Monday, October 24
8:30 AM-12:00 PM
UTC

Designing, Testing and Implementing a Truly Accessible Website Using CSS

Tutorial ID: 14250
  1. David Boxer
    Teachers College, Columbia University
  2. Paul Acquaro
    Teachers College, Columbia University

Abstract: Using an interactive design process—built around smart information architecture, accessibility standards, and the tenets of usability—create a truly accessible website. Learn how Cascading Stylesheets can be used to make a Section 508 site accessible to alternative devices like wireless hand-helds, text browsers and screen readers.

Objectives

In 1998, Congress enacted groundbreaking legislation that requires all federal agencies to make their electronic information technology accessible to people with disabilities. Still many websites do not address a growing audience of disabled users as well as innovative alternative methods of browsing, like wireless handheld devices, text browsers, and screen readers. This workshop will provide the tools, background, and an exemplary design process to assist educators in developing websites that permit learning to take place beyond desktop computer web browsers and that incorporate the principles of universal design.

Topical Outline

Overview of Usability and Accessibility, 00:15 - 2:00, Seminar Usability and Accessibility: Definitions and Limitations Role of Assistive Technology Usability and Accessible Design User-centered design Case Study: Teachers College, Columbia University, 2:00 - 2:30, Small Group Work and Study Rationale Participants Materials Results Lessons Learned Break, 2:30 - 2:45 Developing Web Accessibility and Usability Guidelines, 2:45 - 3:15, Small Group Work and Guidelines Development A Review of the Field Proposing Guidelines Making the Case for Web Guidelines Presenting Usability and Accessibility Guidelines How to create Usability and Accessibility Measures & Testing, 3:15 - 3:45, Hands-on Methodology Limitations Pilot Testing Analyzing Findings Conclusion Implementation and Practical Considerations, 3:45 - 4:00, Hands-on Usability and Accessibility Reports Prioritizing Usability and Accessibility Issues Usability and Accessibility Policy Usability and Accessibility Handbook Building an Accessible Website with Cascading Style Sheets, 4:00 - 5:45, Hands-on CSS Basics Designing Sites with CSS Rebuilding a site in CSS Conclusion and Future Considerations, 5:45 - 6:00, Seminar Emerging Technologies Questions and Answers Supplemental Sources

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS is preferred, but not required.

Experience Level

Beginner

Qualifications

David Boxer, an Associate Web Editor at Teachers College, Columbia University, has ten years experience in educational technology. He writes, programs, and designs usable and accessible websites. Boxer teaches web-related technologies in higher education and serves as a consultant to various nonprofit groups in New York City. He has served as a staff developer for Teaching Matters, Inc. in K-12 schools working towards integrating new media in education. He has presented at numerous conferences including NECC, Ed-Media, METC and the Web Communications and Strategies Conference.
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