Challenge to Web Accessibility Metrics and Guidelines: Putting People and Processes First
by Brian Kelly
Cooper, M., Sloan, D., Kelly, B. and Lewthwaite, S., 2012. A challenge to web accessibility metrics and guidelines: putting people and processes first. In: W4A 2012: 9th International Cross-Disciplinary Conference on Web Accessibility, 16-18 April 2012, Lyon.
This paper argues that web accessibility is not an intrinsic characteristic of a digital resource but is determined by... more
This paper argues that web accessibility is not an intrinsic characteristic of a digital resource but is determined by complex political, social and other contextual factors, as well as technical aspects which are the focus of WAI standardisation activities. It can therefore be inappropriate to develop legislation or focus on metrics only associated with properties of the resource.
The authors describe the value of standards such as BS 8878 which focus on best practices for the process of developing web products and include a user focus.
The paper concludes with a case study that illustrates how learning analytics could provide data to support the improvement of the inclusivity of learning resources, providing a broader perspective beyond the digital resource.
Accessibility Analysis and Evaluation of Government Websites’ in Developing Countries: Case Study Bangladesh
"Co-authored with Md. Javed Hossain and Moniruzzaman Bhuiyan", "published in 'Journal of Computer Engineering and Intelligent Systems (CEIS)', 2012"
The Web has been blessed for all people regardless of their economic, social, political, cultural, mental or physical... more The Web has been blessed for all people regardless of their economic, social, political, cultural, mental or physical condition and behavior. But the proper utilization and distribution of the benefits of web is crucial. It is essential that the web be accessible to people with equal access and equal opportunity to all also with disabilities. An accessible web can also help elderly population and also people with disabilities more actively contribute in society. In this paper, researchers analyze and evaluate accessibility of government websites in perspective of developing countries. They take Bangladesh as a case study. This paper concentrates on mainly two things; firstly, it briefly examines accessibility guidelines, evaluation methods and analysis tools. Secondly, it analyzes and evaluates the web accessibility of e-Government websites of Bangladesh according to the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. We also present a recommendation for improvement of e-Government websites’ accessibility in developing countries
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Download (.pdf) A challenge to web accessibility metrics and guidelines: putting people and processes first
Cooper, M., Sloan, D., Kelly, B. and Lewthwaite, S., 2012. A challenge to web accessibility metrics and guidelines: putting people and processes first. In: W4A 2012: 9th International Cross-Disciplinary Conference on Web Accessibility, 16-18 April 2012, Lyon.
This paper argues that web accessibility is not an intrinsic characteristic of a digital resource but is determined by... more
This paper argues that web accessibility is not an intrinsic characteristic of a digital resource but is determined by complex political, social and other contextual factors, as well as technical aspects which are the focus of WAI standardisation activities. It can therefore be inappropriate to develop legislation or focus on metrics only associated with properties of the resource.
The authors describe the value of standards such as BS 8878 which focus on best practices for the process of developing web products and include a user focus.
The paper concludes with a case study that illustrates how learning analytics could provide data to support the improvement of the inclusivity of learning resources, providing a broader perspective beyond the digital resource.
A regulação do acesso wireless à internet no Brasil / Wireless Communication and Media Regulation in Brazil
by Francisco Paulo Jamil Marques
Title in English: Wireless Communication and Media Regulation in Brazil. Text and Abstract in Portuguese. O objetivo... more Title in English: Wireless Communication and Media Regulation in Brazil. Text and Abstract in Portuguese. O objetivo deste trabalho é buscar avaliar as políticas de comunicação que vêm sendo articuladas pelo governo brasileiro no que se refere ao setor de telecomunicações, mais especificamente à regulação do acesso wireless (sem fio) à Internet. Dadas as diversas modalidades de acesso à rede mundial de computadores (via telefonia discada, linha dedicada ou interligação a cabo), uma das formas de conexão mais recentemente criadas foi o acesso através de ondas eletromagnéticas, dispensando o emprego de fios. Assim, a preocupação do trabalho consiste em esclarecer e identificar tendências sobre determinados aspectos de fiscalização e autorização para o funcionamento das conexões de tipo Wi-Fi e Wi-Max no Brasil. Além de examinar a parte técnica da questão (diferentes protocolos homologados, faixas de freqüências destinadas, tipos de licença demandadas), o estudo proposto permite vislumbrar e criticar, inclusive através de análise comparativa com outros países, em que medida o governo vem atuando no processo de introdução destas tecnologias no país.
