The Wins

Since its enactment in 1990, ADA has played a crucial role in ensuring equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. 2023 has witnessed an increasing number of businesses recognizing the value of ADA compliance as they strive to create accessible spaces both physical & digital for their customers.

• DocMagic Introduces ADA-Compliant Digital Loan Documents

DocMagic Inc., a California-based provider of compliant loan document generation, regulatory compliance, and comprehensive eMortgage services, said this week it has added ADA-compliant mortgage loan documents to its document library. The new digital documents are accessible to visually impaired users and others with disabilities, unlocking opportunities for these consumers into the broader mortgage market, the company said. Read More on DocMagic

• The normalization of ADA accessibility at Boston Calling Music Festival

With a golf cart to help festival attendees get around and the willingness to make accommodations as needed, the ADA team at Boston Calling Music Festival made an effort to ensure that all persons could enjoy the festivities to the fullest extent this year. The ADA program offered a 50-seat wheelchair-accessible seating platform near the two main stages for those with physical disabilities, as well as ASL interpreters on a raised platform by the stage for those who are hard of hearing or deaf. Read More on Boston Calling Music Festival

• Tambourine Taps AI for Innovations in ADA Accessibility

Tambourine, the Fort Lauderdale-headquartered digital marketing technology company serving hotels, resorts, and tourism destinations worldwide, announced it has integrated Artificial Intelligence into its flagship product, The Symphony Hotel Marketing Platform. Read More on Tambourine Innovation

• Mishawaka opens ADA accessible playground at Battell Park

The city of Mishawaka held a ribbon cutting for a brand-new playground at its oldest and most historic park. Directly behind the bandshell at Battell Park, this is the first Mishawaka park to feature an AstroTurf surface, making the play area fully wheelchair accessible. The park also highlights a “We-Go-Round,” a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, a splash pad, and a sensory play center for kids on the autism spectrum. Read More on Mishawaka Playground

• Servicon Earns Digital Health Award for Responsive Website Design

Servicon, Southern California’s leading hospital environmental services (EVS) provider and commercial cleaning services company, has been named a 2023 Digital Health Award winner. Servicon’s recently updated website earned the Bronze Award in the Web-based Digital Health: Responsive Website Design category for businesses with over 500 employees. Read More on Servicon

The Setbacks

While it is true that 2023 saw some positive steps towards the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is also important to acknowledge that there were lawsuits filed in relation to ADA compliance. These lawsuits serve as a reminder that there is still work to be done in ensuring equal access and rights for people with disabilities.

• Magic Store Must Face ADA Compliance Lawsuit Over Website Design

Online magic store Ellusionist.com Inc. must face discrimination claims brought by a visually impaired customer, a New York federal court ruled. The US District Court for the Southern District of New York on Tuesday denied in part Ellusionist’s motion to dismiss the case, in which the customer says its website fails to accommodate users who require screen-reading software. The court rejected Ellusionist’s argument that the customer failed to state a claim because its website didn’t qualify as a place of public accommodation. Read more on Magic Store

• City Of Chicago Held in Violation of Americans with Disabilities Act

A federal judge in Chicago held the City of Chicago liable for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act by failing to provide accessible pedestrian signals at signalized intersections throughout the city to those who are blind or have low vision. Read more on City of Chicago

• Lyneer Staffing, LLC Will Pay $119,400 to Settle Americans with Disabilities Act Suit

Lyneer Staffing, LLC, a leading national staffing agency, will provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters to deaf applicants, train its managers on reasonable accommodations, and pay $119,400 to settle an Americans with Disabilities (ADA) suit, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced today. Read more on Lyneer Staffing

Embracing Accessibility

Being ADA compliant is not just a legal requirement; it is also a smart business move. By ensuring that your business is accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities, you open your doors to a larger customer base. At BarrierBreak, we strongly emphasize the significance of accessibility compliance and have the expertise to provide top-notch ADA testing services. Our ADA testing service provides thorough evaluations and assessments, to ensure your digital products comply with accessibility standards and create an inclusive digital experience for all.

In conclusion, do explore “Comedians with Disabilities Act: Changing Attitudes Through Laughter” at the link:https://www.send2press.com/wire/comedians-with-disabilities-act-change-attitudes-through-laughter/. An inspiring example of how people with disabilities are using comedy to drive positive change.

Let’s embrace the journey of accessibility as we continue to celebrate the spirit of the ADA and work together towards a more inclusive world.

The post ADA Anniversary: Reflecting on Triumphs and Challenges in 2023 appeared first on Leader in Offshore Accessibility Testing | Section 508 Compliance | WCAG Conformance | BarrierBreak.

