Everything you wanted to know about accessibility (but were afraid to ask) (2014)

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Everything you wanted to know about accessibility…

Léonie Watson, Museums Get Mobile

LJWatson.co.uk @LeonieWatson

LJWatson.co.uk @LeonieWatson 2

WHAT IS ACCESSIBILITY?


It isn’t boring

• Accessibility is a creative challenge, not a challenge to creativity


It isn’t difficult

• There is no magic accessibility ingredient


It isn’t strange

• One person's obstacle is another person's barrier


WHO BENEFITS FROM ACCESSIBILITY?


You benefit

• Reach many more people with exhibits, campaigns and activities


We benefit

• People with disabilities, or a temporary loss of ability


Everyone benefits

• People come in all shapes and sizes, and use all kinds of devices


HOW IS ACCESSIBILITY MEASURED?


Accessibility guidelines

• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0

• BBC Mobile Accessibility Guidelines


Accessibility testing

• With disabled people from your target audiences


Accessibility legislation

• Equality Act 2010


WHERE DOES ACCESSIBILITY FIT IN?


From the beginning

• Requirements gathering• Budget planning• Technology procurement


In the middle

• Test often• Fix easily• Spend less


At the end

• Accessibility is forever, not just for launch


WHERE DOES ACCESSIBILITY HAPPEN?


With devices

• Desktops and laptops• Smartphones and tablets• Hybrids and wearable tech


With OS

• Windows, OSX and Linux• iOS, Android and Windows Phone


With browsers

• Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer and Safari


With assistive technologies

• Screen readers• Screen magnifiers• Speech recognition tools• Alternative input devices


With you

• You're the one that can make a difference to accessibility


THANK YOU

Technology