Research trends show that while there is a greater awareness of web accessibility and Section 508 requirements, many campuses lack the resources to quickly and comprehensively address these issues. Join this hands-on workshop to learn about best practices, strategies, and tools for creating an overall strategic plan for your institution to meet current web accessibility standards.
The question of how to make online/web-based content accessible is emerging as one of the top concerns among online educators, and for all institutions that provide online education or other information via the Internet. Research trends show that while there is a greater awareness of Section 508 accessibility compliance requirements, most campuses lack the resources they need to address these issues quickly and comprehensively.
There was a much-anticipated ruling from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding websites and implementation of the updated Section 508 (which directly referenced WCAG 2.0) standards in late 2017, but that legislation has been placed on the inactive list. An October 2018 commentary from the DOJ did little to further clarify responsibility, while the uncertain legal landscape has led to a drastic increase in lawsuits and demand letters. This situation emphasizes the importance of creating (or moving forward with) an overall strategic plan for web accessibility compliance.
The broad areas addressed in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0/2.1 standards call for content that is Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. Examining a pathway for how an institution plans to meet those standards, by using best practices from colleges and universities that have already navigated those waters, makes this task an easier process. This hands-on workshop will provide participants with the knowledge, practical tools, and strategies they need to develop a working draft timeline and proposal to implement a web accessibility plan within their own institution.
The intended audience for this workshop is eLearning/Distance Education Directors, Faculty and Administrators, and eLearning professionals who might be involved in efforts to provide accessible content online and are looking for a “road map” that would help them to plan and implement such an initiative.
This workshop will address the following learning objectives:
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Examine documents and processes that are needed to develop a Web Accessibility Plan (WAP)
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Explore what strategies are most effective in engaging executive leadership to endorse your plan, including how and when to request resources
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Discuss ways to successfully involve faculty and other key members of your Web Accessibility Planning Committee
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Review best practices and potential landmines to avoid in developing a WAP