the second one in January 2023. In this post, we will see what has changed from new success criteria’s, and removal of a success criteria to minor changes in the terms used in different success criteria’s.

The changes have been included at the start of each section of the below post for easy identification. In all there are 9 new success criteria’s being added in WCAG 2.2 as per the latest Candidate Recommendation. 1 success criteria, 4.1.1 Parsing is obsolete and has been removed from the guidelines. In addition, the conformance level for 2.4.7 Focus visible success criteria has changed from Level AA to Level A in WCAG 2.2. Out of these 9 success criteria’s: 

  • 2 are at Level A 
  • 5 are at Level AA 
  • 2 are at Level AAA 

Level A 

4.1.1 Parsing

The Parsing success criteria is obsolete and has been removed from WCAG 2.2 guidelines. This criteria is no longer useful because the accessibility errors that fail under this criteria are already covered by other success criteria’s. Additionally, modern browsers and assistive technologies can handle parsing errors and thus they are no longer creating accessibility errors for people with disabilities. WCAG 2.2 is backward compatible, i.e. it covers success criteria included in both WCAG 2.0 and 2.1. Even though 4.1.1 Parsing is removed from WCAG 2.2, it has not been removed from WCAG 2.0 and 2.1 as of now. In the future, this can happen for sure but for now in order to conform to WCAG 2.0 and 2.1 one needs to yet test for 4.1.1 Parsing at Level A. 

3.2.6 Consistent Help

The first “Note” of the success criteria has changed. As per the note, the help mechanism can be either provided on the page directly or a direct link can be provided to the page that contains the information.

The purpose of this success criteria is to ensure that users can find help consistently at the same location across different pages of the website or application. Finding help at a consistent location is beneficial for users with cognitive disabilities who would like to access help when they are not able to complete any task, such as filling up a form.

Help on a website can be in the form of: 

  • Contact information, email address, phone number, office timings
  • Contact form, messaging application, chat application, social media channel
  • Support page, FAQ page
  • Chatbot 

3.3.9 Redundant Entry

The purpose of this success criteria is to provide users with an option to either select previously filled details or auto-populate the details. This will avoid the need to enter the information again by users in a multi-step form and is found very helpful by users with cognitive impairments. This success criteria can be met by providing users to select previously filled information in the form of a drop-down and they can simply select the details. Alternatively, users can simply tick a checkbox, such as Nominee address is same as Applicant’s address or copy and paste the textual information in the respective input fields.

Exceptions include: 

  • Auto-populating the information will affect the security of the form.
  • It is essential to enter the information again as it is part of the activity, i.e. in the case of a memory game. 
  • Previously entered information is no longer valid.

Level AA 

2.4.11 Focus Appearance

The purpose of this success criteria is to ensure that the focus indicator for user interface controls is clearly visible and discernable. This will help users with mobility impairments and those with low vision who use a keyboard to easily locate their focus on the page.

The success criteria require that a visible focus indicator meets either one or both of the below-mentioned requirements: 

The entire focus indicator meets all the below requirements: 

  • Focus indicator encloses the user interface component or sub-component that is focused, i.e. solidly surrounds the control. 
  • Focus indicator should have a minimum contrast of 3:1 between its pixels and its focused and unfocused states. 
  • Focus indicator pixels should have a contrast of 3:1 with the adjacent non-focused indicator colors.
  • An area of the focus indicator meets all the below requirements: 
  • Area of the focus indicator is at least 1 CSS pixel thick of the unfocused component or sub-component, or is at least 4 CSS pixel thick line along the shortest side of the minimum bounding box of the unfocused component or sub-component. 
  • Area of the focus indicator should have a minimum contrast of 3:1 between its pixels and its focused and unfocused states. 

The area of the focus indicator pixels should have a contrast of 3:1 with the adjacent non-focused indicator colors or is not less than 2 CSS pixels. 

Exceptions include: 

  • Focus indicator is determined by the user agent, such as web browsers.
  • Focus indicator and its background is the default, i.e. generated by the browser and is not modified by the web page author. 

