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acrobat adobe pdf podcast web

Accessible Acrobat (PDF) Files

Guidelines on how to create accessible Adobe Acrobat (a.k.a. PDF) files. Note that Acrobat files should only be used as supplemental content on a web site, not as primary content.

Download Web Axe Episode 19 (Acrobat Files)

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law

Accessibility law in the U.S

Most of us know that federal web sites in the United States must comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act for web accessibility.

Many people overlook the fact that any non-federal entity that receives federal monies needs to comply with Section 504 (of the Rehabilitation Act) to provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. This includes any university, city, county, and state government which receives federal funding. Although the sites do not have to be 508-compliant specifically, adhering to Section 508 requirements can be used as an easy and more thorough method of meeting Section 504 obligations.

Most states have passed some type of policy, standard or law on web accessibility. States have adopted standards as defined by Section 508, the W3C, a mix of the two, or developed their own standards.

Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 also addresses web-related accessibility issues. The Act requires telecommunications products and services (including computers with modems and internet connections) to be accessible to people with disabilities.

Note that a phone number or other means as a work-around for an inaccessible web site does not satisfy Section 508.

Learn more here (ITTATC)

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stats

Most UK Government Sites Fail Web Accessibility

Sixty percent of government web sites fail web accessibility tests. And that’s the UK, which is much more aware and active on web accessibility and web standards that most countries, including the U.S.A. Tests were conducted by the University of Southampton.

BBC Article, Government sites fail web tests

Categories
alt image podcast web

ALT Attributes — Use Them, Damn It

Not really sure why so many web sites are missing ALT attributes on their images. In this podcast, Dennis explains a number of reasons why they must be used.

Download Web Axe Episode 18 (ALT attributes)

Categories
cognitive podcast web webaim

About Cognitive Accessibility

The aspects of the cognitive portion of web accessibility. Topics include use of language, consistency in layout, and clearly defined links.

Download Web Axe Episode 17

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