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Latest Blogs
Automated Accessibility Testing: Essential for an Inclusive Web
Web accessibility has become a priority as online interactions now permeate every aspect of daily life. Ensuring your website is accessible to users of all abilities is no longer just an ethical responsibility—it’s also a legal obligation. Automated accessibility testing offers an efficient and budget-friendly way to assess and improve web content, enabling organizations to meet these growing demands. The Rise of Automated Accessibility Testing Countries worldwide are adopting the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and integrating them into legal requirements for websites. Automated website accessibility testing tools have become an invaluable asset for companies seeking compliance. While manual testing (testing done by a human) is thorough, it’s sometimes not feasible and often cost prohibitive. Automated tools, on the other hand, can audit thousands of web pages quickly and provide ongoing compliance checks. How Automated Website Accessibility Testing Works Automated testing tools analyze your website’s code against WCAG standards, flagging
Dear Santa, Make Shopping Accessible this Christmas
The holiday season is upon us, a time for joy, giving and finding the perfect gifts for our loved ones. But for many people with disabilities, the excitement of holiday shopping often comes with frustration and exclusion. While eCommerce has revolutionized the way we shop, the reality is that many online stores still fail to meet basic accessibility standards thus excluding people with disabilities from being able to buy. As we make our holiday wish lists, let’s add something for everyone: accessible online shopping experiences. Dear Santa, it’s time to make shopping accessible this Christmas—for the joy of inclusion and the spirit of the season. Why Accessibility Matters This Holiday Season Imagine the excitement of finding the perfect gift, only to be unable to navigate the checkout page because it doesn’t work with a screen reader. Or trying to browse sales on your favorite store’s website, but the buttons can’t
Kickstart Your Website Accessibility Program: The Power and Benefits of Automated Accessibility Testing
As digital accessibility becomes a critical priority, businesses must ensure their websites and applications are inclusive for all users. While manual testing is important, automated accessibility testing is a great starting point for any organization’s accessibility journey. It offers a fast, scalable, and cost-effective solution for identifying and addressing accessibility barriers, empowering teams to improve user experience while ensuring compliance with accessibility standards. In this blog, we’ll explore the core features, benefits, and best practices of automated accessibility testing, and how it serves as the foundation for a successful website accessibility program. Why Automated Website Accessibility Testing? Automated accessibility testing has revolutionized digital accessibility by making it more accessible and manageable for organizations of all sizes. It allows for quick, comprehensive scans of content and consistently identifies common accessibility issues across websites, applications, and other digital assets. As technology advances and accessibility standards evolve, automated tools are increasingly becoming a
Manual vs. Automated Accessibility Testing: Understanding Their Role, Pros and Cons
As the demand for accessible digital experiences grows, so does the need for effective accessibility testing. Ensuring websites and applications meet accessibility standards is no longer just a legal requirement—it’s a commitment to inclusivity and usability for all users, including those with disabilities. Accessibility testing can be carried out through both manual and automated approaches, each with its own unique benefits and limitations. Let’s explore what each method entails, along with their pros and cons. What is Manual Accessibility Testing? Manual accessibility testing involves a person, often an accessibility specialist or tester, interacting directly with a website or application to assess its usability for people with disabilities. Testers use assistive technologies, such as screen readers, keyboard-only navigation, and voice recognition software, to simulate real-world interactions and evaluate whether the digital experience is accessible and usable. Pros of Manual Accessibility Testing Cons of Manual Accessibility Testing What is Automated Accessibility Testing?
DOJ Ruling: State & Local Government Sites Must Be Accessible
In a landmark decision, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has mandated that all state and local government websites must adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA. Understanding the DOJ Ruling: What Does WCAG 2.2 AA Compliance Mean? But what does this compliance entail? WCAG 2.2 AA is a set of standards designed to ensure web content is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. These guidelines cover a broad spectrum of accessibility features, ranging from text alternatives for non-text content to navigable interfaces and adaptable content. The DOJ’s ruling underscores the importance of digital inclusivity. By requiring compliance with WCAG 2.2 AA, the DOJ aims to eliminate barriers and provide equal access to online information and services. This move will significantly enhance the user experience for individuals with visual, auditory, physical, and cognitive impairments. Examples of State and Local Government Websites The Impact on Government Websites: Why
ALERT! DOJ Requires WCAG 2.2 AA Website Accessibility for PRIVATE Company
It is becoming apparent that the DOJ is going to require all businesses to be accessible to WCAG standards. On May 8, 2024, the Justice Department Secures Agreement with Springfield Clinic to Make its Online Services Accessible for People with Disabilities. The Springfield Clinic is a private medical practice and is now required by the DOJ to make its “website, patient portals, and mobile applications accessible for patients with visual and manual impairments” to WCAG 2.2 AA standards. A complaint was filed against the Springfield Clinic “alleging that a patient with a visual impairment was unable to access their medical information online or pay a bill.” Skip The Part About Being Sued Approximately 65% of the companies that come to Access Design Studio for remediation of their website (making it ADA compliant accessible) are currently being sued or have been threatened with a lawsuit. They are stressed and facing large