2.4.12 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum) 

The purpose of this success criteria is to make sure that when any user interface component receives focus, the component is not entirely hidden by any content created by the author. In order to meet this success criteria, some part of the component should be visible when it receives focus. For example, a non-modal dialog, sticky header/footer etc. can hide a focused component as well as its focus indicator. At any point, the user should be able to identify which component has focus currently on the page. This requirement is beneficial for people with low vision and those with mobility impairments.

2.5.7 Dragging Movements

The purpose of this success criteria is to help users carry out dragging functionalities through alternative means. People with dexterity impairments might find it difficult to carry out drag and drop activities or change values of a slider. Including an alternative method for functionalities based on dragging will help users accomplish their task easily.

A web page can provide users with drop-downs to select minimum and maximum price along with price range sliders in order to meet the success criteria. This success criteria does not apply to dragging movements that are part of user agents including assistive technologies and browsers. 

2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum)

In this success criteria, there are changes related to “Exceptions” for spacing and inline as well as “Note” for inline targets and line-height which are covered below. 

The purpose of this success criteria is to help users easily activate user interface controls and avoid unintentional activation of controls. When target sizes for controls are small users with mobility impairments who find to precisely control mouse movements will find it difficult to activate controls. Similarly, users browsing the web via mobile devices will also benefit by defining minimum target size of controls.

The minimum target size for pointer inputs is 24 by 24 CSS pixels. This requirement has the following exceptions:

  • Spacing: The target does not overlap with any other target and has a target offset of at least 24 CSS pixels with every adjacent target. 
  • Inline: The target is within a sentence or is in a bulleted or numbered list, or its size is otherwise constrained by the line-height of non-target text. 
  • Essential: It is essential to present a target with smaller size than the minimum recommended 24 CSS pixels. 
  • User Agent Control: Target size is determined by the user agent and not defined by the page author. 
  • Equivalent: An equivalent control exists on the page that meets the minimum target size requirements. 

In the case of inline targets, the line-heights should be interpreted as perpendicular to the flow of text. So for language that is displayed top – to – bottom, the line-height would be horizontal.

3.3.8 Accessible Authentication 

Before the release of the first Candidate Recommendation, this success criteria was at 3.3.7. The first “Note” of the success criteria has changed. As per the “Note”, “Object recognition” and “Personal content” may be represented by images, video, or audio. 

The purpose of this success criteria is to provide users with an accessible, easy to use and secure means to login and perform tasks. Users with cognitive disabilities who might not be able to memorize usernames or passwords rely on copy and paste functions and password managers to enter their credentials. If a website uses scripts that block password managers or copy and paste functions, then it becomes difficult for users to login into their accounts and perform different tasks.

The success criteria requires that authentications are easy to use, accessible and secured. Authentication should not require cognitive function and if they are based on cognitive function than an alternate method is made available.

Cognitive function that requires users to recognize objects or provide content to the website is considered as an exception to the success criteria.

Level AAA 

2.4.13 Focus Not Obscured(Enhanced)

Before the release of the first Candidate Recommendation of WCAG 2.2 this success criteria was named as 2.4.12 Focus Appearance (Enhanced).

The purpose of this success criteria is to make sure that when any user interface component receives focus, the component is fully visible and is not hidden by any content created by the author. This success criteria is similar to 2.4.12 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum) and the only difference is that it requires that the focus be fully visible whereas as per 2.4.12, it is acceptable even if only some part of the focus is visible. 

3.3.9 Accessible Authentication (Enhanced)

As per the first Candidate Recommendation of WCAG 2.2 this success criteria was named as Accessible Authentication (No Exception). The criteria has now been renamed to Accessible Authentication (Enhanced). 

The purpose of this success criteria is to provide users with an accessible, easy to use and secure means to login and perform tasks. Users with cognitive disabilities who might not be able to memorize usernames or passwords rely on copy and paste functions and password managers to enter their credentials. If a website uses scripts that block password managers or copy and paste functions, then it becomes difficult for users to login into their accounts and perform different tasks.

The success criteria requires that authentications are easy to use, accessible and secured. Authentication should not require cognitive function and if they are based on cognitive function than an alternate method is made available. This success criteria is similar to 3.3.8 Accessible Authentication but does not include exceptions related to objects and user-provided content.

