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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Testing your product or websites to check accessibility helps developers and testers to provide accessible services to the end users. A web accessibility expert can help you test your website and manage compliance. In Addition, to test if your websites are accessible or not, several accessibility testing tools are available that helps in identifying elements with accessibility errors and warnings for potential errors.

Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool (WAVE)

• WAVE is a tool developed by WebAim for evaluating accessibility of web content.
• WAVE is available at https://wave.webaim.org/ and also can be accessed as an Browser extension for Firefox and Chrome.
• WAVE checks for errors based on WCAG 2.1 Level AA and Section 508.
• Wave evaluates single page at a time.
• WAVE helps in identifying the errors related to Headings, Links, Images, Forms, ARIA, Color contrast, structural in detailed and short summary format.
• The results are displayed in the left pane in different section such as Summary, Details, Reference, Structure and Contrast.

• Some of key features of WAVE includes:
  • Wave tool annotates errors inline on your page which allows you to identify which element have errors. Different sets of icons are added on the page to easily identify errors and warnings on webpage.
  • We can view the code simultaneously while checking accessibility errors.

Color Contrast Analyser (CCA)

• The Colour Contrast Analyser (CCA) is a desktop based tool developed by THEPACIELLOGROUP (TPG) available for Windows and MAC OS.
• CCA checks for color contrast errors based on WCAG 2.1 Level AA and AAA.
• CCA helps to check the contrast using the WCAG contrast requirements which are as follows:
  • Standard text (Contrast ratio 4.5:1)
  • Large text (Contrast ratio 3.0:1)
  • 18pt or higher with non-bold font
  • 14pt or higher with bold font

• Some of key features of CCA includes:
  • Value of Color can be set either by using color picker, hex codes or RGB values.
  • Based on the value of colour it displays the contrast ratio and display the results as per WCAG Level AA and AAA.
  • Tool also offers color blindness simulation that helps to understand how specific colour combinations will be viewed by people with Monochromacy, Dichromacy and Trichromacy.

Accessible Name & Description Inspector

• ANDI is a browser based bookmarklet for desktop used for testing accessibility of web content.
• ANDI checks for errors based on WCAG 2.1 and Section 508.
• The results are presented based on different areas of accessibility in Page Analysis section.
• Results covers Element highlights, Accessibility Component and ANDI output which can be viewed as soon as user hover with mouse or use hotkeys with keyboard to check different content on the page.

• Some of key features of ANDI includes:
  • ANDI checks for focusable element, color contrast, heading structure, tables, iframes, hidden element, tabbing order and many more.
  • ANDI tool reveals how a screen reader will read out the interactive elements.

ARC Toolkit

• ARC toolkit is an accessibility testing tool developed by THEPACIELLOGROUP (TPG).
• It is browser based extension available only for Chrome on Windows.
• ARC toolkit checks for errors based on WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
• Accessibility of a single page can be evaluated using the ARC toolkit at any given time.
• ARC toolkit gets added in the browser’s DevTools tab bar.
• Results are segregated based on page elements such as images, headings, tables, etc.

• Some of key features of ARC includes:
  • Test results summary are displayed in the left pane i.e. elements pane.
  • The right pane i.e. Results pane displays results for individual elements.
  • Users can explore the results by selecting an element in the table to view the representation on the web page. It is indicated by and a red dashed outline and supporting text.
  • The results pane shows the related code, short description and recommendation.
  • Accessibility issues found are segregated as Error and Warnings.
  • The toolkit has an additional feature to check page reflow and text spacing by selecting checkbox available in the elements pane.

Accessibility Insight

• Accessibility insight is a tool used for performing accessibility testing on webpages, web applications and Android application.
• Accessibility Insight is available as following extension and tools:
• Chrome and Edge Browser extension to test webpages and web applications.
• Windows Desktop tool to test web applications.
• Windows, MacOS and Linux desktop tool to test Android application.
• Accessibility Insight checks for errors based on WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

• Some of key features of Accessibility insight includes:
  • The tool supports two types of test which is FastPass and Assessment.
  • FastPass is a lightweight two step process which includes Automated checks such as any missing or invalid properties and Tabs stop technique.
  • Automated checks detect some of the common accessibility problems in a web page and web based application quickly keeping in mind the 50 Success criteria.
  • Tab stops provides visual helper and clear instructions that makes it easy to identify issues related to keyboard access such support missing, keyboard traps and incorrect tab order.
  • Assessment includes automated checks and manual tests.
  • In case of automated checks, the tool automatically checks for 50 Success criteria to make the web page compliant with WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
  • In context with manual tests the tool provides visual helper or identifies test instances for users to proceed further.

