Designing Accessible Technology
http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2010-10-12/designing-accessible-technology
From online shopping to GPS to social networking sites, virtually every facet of American life is going digital. But many of the newest gadgets and helpful websites aren't very accessible for people with a disability. We explore how some innovative companies are integrating accessibility into their design process, and aiming for "universal usability."
Guests
Jonathan Lazar
Professor of Computer and Information Sciences and Director, Universal Usability Laboratory, Towson University
Eve Hill
Senior Vice President, Burton Blatt Institute, Syracuse University
Anne Taylor
Director of Access Technology, National Federation of the Blind
Comments
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This is a great tiopic of discussion. As a recently retired Web Enterprise manager at the U.S. Department of Energy, I can tell you that some agencies are doing a great deal to insure their websites are "508 compliant". In the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewble Energy, every new site and new page has to go through a QA process that includes the agency's enforcement of 508.
Also, the U.S. Federal Web Managers Forum, run by GSA, is a great resource for agencies seeking to to improve the accessibility of sites.
However, compliance begins at the top of the organization. If the agency head takes this seriously, it will be done.
I agree that you need support from the top. One of the best resources is the webaim.org site. I don't know why I can't stream this -- keep getting "Server not Found."
As Anne & Jonathan pointed out, designing the site or application with accessibility in mind can be as much as 200% less expensive than retrofitting it later on.
For developers who want a free tool on their desktop we’ve developed Worldspace FireEyes, a free tool that simulates for developers the experience a disabled user encounters on a site.
The tool can be downloaded at: http://www.deque.com/products/worldspace-fireeyes/download-worldspace-fi...
Thank you to Eve, Anne & Jonathon for being such visionaries on this matter.
I was working at broadcast time, so unfortunately, I had to wait to listen to this podcast and comment heare rather than call. But thank you Kojo for addressing this very important topic! And thanks to your guests for their conversation, education, & encouragement.
I'm a professional and a federaal employee who happens to have a medical condition that has resulted in multiple disabilities including (mostly) low-vision, dexterity and mobility challenges. I'm pleased to say that the federal government is working hard to make their sites accessible for the public. As previously mentioned, retrofitting for accessibility is a huge job and takes time.
BUT, as a fed who spends a good deal of time working on a computer, I have to say that the internal federal sites are rarely fully accessible! And unfortunately, even being "508 compliant" often isn't enough; it needs to be much more than just making a site "readable" for a blind/low-vision person.
My biggest technology beef is that all professionals in the federal system have Blackberries (BB) "implanted" in their hands. To be a fed & a professional "requires" a BB. BUT BBs AREN'T ACCESSIBLE!! (The US government went to bat for RIM, because BBs are so integral to conducting business, but oddly, has not pressured RIM to make an accessible product!) I have yet to find an accessible and equivalent alternative.
One caller made a very important point -- we are a rapidly aging workforce in an environment that needs to retain workers for as long as possible. Universal usabillity accommodates ALL of us, including the aging worker, the young learning challenged, and the stressed, attention-challenged middle-aged person. Accessible technology helps keep me in the workforce as a productive contributor to society, paying taxes, and off of government disability support. It also contributes to my quality of life, my mental health (less depression), my social relationships & health (keeps me connected), my physical health (helps keep me active & moving!), contributes to my cognitive health (keeps me thinking!), and keeps me consuming - in today's economy, we need as many consumers as possible!
We can't afford to NOT be accessible!
We explore how some innovative companies are integrating accessibility into their design process, and aiming for "universal usability."This is a great tiopic of discussion, also this information helps to many .
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