Would be great to see what the finally published WCAG 2.2 Guidelines looks like. The number of success criteria for meeting conformance will increase by 9 and take the total to 86 at Level AAA and 56 at Level AA if none of the above is removed! 

We would be happy to assist you with any questions or information you need related to WCAG 2.2 or accessibility. Get in touch with our accessibility consultant at sales@barrierbreak.com.

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Rising trends in Digital Transformation and Digital Accessibility https://www.barrierbreak.com/rising-trends-in-digital-transformation-and-digital-accessibility/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/rising-trends-in-digital-transformation-and-digital-accessibility/#respond Tue, 03 Jan 2023 07:05:45 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=21251 The term digital transformation is thrown around a lot these days. But what does it really mean?  Digital transformation is the process of embracing new technologies to create better customer experiences. It’s also about adopting new ways of working and new ways of thinking that enable organizations to stay ahead of their competition.  Digital transformation… Read More »Rising trends in Digital Transformation and Digital Accessibility

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The term digital transformation is thrown around a lot these days. But what does it really mean? 

Digital transformation is the process of embracing new technologies to create better customer experiences. It’s also about adopting new ways of working and new ways of thinking that enable organizations to stay ahead of their competition. 

Digital transformation is a hot topic in the business world today. As technology evolves, organizations must adapt to stay competitive. Here are three digital transformation trends that are gaining popularity: 

Change management 

Businesses are changing rapidly with the use of digital technology. Change management trends are on the rise in the workplace. Implementing digital transformation can be a challenge for any organization. It is important for managers to be able to manage change and lead their teams through it. Digital adoption platforms are being used to facilitate and support change in many different ways. 

Growing cloud migration 

Another top digital transformation trend is the growing migration to the cloud. As businesses strive to become more agile and efficient, many are turning to cloud-based solutions to help them meet their goals. 

Use of advanced technology  

Finally, the use of advanced technology is also a top digital transformation trend. As businesses strive to stay ahead of the competition, they are turning to cutting-edge tech like artificial intelligence and machine learning to help them gain a competitive edge. 

Some companies have successfully transformed themselves from traditional businesses into digital businesses by using new technologies to reduce costs, increase customer engagement, and improve performance. Digital transformation has made it easier for people to access information and services.

But how accessible is this digital world for everyone? 

BarrierBreak is an internationally recognized and trusted accessibility vendor providing cost-effective accessibility consulting and digital accessibility services.

The changing landscape of digital accessibility  

Digital accessibility is an important topic that has been gaining momentum in the past few years. It is the responsibility of companies to make sure that their products are accessible to people with disabilities. As the world becomes increasingly connected and more people gain access to the internet, accessibility is becoming a priority for many organizations. 

There are a number of factors that are changing the landscape of digital accessibility.  

  • An important factor that is changing the landscape of digital accessibility is the availability of advanced technologies to help people with disabilities assert their rights. In the past, many people with disabilities were unaware that they had any legal rights to access digital content and services. However, as the internet has become increasingly essential to daily life, people with disabilities have begun to demand greater access to online content and services.  
  • Since the past 2-3 years, we have seen an increase in digital accessibility lawsuits. This trend is expected to continue in 2023 and beyond, as plaintiffs become more aware of their rights and the technology to help them assert those rights becomes more widely available. This increased awareness of digital accessibility rights has been fueled by a number of high-profile lawsuits against well-known companies, such as Netflix, Uber, and Sephora etc.  

What to expect in 2023? 

Mobile Accessibility 

As per Statista, the number of smartphone subscriptions worldwide today surpasses six billion and is forecast to further grow by several hundred million in the next few years. As the use of mobile devices continues to grow, it is important for businesses to consider how to maintain ADA compatibility across all mobile platforms.  

In recent years, the Department of Justice has focused on ensuring that mobile applications are also accessible to people with disabilities. In 2017, the DOJ issued guidance on how to make mobile applications accessible and compliant with the ADA. The guidance includes best practices for designing and developing accessible mobile apps, as well as tips for testing and deploying accessible mobile apps. 

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are two of the hottest topics in the tech world right now. And it’s no surprise why – these cutting-edge technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work. From self-driving cars to automated customer service, AI and ML are already starting to change the world as we know it. 