The above mentioned automated testing tools will help you get kickstarted with the accessibility testing of your product. The test results generated by these tools must be verified manually by accessibility consultants and also get the product tested for accessibility by end users i.e. people with different types of disabilities. This will ensure that your product caters to the needs of all users.

Are you looking for a Web Accessibility Vendor or Web accessibility experts for making your website accessible? The web accessibility testing team at BarrierBreak provides you with expert advice on how to integrate accessibility in your website.

Drop a line to us at sales@barrierbreak.com and we will be happy to connect!

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In this blog we are trying to answer this question, so let us first start with understanding what VPAT is all about.

What is a VPAT? 

A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is a document about the accessibility of a product conforming to the Section 508 Standards. It can be considered as an accessibility conformance report for different Information and Communication technology (ICT) products such as applications, software, websites, electronic  products and documentation.

This document states, how a particular product meets or conforms to the Revised 508 Standards for IT accessibility. This document is published by the product vendor itself and it contains the details about each aspect of the Section 508 requirements and where does the product stand with regards to accessibility on each criterion. 

The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) officially hosts the VPAT template document. ITI offers VPAT in four different editions enabling ICT vendors to create accessibility conformance report on the standards appropriate for their markets. 

• VPAT 2.4Rev EU (February 2020): It is created by keeping in mind the European Union’s “Accessibility requirements suitable for public procurement of ICT products and services in Europe”. 
• VPAT 2.4Rev 508 (February 2020): It is created by keeping in mind the U.S. Federal accessibility standard. 
• VPAT 2.4Rev WCAG (February 2020): It is created by keeping in mind Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. 
• VPAT 2.4Rev INT (February 2020): This edition incorporates all the above 3 standards/guidelines.

The latest VPAT version is VPAT 2.4 . Check out our blog on What is new in VPAT 2.4?

A VPAT document can consist reports based on different accessibility standards and guidelines as follows: 

• Section 508 (Refresh) 
• WCAG 2.0  
• WCAG 2.1  
• European Accessibility standards EN 301549 

So, make sure you always use the latest version VPAT 2.4 for creation of report. 

Now, back to the actual question about creating a VPAT for your technology product, should you or should you not? 

US Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires government agencies to make ICT accessible to people with disabilities. When you are a ICT company dealing with federal agencies it is mandatory to provide a VPAT. 

Even though it is a vendor’s own free will to provide a VPAT, the simple and wise answer would be, Yes! Yes, you should create a VPAT for your technology product. Since the government agencies opt for a product with VPAT, it might be fruitful for your product to have a VPAT as it places your product into the arena where the Federal procurements are made. Without a VPAT it is quite possible that you are losing money as your product might be as good as other products available in the market. 

As a VPAT vendor, BarrierBreak works with our customers to create an effective and complete VPAT and ACR of the product. Discuss your VPAT Strategy with an Accessibility Expert today. 

Let us now understand what VPAT is not all about.

What VPAT is not all about? 

• Companies might be hesitant in creating a VPAT report for a product as they might think their product will be shown in a bad light. Such is not the case. It is important to know that a VPAT is not a black and white statement about the conformance of a product. In fact, it is a report on the overall level of conformance of the product.  
• VPAT is not about listing all the issues, but it is about giving the overview of the successes and challenges found in the product. 

What are the benefits of creating a VPAT? 

VPAT indicates a product’s compliance with Section 508 standards. It is a crucial document for both companies as well as buyers. 

• Helps to boost the sales and thereby increase the revenue. 
• Helps the company recognize the accessibility gaps and challenges of the product and work towards it. VPAT acts as a measure to make the product accessible for which the employees of the company can work towards a common goal i.e. developing accessible product. Using the VPAT report the company can look into the areas where the product needs improvement in accessibility and work towards the quality of the product constantly. 
• Helps buyers in making an informed decision before procuring an ICT product. VPAT helps the buyers to understand a product’s level of accessibility conformance. Makes the procuring process hassle free as the buyer can get all the accessibility details through the VPAT instead of reading from the product brochure.  
• Helps buyers to compare conformance of similar products and choose a product that best meets accessibility standards and the organization’s functional and legal requirements. In case of a conundrum, buyers can choose for an equally accessible product when a required accessible product is not available. 
• Allows companies to provide documentation and an explanation on the level of conformance of their product. A drafted VPAT becomes a product conformance report which is an example of a company’s accessibility standard. Another benefit of VPAT is that it tells the buyers that the company is aware about the accessibility challenges of the product and is working towards making it equally accessible for all users.  