Featured Story

Disability Rights advocate smashes celebrity birthdays record!

By Guinness World Records

Having sharpened her memory skills with months of rehearsing, when Heidi attempted the record for most celebrity birthdays identified in three minutes she was confident she would get a high number on her first go.

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BarrierBreak Highlight

Using Emojis is so fun! But how to make them accessible? 

Do you think using just emojis without any text is accessible to all users?

Nope, it’s not. Avoiding text and using only emojis impacts users with cognitive impairments users when the emojis are not the commonly used ones they in fact are confusing for all users.

Read More

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People Stories

Double amputee Everest climber pledges to work for benefit of people with disabilities!

By AP News

The first double above-the-knee amputee to climb Mount Everest returned from the mountain on Tuesday pledging to dedicate the rest of his life to helping people with disabilities.

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Top Picks

Google and Apple compete for AI-Powered accessibility.

By Analytics India Mag

AI has the potential to revolutionize the way humans interact with their devices, especially for those with health conditions and physical impairments. Whether it’s text-to-speech models in screen readers for people with visual impairments, or intelligent accessibility changes for those with mobility issues, accessibility for all is an important part of software development and AI innovation.

Poll shows most older adults use assistive tech to age in place.

By AHCJ

More than half of adults age 55 and older use assistive technology — including mobile health apps and fitness trackers — to stay healthier so they can age in place, according to a May 2023 U.S. News & World Report survey. However, getting older may also mean dealing with health issues like mobility problems, vision, hearing or cognitive limitations. That can make remaining at home more challenging. This is when technology can help!

Achieve Digital Accessibility at Scale: Audit – Maintain – Comply

BarrierBreak is the Leader in Offshore Digital Accessibility Testing & Consulting. Your trusted adviser and reliable source for accessibility testing solutions. Get in touch with us to ensure your digital solutions conform to WCAG 2.1 & 2.0,  Section 508 Testing, and to create a VPAT for your product.

 

The post ACCESSIBILITY BUZZ – June 2023 appeared first on Leader in Offshore Accessibility Testing | Section 508 Compliance | WCAG Conformance | BarrierBreak.

Featured Story

Google Maps will now show wheelchair accessibility information for all!

By Metro

Google Maps is providing wheelchair accessibility information by default for over 40 million places worldwide, including on public transport, pubs and restaurants.

The feature can help those with mobility needs to plan their trips by checking if the shop or landmark they’re visiting has step-free access.

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BarrierBreak Highlight

How to get started with Voice Access (Android)?

Speech Recognition has come a long way in recent years, and with the way it is being evolving will definitely only lead to more improvements. These features can make it easier for users with any disabilities to interact with their devices and perform a wide range of tasks using their voice.

Read More

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People Stories

He didn't want his daughter, who has cognitive and physical disabilities, to feel left out. So, he built a fully accessible theme park!

By CBS News

After seeing his daughter excluded, Hartman started on a quest to create a space where no one felt left out. His idea: an inclusive theme park. This theme park isn't just for people with disabilities. It's for everyone. But he made sure every single experience and ride is what he calls "ultra accessible."

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Top Picks

Actor Is First With Down Syndrome To Star In Disney Film

By Disability Scoop

An actor with down syndrome is making history by appearing in a leading role alongside Jude Law and other big names in a new version of “Peter Pan” that Disney is releasing this week. It marks the first time that Disney has cast someone with a visible disability in a lead role.

The tech industry's accessibility-related products and launches this week!

By Engadget

Major tech companies are taking the GAAD week as a chance to share their latest accessibility-minded products. From Apple and Google to Webex and Adobe, the industry’s biggest players have launched new features to make their products easier to use. Here’s a quick roundup of this week’s GAAD news.

Achieve Digital Accessibility at Scale: Audit – Maintain – Comply

BarrierBreak is the Leader in Offshore Digital Accessibility Testing & Consulting. Your trusted adviser and reliable source for accessibility testing solutions. Get in touch with us to ensure your digital solutions conform to WCAG 2.1 & 2.0,  Section 508 Testing, and to create a VPAT for your product.

 

The post ACCESSIBILITY BUZZ – May 2023 appeared first on Leader in Offshore Accessibility Testing | Section 508 Compliance | WCAG Conformance | BarrierBreak.

Featured Story

Accessible QR Code From Zappar Makes Packaging Talk To The Blind

By Forbes

Zappar, the venerable UK studio that was one of the pioneers in mobile AR, announced the launch of Zapvision, an Accessible QR code solution, which helps blind and partially sighted people access information related to items on store shelves and cupboards at home.