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Web Accessibility Metrics For A Post Digital World
by Brian Kelly
Sloan, D. and Kelly, B., 2011. Web accessibility metrics for a post digital world. In: RDWG Symposium on Website Accessibility Metrics, 5 December 2011, Online.
This paper argues that, as we move towards a 'post-digital' world where use of the Web becomes normalised, there is a... more This paper argues that, as we move towards a 'post-digital' world where use of the Web becomes normalised, there is a need to address Web accessibility measurement challenges within a wider real-world context. Strategy and policy that defines Web accessibility purely by the conformance of digital resources with technical guidelines can lead to a danger that 'good enough' solutions may fail to be deployed; they also fail to consider a wider measure of user experience in accessibility measurement. We propose that metrics should draw on aspects of user experience to provide a more meaningful, real-world measure of the impact (or not) of accessibility barriers and therefore priority in addressing them. Metrics should also consider context in terms of the quality of effort taken by organisations to provide an inclusive experience; one option for doing so is the framework provided by British Standard 8878 Code of Practice for Web Accessibility. In both cases, challenges exist in the complexity of defining and implementing such metrics.
Practitioner barriers to diffusion and implementation of web accessibility
published in Technology and Disability, vol. 23, 4
As people increasingly integrate online activities into their daily lives, disabled people are often impeded from... more As people increasingly integrate online activities into their daily lives, disabled people are often impeded from accessing websites due to code and design barriers. Despite guidelines on how to improve web accessibility, adoption remains low. The responsibility to implement accessibility tends to fall on web practitioners, yet prior scholarship has failed to adequately consult this group on their barriers to adoption. A qualitative study conducted using semi-structured interviews with web practitioners found that current social and individual values, inadequate guidelines and support, and monetary demands are halting the diffusion of web accessibility. These factors perpetuate an artificial construct of online disability and impede developments towards an inclusive Web medium. Recommendations to remediate this environment and thus improve accessibility rates are offered.
Evaluating E-Govemment Websites in Jordan: Accessibility, Usability, Transparency and Responsiveness
by ANAS ALSOUD
Investigating e-government Web-based services and evaluating its development has become one of the evolving research... more Investigating e-government Web-based services and evaluating its development has become one of the evolving research areas in the information systems field. After a decade of launching the e-government program in Jordan, we examined thirty governmental Websites in terms of their accessibility, usability, transparency, and responsiveness to citizens' request. This study found that the majority of the Websites are still in the early stages of development, and there is a noticeable lack in Websites readiness for moving-up to the advanced level fundamental for providing transactional services. Based on the evaluation results and through a manual testing, it was found the majority of the Websites do not employ the same design, where there should be consistent and should be using the same standards and features.
Exploring the design, development and use of websites through accessibility and usability studies
by Alan Foley
Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia 20(4), 267-391
In this paper, data obtained from a university website accessibility and usability validation process are analyzed and... more In this paper, data obtained from a university website accessibility and usability validation process are analyzed and used to demonstrate how the design process can affect the online experience for users with disabilities. Interviews, observations, and use data (e.g. where users clicked on a page or what path taken through a site) were collected. Findings indicate that using automated validation tools does not necessarily ensure complete accessibility. Students with low vision found many of the pages hard to use even though automated validation did not indicate issues for visual disabilities. While the pages were accessible for blind users, low vision students who did not use specialized software had access problems. Findings from this study are used to present principles for web designers interested in creating and testing usable and accessible websites.