There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can be used to increase accessibility for people with disabilities. While AI and ML still have some limitations when it comes to accessibility, the potential is there to make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities. As these technologies continue to develop, we can only hope that they will be used to make the world a more accessible place for everyone. 

Stricter Accessibility Laws  

Digital accessibility laws are an important part of making the digital world a more inclusive place for everyone. These laws help to ensure that everyone has equal access to digital content and devices, and that they can use them without barriers.  

As the world becomes increasingly digital, the future will focus on the importance of accessibility laws to keep up with technology.  

Conclusion 

Digital technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate and it’s changing the way we interact with the world. It’s also changing the way people with disabilities interact with the world. With digital accessibility, everyone can enjoy all of the benefits of digital technology. 

The recent trends in digital technology have been focused on making more things accessible to more people. Through better design and inclusive interfaces, everyone can experience the convenience and joy of using a computer or mobile device. 

To know more about our digital accessibility solutions and how we can help you in creating an accessibility roadmap, feel free to contact our digital accessibility experts. 

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5 strategies to maintain your accessibility commitment in an economic slowdown https://www.barrierbreak.com/5-strategies-to-maintain-your-accessibility-commitment-in-an-economic-slowdown/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/5-strategies-to-maintain-your-accessibility-commitment-in-an-economic-slowdown/#respond Mon, 28 Nov 2022 06:35:56 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=21222 Accessibility must be a priority whether we look at it from a compliance, inclusion, or business opportunity lens. In an economic slowdown, let’s strategize to meet our accessibility commitments. It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on the global economy. In addition, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and higher than… Read More »5 strategies to maintain your accessibility commitment in an economic slowdown

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Accessibility must be a priority whether we look at it from a compliance, inclusion, or business opportunity lens. In an economic slowdown, let’s strategize to meet our accessibility commitments.

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on the global economy. In addition, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and higher than expected inflation are all adding to the global slowdown. Many businesses have been forced to downsize or close their doors entirely. As per Forbes, the US economy may not officially be in a recession, but it’s not looking good. 

The current economic climate has forced many organizations to re-evaluate and re-plan their priorities and budgets. In the last 5 years, we are seeing organizations shift left and finally embracing accessibility. So now how do we keep the accessibility focus in these tough times?

BarrierBreak’s accessibility experts suggest five strategies to maintain your accessibility commitment in the economic slowdown:

1. Communicate the importance of accessibility to decision-makers

Make sure that decision-makers within your organization are aware of the importance of accessibility. They may not be aware of the business case for accessibility or may not realize how accessible products and services can benefit your customers.

Highlight customer or end-user stories to help them continue to invest in accessibility. Check our article on Higher Sales and a Business Win with Accessible Digital Products

2. Plan & strategize your Accessibility Roadmap

Remember, accessible products and services have a competitive advantage. The first step in meeting your accessibility commitments is to create a roadmap that provides an overall plan and strategy.  

Start with assessing your current state of accessibility for your digital assets such as websites, mobile apps, products, and/or services. It is critical to prioritize digital assets, plan resources, set milestones and goals based on business & customer’s needs.

3. Keep accessibility in mind when making budget decisions.

You might be worried that you’re going to come under pressure to cut your accessibility budget. You might well be right.

The Accessibility Roadmap will assist you to think of different models & approaches to deliver without reducing your accessibility commitments. Look at priorities, optimize processes & build efficiencies that can help you manage cost.

4. Train your employees on accessibility

Accessibility should be embedded into your organization’s culture, not treated as an afterthought. Create resources that can help them to do it right the first time like playbooks, checklists, video trainings. Invest in training people to implement accessibility as you design, build, test and deploy.

5. Time to adopt a Hybrid Delivery Model

Effectively plan the hybrid delivery models so as to optimize delivering on your accessibility commitment. Identify functions or processes that you can deliver with in-house and/or outsourced offshore resources. Find an offshore accessibility testing partner who can help your team to plan and implement accessibility into your digital solutions in the most cost-effective manner.

