Author: Dennis

Categories
aria html5 video

HTML5 Sanity Check

Most of us are excited about HTML5 and all the benefits it will bring. Overly excited maybe is a more accurate term, which includes myself. We as a community need a “sanity check” about the readiness of HTML5 and its accessibility because:

  1. The spec isn’t complete (2012 for Candidate Recommendation) thus requirements may still change.
  2. The browsers are in the middle of implementation and much accessibility support isn’t provided yet.
  3. There are many accessibility issues remaining such as Canvas in general; no semantic information to assistive technology for many elements; keyboard access lacking in audio & video controls in most conditions.

The web site HTML5Accessibility.com is a great place to learn about these issues for each major web browser. Along with that is a presentation by Steve Faulkner (@stevefaulkner) of the Paciello Group: HTML5 Accessibility – Is It Ready Yet? presentation by Steve Faulkner and and Hans Hillen (SlideShare).

Because of this intermediate stage, we developers must implement more complex code as desired, including fallback methods for user agents which don’t yet support the HTML5 features. Here are some great resources on doing so:

Categories
jobs

More Web Accessibility Jobs!

Nice to see a few more open positions requiring some web accessibility skills!

  • Web Producer, TechSoup.org, San Francisco. (Full-time, Exempt). Job description includes “Knowledge of W3C web accessibility and markup standards required”.
  • Web Accessibility Coordinator at University of Iowa. Experience desired includes “Knowledge of WCAG 2.0 and Section 508 as they relate to technology”.
  • Web Developer for NAF (National Abortion Federation), Washington, D.C. Job description includes “conform to standards of usability and accessibility”.

Another! (via Jared Smith):
Director, Accessible Technology Initiative, California State University

Categories
articles review

Feedback on A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Web Accessibility

Here is my feedback on a recent article A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Web Accessibility on 1stWebDesigner.com. Some good points, but I’d like to clarify a few things:

  • Item 1 is good, I think the main point is “follow conventions”, to continue established design patterns. This may be beneficial for those with cognitive disabilities, but it’s somewhat more of a usability issue rather than accessibility.
  • For Item 2, remember that a text-alternative is now frowned upon; it’s almost always not equal content, nor a comparable experience. Also, many Flash websites can now be done with accessible HTML/JS/CSS.
  • Don’t agree with your point on Pagination. Not directly related to accessibility, but again, more of an opinion on usability.
  • For item 4, I think the point is to use semantic markup. A great place to start!
  • On item 7, the point is that you should use relative sizing and layout (EM, %) instead of absolute (PX, PT).
  • For 8, you’re pointing to WCAG1, which is now outdated. You want WCAG2. Also, for testing, auto tools are handy, but it’s always best to have real users test. And many items MUST be checked by a human, such as proper alternative text.
Categories
conference expert

AccessU West Keynote by Web Axe Host

Web Axe host and founder Dennis Lembree is giving one of three keynote speeches at the AccessU West conference (previously CalWAC) in San Jose, California, January 10-12, 2011. The accessibility event is three full days and is held at San Jose State University. Dennis is also the author of Accessible Twitter.

A superb lineup of experts are providing sessions including Derek Featherstone, Jim Thatcher, Lainey Feingold, and Deque Systems. Topics include HTML5/CSS3/ARIA, testing accessibility, Drupal, and legal issues (U.S.). If you’re more interested in a particular topic, tracks are offered in Usability, Policy/Admin, and Design Development.

Fees are relatively low, about $235 to $820 depending on the package you select. Register here and say hi to Dennis at the conference. We hope to see you there!

Buildings and palm trees on SJSU campus

Categories
audio conference html5 podcast review

Podcast #86: EDUCAUSE Review, AHG Preview, HTML5 Audio with Terrill Thompson

Head shot of Terrill Thompson Dennis speaks with Terrill Thompson about a variety of topics including a summary of the EDUCAUSE conference; a preview of the Accessing Higher Ground (AHG) conference; community efforts to fix the web; HTML5 audio, video, and controls; and captioning.

Download Web Axe Episode 86 (Educause review, AHG preview, HTML5 audio with Terrill Thompson)

[Transcript of podcast 86]

Mentioned links

More on the EDUCAUSE Twitter backchannel

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