First Steps in Creating an Accessible Website
We’ve compiled a top-five list of items for you when creating an accessible webpage or editing existing web pages. These are the items that everyone can follow to make their websites more accessible.
Website Design
Web Accessibility for Designers
Aimed at designers, the article emphasizes that accessibility considerations should be integrated into the visual design process from the outset. The resource presents an infographic highlighting key principles of accessible design, covering aspects such as heading structure, reading order, contrast, text versus images, font size, and more.
Disability Language Style Guide
Disability Language Style Guide is also a downloadable PDF that lists appropriate terms and phrases when referring to people with disabilities in publications or conversations. Translated versions are available.
Accessibility Report for World Book Online
The World Book Online provides K to 12 students with educational resources like dictionaries, games, and encyclopedias. All of these resources are available for free through most public library cards.
Assistive Technology Comparisons
This resource from the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) provides some suggestions and comparisons of different assistive technology products that are currently available and used by persons with disabilities. Assistive technology encompasses devices, software, and equipment specifically designed to enhance daily living, reading, learning, and working for those with various disabilities.
The LinkedIn Learning Report
The LinkedIn Learning Report provides an in-depth accessibility analysis of the LinkedIn platform. This report highlights various accessible barriers encountered when navigating the application and website using a myriad of assistive technologies. The LinkedIn Learning Report is particularly useful to the platform developers and professionals interested in using this educational platform and who rely on assistive technologies.
Inclusive Language in A Canadian Style Guide
It is important to follow style guides in media. This guide offers an array of options for talking about disabilities.
Accessibility Report for Mango Languages
Mango Languages is an online learning platform often available to library patrons through their library card. This site has overall adequate accessibility for most with print disabilities. This resource describes how the websites and apps are accessible and some gotchas that should be noted when recommending this service to a patron.
Digital Accessibility Terminology
This primer from CDP Communications Inc. introduces key terminology related to digital accessibility, focusing on web and document accessibility. The primer covers outline general terms, compliance standards, accommodation approaches, and formatting content for accessibility, alongside highlighting the significance of assistive technologies and legal frameworks.
Display Techniques for ONIX Accessibility Metadata 1.0
The webpage on the W3C website provides a comprehensive guide on the Display Techniques for ONIX Accessibility Metadata 1.0, aiming to enhance the user experience by detailing practical techniques for using ONIX metadata. It includes examples for displaying accessibility features for eBooks and audiobooks to end-users.
Kanopy Report
The Accessibility Report for Kanopy, from the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) with support from the Government of Canada’s Social Development Partnerships Program, examines the video streaming platform’s usability for individuals with print disabilities.
Fable
Fable is a platform that enhances digital accessibility through the involvement of people with disabilities. It offers tools and services designed for accessibility testing and training, aimed at helping digital teams integrate inclusive practices into their work.
Accessibility Report for Libro.fm
The Accessibility Report for Libro.fm from NNELS delves into the digital audiobook service’s user experience for individuals with print disabilities. It evaluates the accessibility of Libro.fm’s website and mobile apps, focusing on navigation, search functionality, access to audiobook details, and playback through screen readers and magnification tools.
2020 Overdrive Report
The 2020 Overdrive report provides an in-depth accessibility analysis of the Overdrive platforms. It highlights various accessible barriers encountered when navigating the website and application using various devices and assistive technologies. The Overdrive report is particularly useful to platform developers, library staff, and patrons who are interested in this platform.
Respectful and Plain Language
Respectful and Plain Language is a communication guide for library staff when interacting with and assisting the public.
Plain Language Checklist
When creating content for the general public, following these guidelines can help reduce confusion and additional explanations and improve accessibility.
World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Image Tutorial
Website developers should note these resources as they explain how to use images correctly (and accessibly). The original resources contain more detailed information, and you can find links to specific standards and WCAG success criteria there.
Writing Principles for Web Content
The Government of Canada gives some guidance on their standards for writing web-based content. Of course, the advice applies much more broadly than just the government. We will quickly summarize some of the expectations.
Accessible Websites Webinar
Interested in ensuring that your website is accessible? Watch the Accessible Website webinar to learn about common accessibility barriers, including video demonstrations. The information covered in this webinar includes inaccessible forms, keyboard navigation, the readability of your site, and colour contrast.
PressReader Testing Report
The 2020 PressReader Report provides an in-depth accessibility analysis of the PressReader website. This report highlights various accessible barriers encountered when navigating this website and accessing its content.