Comments to the United States Department of Education, Office of Innovation and Improvement
by Steve Noble
Submitted in response to Assessment Technology Standards Request for Information (RFI)
In replying to this RFI, the Learning Disabilities Association of America has a primary interest in ensuring that the... more In replying to this RFI, the Learning Disabilities Association of America has a primary interest in ensuring that the technology standards developed under any anticipated federally-funded activity consider the needs of students with learning disabilities and other students who utilize Assistive Technologies (AT) during assessment activities. Therefore, these comments will primarily focus on the aspects of assessment interoperability with AT applications and the benefit of Universal Design for equal access to all students.
White House Briefing on the Accessibility of Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education and Careers for People with Disabilities
by Steve Noble
Public comments delivered on October 28, 2011
As with most complex issues, there are a number of things which must happen in order for the various aspects at the... more As with most complex issues, there are a number of things which must happen in order for the various aspects at the root of this problem to be remedied. Some are matters for direct government action, while others can only be accomplished effectively through joint collaboration between the public and private industry sectors. The following short list contains recommendations for addressing some of the most pressing issues in STEM accessibility.
Using Context To Support Effective Application Of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
by Brian Kelly
Using Context To Support Effective Application Of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Sloan, D, Kelly, B, Petrie, H, Fraser Hamilton, and Phipps, L. In: Journal of Web Engineering, Vol. 5, No. 4, (2006), pp. 367-386.
http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/web-focus/papers/jwe-2006/
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has developed guidelines to support the creating of Web content that is accessible... more
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has developed guidelines to support the creating of Web content that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of disability. Yet without considering the context in which a Web site will be used, a purely guideline-based approach may leave levels of accessibility and usability to disabled people disappointingly low. A reliance on end-user adoption of appropriate browsing technology and author adoption of appropriate authoring tools may also prevent effective accessible design, while inappropriate reference to guidelines in policy and legislation may also lead to problems.
This paper promotes a framework for a holistic application of the W3C's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines in designing Web content, by supporting consideration of the target audience, the intended outcome or experience the resource will provide its users, the usage environment, and the existence of alternative delivery mechanisms. Examples are given of how the framework might be applied to support more effective implementation of accessible Web design techniques.
"Contextual Web Accessibility - Maximizing the Benefit of Accessibility Guidelines
by Brian Kelly
Sloan, D., Kelly, B., Heath, A., Petrie, H., Fraser, H. and Phipps, L., 2006. Contextual Web Accessibility - Maximizing the Benefit of Accessibility Guidelines. In: W4A: Proceedings of the 2006 international cross-disciplinary workshop on Web accessibility (W4A). New York: ACM Press, pp. 121-131.
We argue that while work to optimize the accessibility of the World Wide Web through the publication and dissemination... more We argue that while work to optimize the accessibility of the World Wide Web through the publication and dissemination of a range of guidelines is of great importance, there is also the need for a more holistic approach to maximizing the role of the Web in enabling disabled people to access information, services and experiences. The persistently disappointingly low levels of usability of Web content for disabled people indicates that focusing on the adoption of accessibility guidelines by content authors, tool developers and policy makers is not sufficient for a truly inclusive Web. This approach fails to acknowledge the role of the Web as an enabler in a broader context and may stifle creative use of Web content and experiences to enhance social inclusion. Using e-learning as an example, and describing current metadata developments, we present a framework that will guide Web authors and policy makers in addressing accessibility at a higher level, by defining the context in which a Web resource will be used and considering how best existing or new alternatives may be combined to enhance the accessibility of the information and services provided by the site in question. We demonstrate how guidelines such as those produced by the W3C's Web Accessibility Initiative have a role to play within this wider context, along with metadata and user profiling initiatives.
One World, One Web ... But Great Diversity
by Brian Kelly
Kelly, B., Nevile, L., Draffan, EA. and Fanou, S. WWW 2008 Beijing, China, 21-22 April 2008. Proceedings of the 2008 international cross-disciplinary conference on Web accessibility (W4A), Beijing, China. Pages 141-147, Year of Publication: 2008. ISBN:978-1-60558-153-8 DOI: http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/1368044.1368078
The mantra "One World, One Web" has a strong appeal to Web developers. They think of it as a design... more
The mantra "One World, One Web" has a strong appeal to Web developers. They think of it as a design philosophy based on use of internationally agreed open standards for providing universal access to networked resources and services available on the World Wide Web. But does the available evidence show that practices match this philosophy? How would such an approach work in a Web 2.0 environment in which users may be authors of content?