All in all, VPAT for a product benefits the organization in terms of monetary gains and builds trust and reputation. 

Where do I get my VPAT done? 

A VPAT can be created by an organization’s internal accessibility team. However, it is recommended to hire external party audit teams for the creation of VPAT. Outsourcing the VPAT ensures that the VPAT document is accurate and unbiased. Hiring a VPAT vendor or external accessibility agencies would ensure an accurate and good quality VPAT document. Since VPAT is a legal document for a product, you should aim for accuracy. 

Make sure the VPAT document you create is available in accessible formats such as PDF, Word, HTML, etc. 

In conclusion it is incredibly beneficial to create a VPAT document for your technology products. 

If you are looking out for a VPAT vendor to author VPAT for your product, reach out to us at sales@barrierbreak.com. 

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These are times where:

1. We have to move fast but ensure that we don’t ignore digital 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 614 at CSUN 2022

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Our team at BarrierBreak, consisting of 250+ accessibility testers & native assistive technology users ensure accessibility of all your Health Tech tools with cost-effective Accessible Health Tech Services. 

Health Sector Overview 

In the health sector, we have seen this topic discussed as the gap in technology and Internet access between the poor and everyone else. While the Internet and digital isolation are not a new problem, the pandemic has shed light on populations that lack digital literacy, addiction or access to online systems. While an individual may have access to technology, they may not be literate enough or have the digital skills required to use the technology and, as a result, may not be able to access online health education content. Often, devices or technologies, by their very design, are simply inaccessible to everyone. 

In addition, many business owners and investors mistakenly believe that patients covered under insurance are not interested in using digital tools to manage their health. However, many promising health information technology (HIT) solutions are not being adopted and used by these patients and other vulnerable populations or are not being implemented in hospitals that provide care to a high percentage of these patients. 

As digital transformation in healthcare improves the quality of patient care, Health Delivery Organizations (HDOs) must continue to support those who choose or need to rely on offline healthcare. Demand for telemedicine services is growing because it is an efficient and effective way to get health care, which is why health insurance providers are working to ensure access to the people they serve, no matter where they live or their economic situation. Health insurance providers help meet the technological needs of rural and low-income communities. 

Drawback of Health Tech 

Without proper planning and protection, digital health technologies can increase health inequalities by widening the digital divide separating those who can and cannot access such interventions. The complexity of the social and health problems that contribute to the availability and diffusion of health-related technologies must be studied and addressed in greater depth before the benefits can be fully realized for all populations. These challenges need to be addressed given the disproportionate burden of disease facing patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and gaps in digital strategies to provide them with more effective prevention and treatment. 

Remedy 

Accelerating and wider adoption of technology during the pandemic is positive, but the digital divide requires additional investment. The government should ensure that digital health interventions directly address the digital divide and inequality of access. Digital technology must be developed with end users (for example, healthcare providers, system administrators, patients, and communities), and must have effective feedback and repetition mechanisms. 

When it comes to web products, all stakeholders involved in creating a product must ensure that common barriers to digital accessibility are overcome through appropriate methods. In such a scenario, technology plays a significant role in bridging the gap to ensure that people with disabilities have equal and convenient access to digital tools, devices and systems. Technological accessibility means providing digital access to all types of users. 

But beyond that, we need digital health solutions that are affordable, accessible to those who need access most, and demonstrate the effectiveness of their best health outcomes. The only real way to ensure digital health is enabled is to collaborate on solutions with intended users. The access structure, combined with utilitarianism, provides us with strategies for providing medical technology to the poor. 

Get in Touch 

Beyond digital health and medical innovation, this is an article about giving people access to technology that enables them to actively manage their health, well-being and disease. These are all positive changes that can make it easier and easier for many people to obtain high-quality care.  

And we at BarrierBreak strive towards an accessible and inclusive future for all. 

For accessible, affordable and actionable solutions, get in touch with us at sales@barrierbreak.com 

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Accessibility for users with cognitive disabilities is a greater challenge than for other types of disabilities. While the use of computer technology in the classroom of students with cognitive disabilities has proven effective, the variety of skills and experiences of users with cognitive disabilities can cause problems. 