In conclusion, it would be difficult to avoid recession as inflation continues to rise. But it is also important to maintain your accessibility commitment in an economic slowdown. By doing so, you will be able to ensure that your products and services are accessible to all customers while also mitigating any legal risks. Additionally, you will be able to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction.

Reach out to the BarrierBreak team, we would be happy to work with you to develop a cost-effective delivery model for your accessibility requirements. There are various ways in which we can help you maintain your accessibility commitment in an economic slowdown. Our model will assist your business in high customer retention by making a significant impact and showing your commitment to accessibility. Additionally, through our expert services, we can design an accessibility roadmap for your organization that can generate higher satisfaction and revenue.

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HR Tech Accessibility Solutions – Meet BarrierBreak at 2022 HR Technology Conference & Expo https://www.barrierbreak.com/hr-tech-accessibility-solutions-meet-barrierbreak-at-2022-hr-technology-conference-expo/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/hr-tech-accessibility-solutions-meet-barrierbreak-at-2022-hr-technology-conference-expo/#respond Thu, 18 Aug 2022 08:13:17 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=20621 HR technology serves as a key asset for HR leaders that help organizations remain in compliance with applicable employee-related laws, manage recruitment, effectively track time, process payroll, and maintain employee information. Businesses across the globe realize that it is critical to capitalize on trends in HR tech and upgrade their systems. The importance of accessibility… Read More »HR Tech Accessibility Solutions – Meet BarrierBreak at 2022 HR Technology Conference & Expo

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HR technology serves as a key asset for HR leaders that help organizations remain in compliance with applicable employee-related laws, manage recruitment, effectively track time, process payroll, and maintain employee information. Businesses across the globe realize that it is critical to capitalize on trends in HR tech and upgrade their systems.

The importance of accessibility in HR Tech stems from the fact that it is a basic requirement for any business looking to meet the needs of its employees.  Accessibility of software and hardware used to manage the human resources function in organizations needs to be at the core of the Diversity, Equality & Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives.

A lot of companies are thinking about accessibility in the procurement process. So, start making a roadmap if you want to be considered. Your HR tools become a differentiator if its accessible. A lot of companies take note of that.

These are times where:

  1. We have to move fast but ensure that we don’t ignore HR Tech accessibility.
  2. Budgets will be scarce, and we need to find ways to do more with less.
  3. Teams would be stretched to make it happen but might not always have the resources needed.

At BarrierBreak, we understand this, and we also believe this is an opportunity to make a difference.

We are the leaders in offshore digital accessibility specializing in Accessibility Testing, VPAT Creation, Accessibility Consulting and Accessible Documents. BarrierBreak’s People First approach includes people with disabilities as a part of our testing process. Every team consists of people with disabilities that are trained accessibility testers and specialists.

Come and learn about the packages to support your Accessibility needs. Meet our team at Booth 928 at HR Technology Conference & Exposition, September 13-16, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.

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Higher Sales and a Business Win with Accessible Digital Products https://www.barrierbreak.com/higher-sales-and-a-business-win-with-accessible-digital-products/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/higher-sales-and-a-business-win-with-accessible-digital-products/#respond Sat, 11 Jun 2022 06:16:16 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=16108 The COVID-19 pandemic has served as a wake-up call and business now are considering accessibility of digital products as a priority. In an increasingly and undeniably digital world, it's important to have products that are accessible to everyone.If you're looking to increase sales and win more business, making your digital products accessible is a great… Read More »Higher Sales and a Business Win with Accessible Digital Products

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The COVID-19 pandemic has served as a wake-up call and business now are considering accessibility of digital products as a priority. In an increasingly and undeniably digital world, it's important to have products that are accessible to everyone.

If you're looking to increase sales and win more business, making your digital products accessible is a great place to start. By ensuring that your websites, apps, and other digital products are accessible to users with disabilities, you can open your business to a whole new customer base.

There are a number of benefits to making your digital products accessible.

According to Forrester, about $10-16 billion in design spending between the US and Canada alone will shift towards tech companies that are prioritizing accessibility.