This paper reviews the limitations of the dependence on a single WAI model and WCAG 1.0 guidelines. It describes a holistic approach to Web accessibility that has been discussed previously. There are additional complexities of accessibility in a Web 2.0 environment, in which not only can readers be creators of Web resources in a variety of formats, but also content can be surfaced in a variety of ways, addressed in this paper. The authors describe how the holistic model, initially developed to support the development of accessible e-learning in a Web 2.0 context, is well-suited for a Web 2.0 environment.
The paper provides a case study to illustrate how this holistic approach can be applied in the development of Web resources for users with learning difficulties. The paper concludes by arguing that future work to enhance the accessibility of Web services should focus on the development and commissioning processes rather than continue the current narrow emphasis on the compliance with universal accessibility guidelines of the digital resources themselves, independently of the context of their use.
Finally the paper refers to two new developments that support the wider focus, providing for individual user-centred accessibility with descriptions of resources and components enabling adaptation of resources to individual needs and preferences.
Web Accessibility 3.0: Learning From The Past, Planning For The Future
by Brian Kelly
Nevile, L. and Kelly, B. Accessible Design in the Digital World. Conference Proceedings. The University of York. 22-24 September 2008. CD ROM
In this paper the authors think afresh about the problems of social inclusion and argue that "Web accessibility... more
In this paper the authors think afresh about the problems of social inclusion and argue that "Web accessibility 3.0" must be very different from the WAI WCAG 1.0 and holistic accessibility approaches if it is ever to be effective.
The paper provides a critical reappraisal of the limitations of the WAI approach to Web accessibility, arguing that its political successes have failed to be supporting by the development of practical, achievable and future-proofed guidelines for Web authors.
The paper goes on to question whether the holistic approach to Web accessibility, which seeks to make use of WCAG guidelines in a pragmatic fashion, which acknowledges the importance of the context of use, the resource implications and the requirements to support a wide range of requirements beyond accessibility, provides a scalable approach which is capable of addressing accessibility in a Web 2.0 environment, in which many users exploit services which are no longer managed within the institution.
An alternative approach to Web accessibility is described which seeks to exploit the scale of the Web. The approach, which has been labelled Accessibility 3.0, has parallels with the ideas surrounding ‘Web 3.0’ which seeks to build on the rich interactivity provided by Web 2.0 with deeper exploitation of the relationships between resources using Semantic Web approaches.
The paper concludes by revisiting the lessons learnt over the decade in the approaches taken to seeking to enhance the accessibility of Web resources and argues the need to adopt a critical approach to the alternative approaches described in this paper.
Accessibility 2.0: Next Steps For Web Accessibility
by Brian Kelly
Accessibility 2.0: Next Steps For Web Accessibility, Kelly, B., Sloan, D., Brown, S., Seale, J., Smith, S., Lauke, P. and Ball, S. Journal of Access Services, Vol.6 Issue 1 & 2, 2009, pp. 265-294.
The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) was established to enhance the accessibility of Web resources for people with... more The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) was established to enhance the accessibility of Web resources for people with disabilities. In this article we argue that although WAI's advocacy work has been very successful, the WAI approach is flawed. Rather than WAI's emphasis on adoption of technical guidelines, the authors argue that the priority should be for a user-focused approach, which embeds best practices through the development of achievable policies and processes and which includes all stakeholders in the process of maximizing accessibility. The article describes a Tangram model, which provides a pluralistic approach to Web accessibility, and provides case studies that illustrate use of this approach. The article describes work that has informed the ideas in this article and plans for further work, including an approach to advocacy and education that coins the term Accessibility 2.0 to describe a renewed approach to accessibility, which builds on previous work but prioritizes the importance of the user.
