Accessibility Mythbusting

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

Transcript

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