Benefits of ensuring Accessible Digital Products

  • Expand your reach: Providing accessible digital products gives your business an opportunity to tap into the 1-billion market of people with disabilities that has an annual disposable income of $1.2 trillion. Accessibility also helps you increase sales to government or the federal markets.
  • Win long term customers: People with disabilities tend to remain loyal to your business if they are able to access your digital products. The report from Business Disability Forum, UK, found that 75% of disabled people and their families have walked away from a service provider because of poor disability awareness at a cost of £1.8bn to UK businesses every month.
  • Comply with legal requirements: In many countries, including the United States, Canada, and the European Union, laws require that digital products be accessible to people with disabilities. The BarrierBreak team of accessibility experts provide you support for all your accessibility needs ensuring conformance to WCAG standards and compliance to Section 508ADAVPAT Creation
  • Improve the user experience: When your digital products are accessible, everyone can use them more easily and effectively. This can lead to better customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Improve search engine optimization: Accessible digital products are often better coded, which can help them rank higher in search engine results. This can lead to more traffic and more sales.

Making your digital products accessible doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. Incorporate accessibility in your digital products right from the beginning. There are several tools and resources available to help you. And, by taking the time to make your products accessible, you can reap a number of benefits for your business.

If you are looking for an accessibility partner who can help you get started or support you in your accessibility journey, get in touch now!

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Selecting a Digital Accessibility Vendor https://www.barrierbreak.com/selecting-digital-accessibility-vendor/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/selecting-digital-accessibility-vendor/#respond Thu, 03 Mar 2022 05:28:26 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=15940 Accessibility is not an option but the right thing to do. However, the problem is that most businesses have no idea where to start. A lot of them don't even know what accessibility is! Many of them are taking the easy route and asking their web designers for accessibility advice. Unfortunately, the truth is this:… Read More »Selecting a Digital Accessibility Vendor

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Accessibility is not an option but the right thing to do. However, the problem is that most businesses have no idea where to start. A lot of them don't even know what accessibility is! Many of them are taking the easy route and asking their web designers for accessibility advice. Unfortunately, the truth is this: web designers are not accessibility specialists. It's important to find someone who knows about both design and technology in order to get the best result for your business.  

Read this Should your Development Vendor be your Accessibility Testing Vendor? 

Selecting the right accessibility vendor is a critical decision for any company looking to make their digital products compliant with the emerging regulations. The right website and digital accessibility vendor can help you identify the most problematic areas of your product and provide solutions to get you up to code.  

There are several accessibility vendors out there that have been around for a while and offer quality service and products. Ensuring that your digital products meet WCAG standards and Section 508 guidelines require expert vendors in this field. 

The right vendor can ensure that your products are fully accessible and also help protect your company from legal risks. While it is important to do some research on your own, there are also certain questions you can ask the vendor that will give you an idea of their capabilities: 

  1. How would you describe your company’s values and philosophy? 
  2. What is your process for evaluating and proposing solutions? 
  3. What methods do you use to assess accessibility?
  4. What is your experience in the industry?
  5. What is your typical timeline for getting back to clients after receiving a request for proposal?
  6. What services do you offer that are not listed on the website?

The digital accessibility vendor you select should not only provide an option for progress tracking and record keeping but also ensure that they can provide you a customized roadmap towards your accessibility needs.   

Check out our blog on Top 5 resources for learning Accessibility.  

At BarrierBreak, we provide accessibility testing services and digital accessibility solutions with legal expertise and consulting and help our partners meet their accessibility goals. As a website accessibility consultant, we work with our customers to ensure that their products comply to accessibility standards and guidelines and also support them to create an effective and complete VPAT of the product.  

To learn more about our accessibility testing services, get in touch with our team at sales@barrierbreak.com  

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BarrierBreak is a trusted vendor for Accessibility Testing and Auditing on the Digital Outcomes and Specialists 5 (DOS5) framework https://www.barrierbreak.com/barrierbreak-is-a-trusted-vendor-for-accessibility-testing-and-auditing-on-the-digital-outcomes-and-specialists-5-dos5-framework/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/barrierbreak-is-a-trusted-vendor-for-accessibility-testing-and-auditing-on-the-digital-outcomes-and-specialists-5-dos5-framework/#respond Tue, 02 Feb 2021 06:35:53 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=14256 BarrierBreak is proud to state that we have been awarded a place on the Digital Outcomes and Specialists 5 (DOS5) framework. As the UK government focuses on ensuring people with disabilities can access digital products, a critical part of that is conducting accessibility testings and audits. The UK government focuses on providing barrier-free access, fair… Read More »BarrierBreak is a trusted vendor for Accessibility Testing and Auditing on the Digital Outcomes and Specialists 5 (DOS5) framework

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BarrierBreak is proud to state that we have been awarded a place on the Digital Outcomes and Specialists 5 (DOS5) framework.

