508 CODE TOOLS TO TEST USABILITY AND COMPLIANCE

  • Usability, TEST code 508 Confusion and 508 compliance

  • Confused about hiding content (for accessibility purposes)? Read this
  • Section 508 Checklist
  • Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
    This is a US law that requires all United States Federal Agencies with websites to make them accessible to individuals with disabilities. Many US corporations have also applied them to at least part of their sites. There is also a strong ethical argument for not closing off sites to those with disabilities also see rules from 2001 There are many aspects to 508, but only one actual requirement . . . if the government doesn't comply with 508, lawsuits can happen. Included in that document are technical standards for software and Web-based applications, and functional performance criteria ( http://www.section508.gov ). For a discussion of the standards for creating accessible web pages, you might read the guide Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications by the Access-Board, a Federal agency committed to accessible design.

  • 12/16 Landmark New Way For Deaf People to Communicate - The FCC is hailed by accessibility advocates and leaders in the deaf and hard of hearing commmunity. They unanimously adopted rules to facilitate the transition from outdated, analog teletype (TTY) devices to a new, internet-based, real-time text messaging standard (RTT) compatible with the latest smartphones. As a result of the FCC's action, the nation's wireless carriers and device manufacturers will be required to support RTT functionality, which allows real-time text messaging—without the need to hit “send”—in which the recipient can instantly see letters, characters and words as they are being typed.
    This innovation will facilitate more natural, conversation-friendly communication for deaf and hard of hearing people—without the need for separate, specialized hardware. It will also allow 911 operators to receive incomplete messages during an emergency, potentially saving lives. RTT technology is expected to be interoperable across wireless networks and devices, creating the potential for unprecedented ease of communication between deaf and hearing people.

  • The Law Standards for Electronic and Information Technology (NPRM) Implementation Section 508 Government Usability Requirements of the Rehabilitation Act.

  • 293-page report on Usability of Mobile Websites and Applications with 210 design guidelines and 479 screenshots is available for download.

  • Readability of a website for special needs students .
    http://wave.webaim.org     It is very complicated, but if you teach special education students it could provide a very worthwhile look at ways to improve Internet assignments. Don't think this is a quick look, it requires reading. In other words, this site is not for the weak of will.

  • Cognitive Design considerations

  • A good way to ensure that sites will work for as many users as possible is to (a) design sites to the HTML, CSS, DOM, and other standards,
    (b) to test sites with common browsers that implement these standards well, and
    (c) to tweak the sites so that they work well enough for antique browsers still in common use.

  • Watch the video that explains what Screen Readers are and find out what you need to consider for web users who are visually impaired.

COMPLIANCE

  • W3Schools A free HTML validator, it checks compliance with W3C standards .
  • Usablenet Submit a URL and test up to 5 pages of your site free. The software automates some of the more technical aspects of usability, for example checking HTML code complies with W3C standards.
  • Colorblindness and websites and this one
  • SCORM - Sharable Content Object Reference Model In January 1999, the Executive Order 13111 was signed tasking the Department of Defense ( DoD ) in leading the development of common specifications and standards for technology-based learning across both federal and private sectors. Following the signing the initial draft version of the SCORM was developed and began to integrate and connect the work of these two sectors to support the newly formed ADL Initiative. Through the work of SCORM, ADL incorporates many emerging standards and specifications into one common reference model.

USABILITY