Accessibility Mythbusting

Debunking many of the most prevalent myths around web accessibility. Originally created for WDCNZ 2013 in Wellington, NZ.

1. Accessibility NZ Accessibility Mythbusting WDCNZ 2013 Wellington Nicolas Steenhout @vavroom #a11y #wdcnz
2. Definition Web Accessibility: The inclusive practice of making websites usable by everyone, regardless of ability or disability. @vavroom #a11y #wdcnz
3. Lots and Lots of Myths • More than can be discussed in 30 minutes! • Will cover as many as possible • Longer list will be posted on accessibility.net.nz @vavroom #a11y #wdcnz
4. Accessibility is Sole Responsibility of Developers • Developers • Designers • Content Managers • Site Owners • User Agents • Legislators • Educators • End Users @vavroom #a11y #wdcnz
5. Accessibility is Expensive • Some cost to learn skills • HTML is HTML • No more expensive if included at start @vavroom #a11y #wdcnz
6. Accessible Sites Are Boring or Ugly • Text-only != accessible • Historical – old tech vs new tech • Beautiful, media rich, interactive, accessible • CSS Zen Garden @vavroom #a11y #wdcnz
7. Accessibility is Only for Few People • No metrics for visitors with disabilities • Not just disability • Numbers game @vavroom #a11y #wdcnz
8. Accessibility Does Not Apply to my Site / Product / System • Never know who uses a product • User without a disability may acquire disability • Family / Friends • People with disabilities participate in ALL aspects of life. @vavroom #a11y #wdcnz
9. Accessibility is Just for the Blind • Vision • Hearing • Physical / Mobility • Learning / Cognitive • Neurological • No Disability @vavroom #a11y #wdcnz
10. Disabled People Don’t Use the Net • No reason NOT to use the net – Except non-accessible sites! • Online shopping vs in-store shopping • Online, nobody sees you have a disability @vavroom #a11y #wdcnz
11. Only Experts Can Do Accessibility • Most techniques easy to implement • Basic knowledge of tools required @vavroom #a11y #wdcnz
12. Machine Testing is Good Enough • Not everything can be programmatically checked • Not all automation tools check all issues • Good starting point @vavroom #a11y #wdcnz
13. Accessibility – All or Nothing • Some accessibility features == better than nothing • Implement as much as you can @vavroom #a11y #wdcnz
14. WCAG Compliance Ensures Access • No guideline can cover all possible issues • Changing technologies • Common barriers • Heck of a good start @vavroom #a11y #wdcnz
15. Accessibility is Optional • Legal Requirements • Business Imperative • Ethical Consideration @vavroom #a11y #wdcnz
16. Asking a Blind Friend to Test is Good Enough • User level of experience • User specific technology • Accessibility isn’t only about vision issues • Engage proper user testing – e.g. Knowbility @vavroom #a11y #wdcnz
17. Can Add-On Accessibility Later • Reliance on 3rd Party add-ons • Building site in stages – Accessibility last • Accessibility is part of user experience @vavroom #a11y #wdcnz
18. Accessibility is a Necessary Evil • SEO • Cost savings • Increased website use • Improved interoperability • Reduced server loads @vavroom #a11y #wdcnz