Enterprise Web Accessibility Standards

1
Enterprise Web Accessibility Standards

• Version 2.0

2
Introduction

• A workgroup of 15 agency webmasters reviewed and
  revised the Enterprise Web Accessibility
  Standards published in 2000.
• These slides highlight the changes to the
  Standards, the challenges for implementation and
  compliance, and the next steps.

3
Topics of Discussion

• What has changed in Version 2.0?
• What are the challenges for implementation?
• How can we foster compliance with the standards?

4
What has changed?
Introduction and Scope Added the benchmark of applicable Federal Section 508 standards
1.1 Markup Added HTML markup requirements related to accessibility
1.5 Forms Added a new standard requiring accessible forms
1.6 Timed responses Added a new standard requiring that users be given the option to request additional time
5
What has changed? (cont.)
2.1 Navigation Added the requirement of a visible or hidden skip navigation link
3.6 Image Maps Added a new standard requiring the use of accessible client-side image maps, when possible.
4.1 Content Formats Provided recommendations for use of HTML, PDFs, and other formats
5.1 File Optimization Provided guidance on optimizing file size
6
What has changed? (cont.)
6 Web Accessibility Statement Required a link to a web accessibility statement and provided sample text for the statement
7 Web Site Validation Added accessibility requirements for web site validation
8 Web Applications Added a new section adopting Section 508 requirements for web-based applications
7
What are the implementation challenges?

• Executive management support
• Allocation of skilled resources
• Tools and software acquisition
• Training and support
• Time

8
How do we foster compliance?

• Educate executive management about the legal
  requirements of web accessibility.
• Ensure the provision of adequate resources at the
  agency level to achieve compliance
• Provide support for agency webmasters, web
  developers, and content providers
• Share resources via the Mass.Gov portal services
  pages
• Informal training and sharing via WebMASSters
  meetings and other forums

9
Next Steps

• Final Approval of the Enterprise Web
  Accessibility Standards, version 2.0
• Publication of the Standards on Mass.Gov/ITD
• Announcement to Agency CIOs, Agency Heads and
  WebMASSters
• Presentations to Kitchen Cabinet CIOs, the CIO
  Council and the WebMASSters group
• Ongoing support and consultation via Mass.Gov
  office