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BarrierBreak Highlight

Busting Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction in Accessible Interactive Elements

As an accessibility expert, I have always come across a question – be it from my team or the clients. How can I make this interactive element accessible? Most of time my answer is simple, use native HTML elements over ARIA. But what about custom interactive elements?

Read More

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People Stories

The Oscars Are Expanding Accessibility To The Red Carpet This Year

By Huffpost

For the first time in its 94-year history, the Academy Awards show is expanding its accessibility, both on and off screen, to the Oscars’ red carpet on Sunday. The Oscars’ red carpet will include audio transcriptions — provided by a team that includes a blind audio describer — and live captions to ensure access for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences.

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Top Picks

An exploration of cinematic accessibility: Open captions set the standard

By Mashable

In the 21st century, auditory and visual accessibility has gained relevance for viewers with and without disabilities, as more and more audiences report that they prefer to watch content with subtitles or captions. As social media platforms and streaming apps have picked up on the demand, some have instituted automatically generated or even customizable captions.

Accessibility Tags roll out this week on PlayStation Store on the PS5 console

By Playstation

Accessibility Tags allow game developers to provide detailed insight on accessibility features supported in their games. As you browse various game hubs on PlayStation Store game hubs on PS5, you’ll see a list of accessibility features by pressing the “Triangle” button if the game you select supports Accessibility Tags. These can range from visual and audio accessibility settings to DualSense controller options, etc.

Achieve Digital Accessibility at Scale: Audit – Maintain – Comply

BarrierBreak is the Leader in Offshore Digital Accessibility Testing & Consulting. Your trusted adviser and reliable source for accessibility testing solutions. Get in touch with us to ensure your digital solutions conform to WCAG 2.1 & 2.0,  Section 508 Testing, and to create a VPAT for your product.

 

The post ACCESSIBILITY BUZZ – April 2023 appeared first on Leader in Offshore Accessibility Testing | Section 508 Compliance | WCAG Conformance | BarrierBreak.

The post Essential Guide for Workplace Inclusion appeared first on Leader in Offshore Accessibility Testing | Section 508 Compliance | WCAG Conformance | BarrierBreak.

Featured Story

Assistive tech to put you in complete control!

By Financial Times

Brilliant ideas can sometimes have unexpected and near-miraculous consequences. And if it is related to accessibility and people with disabilities, you know it is simply genius! Let's look at a super-powered all-terrain wheelchair, glasses with subtitles – and more.

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BarrierBreak Highlight

Decoding WCAG 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast.

Let’s try & simplify the testing of contrast for non-text elements by logically dissecting & grouping its requirements. The article shall also address the dilemma while testing contrast requirements of the infamous focus indicator.

Read More

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People Stories

Pro surfer and disability advocate Liv Stone talks disability inclusion, social media study in Adobe Q&A.

By Forbes

Adobe shared an interview with pro surfer, content creator, and disability advocate Liv Stone. Stone is a disabled person herself. She sat down with Adobe to discuss her life’s inspirational journey and her illustrious athletic career.

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Top Picks

New lego sets feature characters with a range of disabilities!

By Disability Scoop

Lego is offering up a host of new characters with disabilities as part of a broader push for more diversity within its toy lineup. The characters include those with Down syndrome, limb differences, anxiety, vitiligo and a dog with a wheelchair.

Protecting against android accessibility services threats.

By Guardsquare

The Accessibility Service on Android is a powerful feature that allows users with disabilities to interact with their devices in new ways. It reads text aloud, fills in forms, and clicks buttons for the user. However, this functionality also comes with potential security risks.

Achieve Digital Accessibility at Scale: Audit – Maintain – Comply

BarrierBreak is the Leader in Offshore Digital Accessibility Testing & Consulting. Your trusted adviser and reliable source for accessibility testing solutions. Get in touch with us to ensure your digital solutions conform to WCAG 2.1 & 2.0,  Section 508 Testing, and to create a VPAT for your product.

 

The post ACCESSIBILITY BUZZ – March 2023 appeared first on Leader in Offshore Accessibility Testing | Section 508 Compliance | WCAG Conformance | BarrierBreak.

Featured Story

Neobank Papara debuts world's first talking bank card for people with visual impairments

By Trend Watching

Turkish Neobank Papara just introduced a world's first: a Bluetooth-enhanced debit card that provides visually impaired customers with audio prompts when they make payments.

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BarrierBreak Highlight

HR Tech trends that are starting to make workplaces more accessible & inclusive!

The workplace is rapidly changing, and HR solutions are playing 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.

