Categories
administrative

Web Axe podcasts now monthly

Due to personal and professional commitments, Web Axe podcasts will now be released once a month.

Categories
audio podcast

Podcast #59: Jeffrey Frey on Accessible Podcasts

Dennis speaks with Jeffrey Frey and discusses accessible podcasting, guidelines on audio/video web accessibility, and Jeff’s role at Rice University.

Jeff is the Web Services Manager for Enterprise Applications in the Information Technology Department at Rice University. He provides technology solutions for faculty, staff, and students on campus as well as teaches new technology courses at the School of Continuing Studies. He is available for podcasting consulting, is involved in the creation of podcasts for businesses and non-profits, and has owned a technical consulting company and an audio/video recording studio.

Download Web Axe Episode 59 (Jeffrey Frey on Accessible Podcasts)
[Transcript for podcast 59]

Links from Jeffrey Frey’s Blog

Transcription and other related services

From Tom Brinck

Like myself, Tom is from Michigan but now works and lives in the Bay Area in California.

Categories
articles testing

Outsourcing accessibility testing is essential

In his article Outsourcing accessibility testing is essential, web accessibility and usability professional Peter Abrahams discusses why testing a web site for accessibility by an external third party is a good idea.

Although the article is an obvious plug for a particular testing company, the point is quite valid. Testing for web accessibility is a critical step, and a company who specializes in that usually has the best resources to do the most complete job, including testing by people with a variety of disabilities.

Two related points made in the article are:

  • Specify that accessibility is essential in your requirements definition.
  • Once a site has gone into production it is advisable to re-test it on a regular basis to ensure the continued quality and accessibility.
Categories
articles

Lessons from Eye-Tracking Studies

Many excellent web design and coding tips are presented in this article summing up eye-tracking studies: Scientific Web Design: 23 Actionable Lessons from Eye-Tracking Studies. It’s good to see that many of this points are directly related to web accessibility guidelines and web standards.

7. Type size influences viewing behavior.
10. Shorter paragraphs perform better than long ones.
15.
Bigger images get more attention.
19.
Lists hold reader attention longer.

Categories
articles business expert

Business Reasons for Web Accessibility

In my article Business Reasons for Web Accessibility (posted under Web Axe’s sponsor company, CheckEngine USA) I provide several reasons why an accessible web site is good for business (namely, the bottom line—finances). Points for web accessibility benefiting business include:

  • Increases Potential Market Share
  • Lighter Code Saves Bandwidth
  • No Alternative Formats Needed
  • Increases Positive Image
  • Avoid Lawsuits