Our specialized team at BarrierBreak provides guidance on how people with cognitive disabilities best deal with accessibility issues. We aim to provide practical, step-by-step information and design to deliver effective best practices for web and digital accessibility. 

The Underdogs

While vision and hearing impairments are often discussed when it comes to site accessibility, cognitive disabilities represent the most computer users with disabilities according to the National Center for Disability Access and Education. Cognitive impairment is the least understood disability category, and much of what has been published on cognitive impairment from a clinical and scientific point of view does not include questions related to website accessibility. 

Cognitive learning is a neurological disability that includes neurological disorders as well as behavioral and mental disorders. 

What is Cognitive Disability?

Cognitive impairment refers to a wide range of disabilities – from people with intellectual impairments that limit their ability to age-related problems with thinking and remembering. Cognitive impairments include people with learning disabilities such as dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It affects how people express and receive information and communication, their motor skills, vision, hearing and ability to comprehend and consume information. Such disabilities can impair the ability to read and type text, recognize images, make precise gestures and locate important information.  

Accessibility allows people with cognitive disabilities to focus on the primary purpose of the content. Taking into account deficits in reading, language and language comprehension through supplementary media such as illustrations, symbols, videos and audio can improve accessibility for people with cognitive disabilities. Images, icons and graphic content can help users with cognitive impairments. 

Complex texts can cause difficulties for users with cognitive impairments. People with dyslexia, for example, may find it difficult and time-consuming to access text information. Perception disorders, also known as learning disabilities, include difficulties in processing sensory information such as auditory, tactile and visual. 

The Modus Operandi of Digital Accessibility

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 document is based on a broader understanding of how to create accessible content for specific user groups. The WCAG is a set of recommendations to make digital content and technologies accessible to people with disabilities. Regardless of cognitive, learning or neurological disabilities, many adapt digital content to make it easier to see and to use. 

People with cognitive and learning disabilities use a variety of technologies to adapt and simplify content to their needs. For example, screens readers designed for blind users or for accessing content on a computer or mobile phone are increasingly used by people with cognitive impairments to promote literacy. Supporting technologies have also been developed to facilitate cognitive access for people with physical or sensory disabilities. 

In practice, people with cognitive disabilities are less effective at hacking physical or sensory access technologies to meet their own needs, but that is no excuse for not implementing specific CA measures. Cognitive accessibility includes thinking about accessibility for people with cognitive and learning disabilities. 

What can you do?

Align your digital content with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (commonly referred to as WCAG 2.0) the most widely accepted standard for equal access to the Internet. Compliance with these guidelines may help protect against lawsuits alleging violations of Section 508 and American with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

In short, barrier-free websites help secure brands that promote positive word-of-mouth for the disabled population among their friends, family members and the general public. Several organizations have joined forces to identify measures to support the digital inclusion of people with cognitive disabilities. 

It seems that the use of information and communication technology (ICT) is a challenge for people with intellectual disabilities and that there is a digital divide between them and more connected citizens. 

We can bridge that gap for you! Our highly experienced team at BarrierBreak does not only ensure your digital products conform to accessibility standards but also provides a barrier-free experience for people with cognitive disabilities. 

Write to sales@barrierbreak.com and reach out for further assistance. 

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January 2018

The beginning of the year saw the refreshed Section 508 being legally coming into effect. The Section 508 standards were established in 1998, that require Federal agencies to develop and procure technology accessible to people with disabilities. After a great deal of consideration, the US Access Board published a final rule that updates the Section 508 Standards.

February 2018

Microsoft launched the Soundscape app that empowers people who are blind or have low vision to explore the world through a 3D audio experience. The app helps you explore your surrounding by enhancing your awareness of what is around you and helping you get where you want to go.

March 2018

• Google Maps introduced “wheelchair accessible” routes in transit navigation to make getting around easier for those with mobility needs.
• First Indian Sign Language Dictionary of 3000 words was launched on 23^rd March by the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, India. The dictionary was developed by Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre under Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, M/o Social Justice & Empowerment.

April 2018

On 25^th April, Pinterest partnered with Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired to make their website and app more accessible to people with visual impairment.

May 2018

Global Accessibility Awareness Day held on 17th May witnessed several events, conferences and webinars all over the world with the aim to build awareness and promote accessibility.