As the UK government focuses on ensuring people with disabilities can access digital products, a critical part of that is conducting accessibility testings and audits.

The UK government focuses on providing barrier-free access, fair treatment, and promotes a fair and more equal society through the Equality Act 2010, ISO 30071-1, and the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

This requires all the state, regional, local authorities and public sector bodies to ensure digital products are accessible by making them ‘perceivable, operable, understandable and robust’.

To help authorities meet accessibility requirements, the DOS5 agreement under Lot 1 – Digital Outcomes helps the UK public sector organisations buy, design, build and provide bespoke digital outcomes including accessibility services.

Under the arrangement BarrierBreak services are available on DOS5 under Lot 1: Digital Outcomes and can deliver the following services:

  • Accessibility Testing and Auditing
  • User experience and design
  • User Research

Shilpi Kapoor, Managing Director, BarrierBreak said, “BarrierBreak is an offshore leader in digital accessibility. With our people-first approach wherein accessibility experts including people with disabilities are an integral part of our process, we look forward to support different authorities in the UK to meet and go beyond their accessibility  support.

Shashank Kapur, Director of Strategy & Business Development, BarrierBreak said, “We are excited to be on the DOS5 platform and offer our services to the public sector organizations in UK. Our team of accessibility experts would be proud to work with organizations to analyze, test, and recommend the accessibility solutions that helps public sector organizations meet the accessibility requirements as per the Accessibility regulations 2018. “

To procure our services through the DOS5 Framework: Buying through the Digital Outcomes and Specialists framework

Know more about DOS on the Digital Marketplace.

Connect with us: sales@barrierbreak.com

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Should your Development Vendor be your Accessibility Testing Vendor? https://www.barrierbreak.com/should-your-development-vendor-be-your-accessibility-testing-vendor/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/should-your-development-vendor-be-your-accessibility-testing-vendor/#respond Wed, 27 Jan 2021 01:21:47 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=14249 No, never, not advisable! I firmly believe that the developer and the tester need to be independent. It just is pure conflict of interest! Accessibility testing is an Audit conducted of your website or mobile app. Which audit would you trust more: One where the developer has audited their own work Where an independent auditor… Read More »Should your Development Vendor be your Accessibility Testing Vendor?

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No, never, not advisable!

I firmly believe that the developer and the tester need to be independent. It just is pure conflict of interest!

Accessibility testing is an Audit conducted of your website or mobile app. Which audit would you trust more:

  1. One where the developer has audited their own work
  2. Where an independent auditor checked the deliverable

Personally, I will trust the independent audit and I’m sure that’s due to you too.

So, if you have specified in your Statement of Work or RFP that the website or mobile app has to be accessible and meet Web Content Accessibility Guideline 2.1 Level AA, then I am sure you want to ensure it meets the standards.

Some of the benefits of performing a third party accessibility audit are:

  • Accountability – ensuring that the website or mobile app is delivered as per the accessibility guidelines and hold the vendor accountable to the SOW or RFP
  • Validation – the audit will help you test that the accessibility requirements are met as per WCAG.
  • Managing Risk – ensuring that your website and mobile app is inclusive and accessible. This will also ensure you comply with the relevant laws such as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Above all be a company that is inclusive. Ensure your products and solutions are accessible to people with disabilities.  There are more than a billion people with disabilities in the world and have a disposable income of USD 3 trillion.

So choose right! Evaluate your options of vendors and don’t be limited by your “preferred vendor” list. Find the vendor partner that helps you to meet your accessibility needs.

Be Inclusive and Accessible!

Write to us at sales@barrierbreak.com to know more on how we can support you to be an inclusive organization.

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