Web AxeThe hosting company for the podcast files is currently experiencing technical issues. Please return at a later time to download a podcast. In the meantime, feel free to blog away! Thank you for your patience.
-Dennis
UPDATE:
OK, everything’s back up. Hoorah!
UPDATE 2:
The podcast MP3 files have been moved to a different server, and text updates have been made to some of the blog entries. (Unrelated to original issue.) Your RSS reader may display the Web Axe listings as new.
Web Axe now has a new design with a custom Blogger template. Some updates include the following. Any comments?!
There has been some blog discussion recently on whether or not a web site should provide an accessibility statement. You know, the small text link on the site that says “site accessibility” or “AAA compliant”. It seems that fear of being sued and trendiness have been the main reasons for accessibility statement pages on many web sites.
The consensus from the professional blogs, with which I mostly agree, is that a Help page should be implemented rather than an accessibility page. The Help page should handle any pertinent topics in addition to accessibility features that may be unique to the web site. I say “unique” because if a Help page exists at all, the content should be outside of general knowledge (such as tab order) and browser-specific instructions (such as pressing CTRL + to enlarge text).
The only exception I would point out is a web site that advertises the accessibility of the web site itself. Case in point, the CheckEngine USA web site, which sponsors Web Axe, contains a Site Accessibility page. The reason for the page is as much for marketing and educational purposes as it is for users with disabilities, etc. The company’s specialty is accessibility (as well as web standards and usability) so in this particular case, I believe it makes sense.
More:
So it’s been over 1 year since my first Web Axe podcast (Sept 18, 2005). My long-time friend Mike (see Most People Are DJs) got me into podcasting. He and I started the e-zine O.D. Mag a decade ago. Then last year, Mike got me into the Detroit Podcasters Network, a great group of computer nerds who do great podcasts, and meet every month and drink beer.
So I said to myself, what do I enjoy, that I know a lot about, that would be unique. Web accessibility of course! I have been programming web sites for accessibility (and standards and usability) for over five years now, and for some reason just find it very fun and interesting.
I’m making more and more connections, and learning more and more about the whole web development industry. It’s remarkable how much more there is to learn every year. Thanks to Ross Johnson of 3point7designs.com, who’s joined in the Web Axe podcast venture. It’s a lot of work, and a lot of fun, and I’m expecting bigger and better podcasts in the future!
-Dennis
Web Axe’s sponsor company CheckEngine USA has won an award from Accessites.org for its excellent web site usability and accessibility.
Addendum: CheckEngine USA is now Web Overhauls.