Evaluating the Accessibility of Web Content with Free, Web-Based Tools

Students, faculty, and staff in higher education need the web in order to succeed, but inaccessible websites and digital content can limit access for users with disabilities. While automated evaluation is not an adequate substitute for usability testing, web professionals can employ web accessibility evaluation tools to help determine if content is accessible to users with accessibility needs. This session will provide an overview of several free, web-based tools designers, developers, and content creators can utilize to evaluate website accessibility against recognized guidelines and create more accessible user experiences.

For more presentation materials and related resources, visit http://bit.ly/hewebAL.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the laws and standards regarding web accessibility in higher education
• Use the WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool, Functional Accessibility Evaluator, and other tools to evaluate a site's accessibility
• Identify the limitations of automated checking

Speakers

Melissa Green

Academic Technologies Instruction Librarian, The University of Alabama

@mbfortson

Melissa Green is the Academic Technologies Instruction Librarian for The University of Alabama Libraries. A librarian, teacher, and technology enthusiast, Melissa provides instructional support for the use of the Libraries’ academic software packages. Melissa worked in the disability community before becoming a librarian, and her professional interests include accessibility and teaching with and about technology.

Kim Smalley

Web Developer, The University of Alabama

@kcsmalley

Kimberly Smalley is a lifelong learner and a technology enthusiast. She has experience in Web Development, LMS administration, and as an online course developer and instructor. She earned a Masters of Science in Interactive Technology with a focus on Instructional Technology from The University of Alabama. Currently, she is a Web Developer for the Department of Human Development and Family Studies in the College of Human Environmental Sciences. Previously, she worked for The University of Alabama Libraries as a Web Developer where she focused on accessibility and user experience and as the Coordinator of the Faculty Resource Center at Shelton State Community Collge. In addition, Kim teaches as an Adjunct Instructor for the College of Human Environmental Sciences at UA, and as an Adjunct Instructor in Computer Science for Shelton State Community College.