Read More

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People Stories

New initiatives put accessibility on the big screen

By The Ithacan

Independent movies have been a part of Ithaca’s history since the inception of cinema, with many filmmakers moving to Central New York to produce their newest masterpieces as early as 1915. Now, a local moviegoing staple is trying to bring Ithaca residents back to the movies in a more accessible way.

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Top Picks

How the recording academy, RAMPD expanded accessibility & disability inclusion for the Grammys’ L.A. return

By The Hollywood Reporter

Following last year's efforts in Las Vegas, which saw ASL carpet interpreters go viral, one of the music industry's biggest nights returned with a more accessible venue and a preshow unlike any other.

Where the future of accessibility in tech is headed?

By UX Planet

Accessibility is an incredibly important topic and one that has come a long way. In the past, tech products were often designed with a one-size-fits-all approach, which meant that people with disabilities were often left out and unable to fully participate in the digital world.

Achieve Digital Accessibility at Scale: Audit – Maintain – Comply

BarrierBreak is the Leader in Offshore Digital Accessibility Testing & Consulting. Your trusted adviser and reliable source for accessibility testing solutions. Get in touch with us to ensure your digital solutions conform to WCAG 2.1 & 2.0,  Section 508 Testing, and to create a VPAT for your product.

 

The post ACCESSIBILITY BUZZ – February 2023 appeared first on Leader in Offshore Accessibility Testing | Section 508 Compliance | WCAG Conformance | BarrierBreak.

At BarrierBreak, we understand the importance of making technology accessible to everyone and we believe that accessibility should be a top priority for all companies. That’s why we offer a range of accessibility services designed to help people with disabilities access digital content, including websites, mobile apps, and other digital products.

Our accessibility solutions are designed to help companies of all sizes and industries create digital products that are accessible to everyone.

If you’re attending CSUN 2023, be sure to stop by Booth 1006 to learn more about our packages and how we can help you create more accessible digital products.

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 1006 at CSUN 2023

The post Discover the Latest in Digital Accessibility with BarrierBreak at CSUN 2023 appeared first on Leader in Offshore Accessibility Testing | Section 508 Compliance | WCAG Conformance | BarrierBreak.

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 accessible – It 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. 

HR Tech Trends  

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.  

The post HR Tech trends that are starting to make workplaces more accessible & inclusive appeared first on Leader in Offshore Accessibility Testing | Section 508 Compliance | WCAG Conformance | BarrierBreak.

Featured Story

ADP Settlement Offers Framework for Future Digital-Accessibility Agreements

By The Wall Street Journal

When a lawsuit alleged that human-resources software company Automatic Data Processing Inc. had failed to make its products accessible for people who are blind or have low vision, the case joined a growing body of litigation over accessibility in the digital world.

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BarrierBreak Highlight

Are you ready for the European Accessibility Act?

The EAA required EU member states to adopt certain accessibility requirements into national law by June 28, 2022. From June 28, 2025 businesses will only be able to supply products and services in the European Market that comply with the Directive’s accessibility requirements.

Plan Now

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People Stories

Tennessee high school students build robotic hand for classmate!

By The Guardian

Students at a Tennessee high school have built a robotic hand for a classmate missing part of his, an act of friendship that he has called life-changing. They designed, 3D printed and sized a prosthetic hand for Sergio Peralta, whose right hand is not fully formed.

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Top Picks

Plaintiffs Set a New Record for Website Accessibility Lawsuit Filings in 2022!

By Sefarth

2022 was another record setting year for website accessibility lawsuits filed in federal court. The total number of lawsuits filed in federal court alleging that plaintiffs with a disability could not use websites because they were not designed to be accessible and/or work with assistive technologies in 2022 was 3,255–360 more than 2021.

These Panasonic smart glasses could 'change your life'!

By Digital Camera World

Global technology giant Panasonic has partnered with Barcelona-based start-up, Biel, and at CES 2023 the two companies unveiled a pair of 'life-changing' smart glasses for aiding in mobility for visually impaired individuals.

Achieve Digital Accessibility at Scale: Audit – Maintain – Comply

BarrierBreak is the Leader in Offshore Digital Accessibility Testing & Consulting. Your trusted adviser and reliable source for accessibility testing solutions. Get in touch with us to ensure your digital solutions conform to WCAG 2.1 & 2.0,  Section 508 Testing, and to create a VPAT for your product.

 

The post ACCESSIBILITY BUZZ – January 2023 appeared first on Leader in Offshore Accessibility Testing | Section 508 Compliance | WCAG Conformance | BarrierBreak.