June 2018

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) published the WCAG 2.1 on 5th June. WCAG 2.1 added 17 more Success Criteria to those previously established in 2008 to address mobile accessibility, people with low vision and people with cognitive and learning disabilities

July 2018

VPAT assists the Federal Government Agencies and other buyers to determine how accessible an “Electronic and Information Technology” product is and make preliminary assessments while procuring a product. At the request of representatives of the U.S. Access Board, Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) released the updated VPAT® version 2.2. The updated version provides a column for recording conformance to each provision of a standard or guideline when appropriate, using one of four conformance levels: supports; partially supports; does not support; and not applicable.

August 2018

Department of people with disabilities, India took the initiative of verification audit of accessibility features in 70 railway stations. The verification audit of 70 railway stations in 25 states to be completed within 6 months. In first phase, 15 important railways stations will be audited. Subsequently, 25 and 30 stations will be audited in second and third phase.

September 2018

The Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies made it mandatory to be transposed into national law in all EU member states by September 23, 2018. The directive references the incorporation of the EN 301 549 Standard which sets out the accessibility requirements suitable for public procurement of ICT products and services in Europe. EN 301 549 Standard which was published 4 years ago, is the first ever European standard for digital accessibility.

October 2018

The World Federation of the DeafBlind launched the initial global report on the situation and rights of persons with deaf-blindness. Person with deafblindness from across the world who took part in the Helen Keller World Conference in June 2018 were consulted to confirm the findings and elaborate on the recommendations for this report.

November 2018

On 28^th November, Instagram announced new features which included providing alternate text description for images to improve accessibility for people with visual impairment. Instagram introduced automatic alternative text along with the option to create your own alternative text.

December 2018

The world celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2018. This year’s theme was empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality as a part of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. The UN Secretary-General launched on the Day a flagship report, entitled “UN Flagship Report on Disability and Development | 2018 – Realizing the SDGs by, for and with persons with disabilities” on this special day.

The year ends with a bang as ITI release the VPAT®, version 2.3, which includes a column for providing a more detailed explanation for each reported conformance level.

Looking forward for more initiatives in the land of accessibility and a more inclusive 2019 for everyone.

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The Accessibility Guidelines Working Group and WCAG 2.1

One of the biggest news is that W3C group previously called the “Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Working Group” is now renamed to simply the “Accessibility Guidelines Working Group” . Along with the change in name comes in a new charter, which will work in the next evolution of WCAG – Which is WCAG 2.1.

WCAG 2.1 will focus on addressing the gaps in the previous iteration (WCAG 2.0). Our world is increasingly going mobile, and with that, we need to increasingly consider the various screen sizes (mostly small screen) as well as the input mechanisms typical to it (like touch screens, stylus input etc). WCAG 2.1 will try to address this.

It will also try to address concerns related to people with low vision as well as people with cognitive disabilities, which is a wonderful thing as often these groups have not been well represented in the past.

The new charter also proposes working on developing a framework and repository of test rules to provide a consistent and unified interpretation of WCAG amongst different test tools. These test rules would include automated, semi-automated and manual testing procedures. This would hopefully lead to less ambiguities and scope for varied interpretation of rules which would lead to a more consistent and clear environment for everybody to follow.

Proposals for new success criteria for all of the above are being discussed in the working group right now. Barrierbreak is also active in many of those discussions, doing our part in making the guidelines better for people with disabilities. 

A refreshed Section 508

The United States Access Board published a final rule updating the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) standards and guidelines. This covers Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act as well as Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act.

One of the major changes with this refresh is that it formally adopts WCAG 2.0 (Level A and Level AA) by reference. They apply to all web sites, as well as all non-web electronics documents (like PDFs) and software. This is great, and puts it in line with internationally agreed guidelines. In fact, the Access Board worked with the European Commission and their development of their own counterpart of ICT standards, so that they remain in harmony with each other.

The refresh also states that authoring tools (like Microsoft Word, etc) also would need to have to allow creation of accessible content conforming to WCAG level A and AA, including having prompts  to let the author create accessible content.

The refresh was done on January 18, 2017 and it will take formal effect from a year from now, i.e,  January 18, 2018. So if you want to do business with the US federal government, then you need to make sure you comply by those rules from that date onwards at the very least (though complying with the WCAG guidelines is always a good idea, regardless of regulation or dates!).

It’s an exciting time for the world of accessibility. It will be interesting to see how (and at what pace) do these new guidelines and regulations change the landscape for the better.

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