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Connecting industry and consumers to solutions for technology accessibility, and the benefits of organization-wide approaches to accessibility. Developed by the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, with support from the Maryland Department of Disabilities.

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Questions and Answers

Q&A Articles for Business and Industry, and for Educational Institutions

IMPETUS Q&A: Why would I want to address accessibility in my organization?

Why would I article thumbnailBriefly… Because it’s bad business to consider the 20% of the population who have disabilities as an ‘outgroup’.

Read our in-depth answer to the question… Why would I want to address accessibility in my organization?

INVESTMENT Q&A: Does accessibility have to be expensive?

Does accessibility have to be expensive article thumbnailBriefly… No, but it can get expensive if you let it.

Read our in-depth answer to the question… Does accessibility have to be expensive?

CAPABILITIES Q&A: How can I assess organizational maturity with respect to accessibility?

Capabilities article thumbnailBriefly… Use available guidance and other supporting resources to conduct an organizational maturity assessment. Include in the assessment direct questions to applicable staff, including those not currently addressing accessibility.

Read our in-depth answer to the question… How can I assess organizational maturity with respect to accessibility?

ALLOCATION Q&A: How can I distribute the responsibility and accountability for accessibility?

Allocation article thumbnailBriefly… Have executives allocate and distribute the responsibility and accountability for accessibility, as they do for other business and operational requriements.

Read our in-depth answer to the question… How can I distribute the responsibility and accountability for accessibility?

CHANGE Q&A: How can I overcome resistance to change in an organization-wide accessibility project?

Change article thumbnailBriefly… Make it part of the staff’s ‘enlightened self interest’. In progress reviews, keep returning to the staff’s ‘self interest’.

Read our in-depth answer to the question… How can I overcome resistance to change in an organization-wide accessibility project?

PRACTICE Q&A: How can I ease the accessibility journey from organizational policy to practical implementation?

Practice article thumbnailBriefly… Reduce ambiguity. Anticipate transition traps. Apply consequences for accountable failures.

Read our in-depth answer to the question… How can I ease the accessibility journey from organizational policy to practical implementation?

Updated ArticlePROCUREMENT Q&A: How do I tie accessibility procurement language to integrated quality assurance testing?

Procurement article thumbnailBriefly… Include in your solicitations reference to the publicly available test process that your accessibility team and contracted developers agree upon.

Read our in-depth answer to the question… How do I tie accessibility procurement language to integrated quality assurance testing?

CONSUMER RESEARCH Q&A: Where do I get good / accurate information on ICT (web, software, mobile, electronic document) accessibility?

Information article thumbnailBriefly… Disappointingly, not from your local ‘big box’ store; Depressingly, not from mainstream online retailers and product review sites either; Promisingly, often provided by developers, manufacturers and service providers.

Read our in-depth answer to the question… Where do I get good / accurate information on ICT (web, software, mobile, electronic document) accessibility?

USABILITY Q&A: How do I ensure my products work for people with disabilities?

Making sure products work article thumbnailBriefly… 1. Test against technical standards conformance during development; 2. Conduct usability evaluations during development; and 3. Solicit feedback on use from people who have disabilities.

Read our in-depth answer to the question… How do I ensure my products work for people with disabilities?

TESTING Q&A: What procedures should I use to test my ICT for accessibility?

Accessibility testing article thumbnailBriefly… There are a variety of approaches available for different types of ICT, and each has their pros and cons. These pros and cons need to be assessed before adopting an appropriate procedure.

Read our in-depth answer to the question… What procedures should I use to test my ICT for accessibility?

PROFESSIONALS Q&A: How do I find a knowledgeable consultant?

Consultants article thumbnailBriefly… 1. Be clear on your needs; 2. Understand the different kinds of consulting service that are available; and 3. Use this information to conduct a targeted search.

Read our in-depth answer to the question… How do I find a knowledgeable consultant?

LEGAL (PROACTIVE) Q&A: What are the steps I can take to reduce the likelihood of getting sued over the accessibility of my ICT?

Reduce the likelihood of getting sued article thumbnailBriefly… 1. Decide you want to make your ICT accessible; 2. Make your ICT accessible; and 3. Publicly announce your accomplishments and continued commitment.

Read our in-depth answer to the question… What are the steps I can take to reduce the likelihood of getting sued over the accessibility of my ICT?

LEGAL (REACTIVE) Q&A: What should I do when I’m approached with an ICT accessibility complaint or legal action?

Reaction to complaint or legal action article thumbnailBriefly… First, get legal counsel. Next, understand the problems and potential solutions. Implement solutions.

Read our in-depth answer to the question… What should I do when I’m approached with an ICT accessibility complaint or legal action?

HIRING Q&A: I have a job applicant who has notified me they have a disability. What should I do now?

Job applicant article thumbnailBriefly… Focus on abilities first. Address accessibility accommodations after the hiring decision is made.

Read our in-depth answer to the question… I have a job applicant who has notified me they have a disability. What should I do now?

 

Q&A articles for Consumers

CONSUMER RESEARCH Q&A: Where do I get good / accurate information on ICT (web, software, mobile, electronic document) accessibility?

Information article thumbnailBriefly… Disappointingly, not from your local ‘big box’ store; Depressingly, not from mainstream online retailers and product review sites either; Promisingly, often provided by developers, manufacturers and service providers.

Read our in-depth answer to the question… Where do I get good / accurate information on ICT (web, software, mobile, electronic document) accessibility?

STUDENTS Q&A: How do I advocate for myself when my school has digital accessibility problems?

Students article thumbnailBriefly… The problems you’re experiencing may not have been brought to anyone’s attention yet. Use available resources to bring the issues to the attention of those responsible and accountable for fixing them. If the problems are known to your institution, and progress toward a solution is either slow or non-existent, then consider elevating your issue to a complaint, or further.

Read our in-depth answer to the question… How do I advocate for myself when my school has digital accessibility problems?

About the Project

The objective of the project is to generate new, freely available resources—guides, and other articles—for readers who want to bring about changes to their situation, and changes to the organizations they work in. Read more About the Accessibility Switchboard Project...

News & Announcements

We've developed new logos for the Community of Practice, and provided logos for Linking to the Switchboard and its guides and resources.

Contact Information

For Switchboard project inquiries, Email Us or use an Online Contact Form

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