From Web Accessibility to Web Adaptability
by Brian Kelly
From Web Accessibility to Web Adaptability, Kelly, B., Nevile, L., Sloan, D., Fanou, S., Ellison, R. and Herrod, L. Disability and Rehability: Assistive Technology, 4 (4), pp. 212 -226. 2009
Purpose
This article asserts that current approaches to enhance the accessibility of Web resources fail to... more
Purpose
This article asserts that current approaches to enhance the accessibility of Web resources fail to provide a solid foundation for the development of a robust and future-proofed framework. In particular, they fail to take advantage of new technologies and technological practices.
The article introduces a framework for Web adaptability, which encourages the development of Web-based services that can be resilient to the diversity of uses of such services, the target audience, available resources, technical innovations, organisational policies and relevant definitions of 'accessibility'.
Method
The article refers to a series of author-focussed approaches to accessibility through which the authors and others have struggled to find ways to promote accessibility for people with disabilities. These approaches depend upon the resource author's determination of the anticipated users' needs and their provision. Through approaches labelled as 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0, the authors have widened their focus to account for contexts and individual differences in target audiences. Now, the authors want to recognise the role of users in determining their engagement with resources (including services). To distinguish this new approach, the term 'adaptability' has been used to replace 'accessibility'; new definitions of accessibility have been adopted, and the authors have reviewed their previous work to clarify how it is relevant to the new approach.
Results
Accessibility 1.0 is here characterised as a technical approach in which authors are told how to construct resources for a broadly defined audience. This is known as universal design. Accessibility 2.0 was introduced to point to the need to account for the context in which resources would be used, to help overcome inadequacies identified in the purely technical approach. Accessibility 3.0 moved the focus on users from a homogenised universal definition to recognition of the idiosyncratic needs and preferences of individuals and to cater for them. All of these approaches placed responsibility within the authoring/publishing domain without recognising the role the user might want to play, or the roles that other users in social networks, or even Web services might play.
Conclusions
Adaptability shifts the emphasis and calls for greater freedom for the users to facilitate individual accessibility in the open Web environment.
Developing countries; developing experiences: approaches to accessibility for the Real World
by Brian Kelly
Kelly, B., Lewthwaite, S., Sloan, D., 2010. Developing countries; developing experiences: approaches to accessibility for the Real World. In: Proceedings of the 2010 International Cross Disciplinary Conference on Web Accessibility (W4A).
The need for developing countries to consider appropriate strategies for enhancing access to networked resources by... more
The need for developing countries to consider appropriate strategies for enhancing access to networked resources by disabled people provides an opportunity to assess the merits and limitations of the approaches which have been taken in western countries. This paper reviews the limitations of dependence on a constrained technical definition of accessibility, and builds on previous work which developed a holistic approach to Web accessibility and a generic model to assist policy makers in understanding the complexities of addressing Web accessibility. We explore how such approaches can be deployed by practitioners and developers with responsibilities for the deployment of Web services within the context of limited resources, flawed technologies, conflicting priorities and debates within disability studies on the nature of disability.
A pragmatic framework is presented which supports promotion of digital accessibility within a wider social inclusion context. It learns from past difficulties and aims to assist policy makers and practitioners across the world in decision-making when seeking to deploy accessible Web-based services within the context of limited resources, conflicting priorities and the limitations of technical accessibility guidelines.
Automating the ranking of web pages according to user defined accessibility ratings: An exploratory investigation
by Alice Good
The premise of this research is to present the final results of an investigation, which looked at a means to automate... more The premise of this research is to present the final results of an investigation, which looked at a means to automate the rating of web pages according to their accessibility to specific user groups. These groups include visual impairments, mobility restricted and dyslexia. This research identifies integrated, user-centred studies that assisted in the development of this work. The research conducted for this project has collected data that will help to develop a better method for disabled users to search for and easily locate accessible web pages. It has investigated how web pages can be rated for accessibility using specific algorithms that are designed according to user defined ratings of accessibility.
