Page 19 - Mobility Management, May 2018

Text. For people with visual impairments who use screen readers, the description on a photo’s alt tag helps them under- stand what image is displayed.
• Content — Consistent use of headers, avoiding ALL CAPS, and minimizing long sentences makes the content easier to understand for people who are using screen readers.
• Color — High-contrast colors such as a very light color on a dark background or a dark color on a light background are best. Avoid using green on red, or pastels on pastels, for users who are color blind and cannot distinguish the difference between specific colors.
• Animation & Video — Videos must provide a transcription or a link to the YouTube site that has a transcription available
there. Subtitles on videos are also helpful. Flashing or strobing content should be avoided for people who have a risk of seizures. • Links — Text in the links should make sense when read out
of context by a screen reader. For instance, instead of a link that says “Click here,” the text should be descriptive, such as “Access the wheelchair seating guide.”
Finding a Web Agency for an Accessibility Audit
There may be some adjustments you can make on your own
to make your current Web site more accessible. However, to make your Web site as ADA compliant as possible, I recommend finding a Web site agency that is versed and experienced in ADA compliance. An Accessibility Audit of your Web site will indicate where problem areas are and what steps are needed to make your Web site ADA compliant. The best time to address accessibility is when your Web site is in need of a redesign, since it will probably cost less to build an accessible Web site than to correct an inac- cessible one.
Maintaining an Accessible Web Site
Of course, Web sites are not just designed and done; an effective Web site has new content added on a regular basis. So after your accessible Web site is designed, celebrate! But then be aware that the staff who are adding new content need to keep the accessi- bility standards in mind. For instance, new blog posts or product pages added should follow the same rules with alt tags, links, content structure, etc. Creating a comprehensive workflow with your staff or Web agency will ensure everyone is following the standards for ADA compliance as your Web site evolves.
How Our Agency Handles ADA Compliance
The web agency I work at is always keeping an eye on the ever-changing landscape of online marketing, including Web accessibility, local search, mobile-first, new Facebook algorithm changes, and the like. ADA compliance is still a gray area, but we are watching closely as new standards emerge, since it’s becoming more of a priority for our clients. We use Wordpress for Web site design and have a special accessibility icon on the back end of our clients’ Web sites that reminds anyone editing the Web site that it’s been audited for accessibility. This ensures that as our staff or clients make changes to content, layout or design, they’re mindful of accessibility considerations.
Accessibility matters, not just for your brick-and-mortar office or clinic, but also for your online presence. Just like wheelchairs, the Internet is not a “one size fits all.” Let’s make sure the Web is not a barrier to people with disabilities, but a solution. m
Jackie Kaufenberg is the Social Media Strategist at Vivid Image (www. vimm.com). In her previous work life, she was the marketing manager at EasyStand/Altimate Medical. She would love to hear from you at jackie@vimm.com or on LinkedIn.
This image shows a non-accessible Web site. If this page is opened with a screen reader, the user would only see/hear the title of the page and “IMG_4321.” The user would not receive any information about the music festival. This page is not accessible because it uses only an image to explain the information.
This accessible Web site shows content added to also explain the information, and with correctly used alt text. The user can understand exactly what is meant to be communicated, whether the image displays or not.
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