Q&A Articles for Business and Industry, and for Educational Institutions
IMPETUS Q&A: Why would I want to address accessibility in my organization?
Briefly… Because it’s bad business to consider the 20% of the population who have disabilities as an ‘outgroup’.
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INVESTMENT Q&A: Does accessibility have to be expensive?
Briefly… No, but it can get expensive if you let it.
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CAPABILITIES Q&A: How can I assess organizational maturity with respect to accessibility?
Briefly… 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.
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ALLOCATION Q&A: How can I distribute the responsibility and accountability for accessibility?
Briefly… Have executives allocate and distribute the responsibility and accountability for accessibility, as they do for other business and operational requriements.
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CHANGE Q&A: How can I overcome resistance to change in an organization-wide accessibility project?
Briefly… Make it part of the staff’s ‘enlightened self interest’. In progress reviews, keep returning to the staff’s ‘self interest’.
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PRACTICE Q&A: How can I ease the accessibility journey from organizational policy to practical implementation?
Briefly… Reduce ambiguity. Anticipate transition traps. Apply consequences for accountable failures.
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PROCUREMENT Q&A: How do I tie accessibility procurement language to integrated quality assurance testing?
Briefly… Include in your solicitations reference to the publicly available test process that your accessibility team and contracted developers agree upon.
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CONSUMER RESEARCH Q&A: Where do I get good / accurate information on ICT (web, software, mobile, electronic document) accessibility?
Briefly… 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?
Briefly… 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.
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TESTING Q&A: What procedures should I use to test my ICT for accessibility?
Briefly… 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.
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PROFESSIONALS Q&A: How do I find a knowledgeable consultant?
Briefly… 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.
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LEGAL (PROACTIVE) Q&A: What are the steps I can take to reduce the likelihood of getting sued over the accessibility of my ICT?
Briefly… 1. Decide you want to make your ICT accessible; 2. Make your ICT accessible; and 3. Publicly announce your accomplishments and continued commitment.
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LEGAL (REACTIVE) Q&A: What should I do when I’m approached with an ICT accessibility complaint or legal action?
Briefly… 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?
Briefly… Focus on abilities first. Address accessibility accommodations after the hiring decision is made.
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Q&A articles for Consumers
CONSUMER RESEARCH Q&A: Where do I get good / accurate information on ICT (web, software, mobile, electronic document) accessibility?
Briefly… 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?
Briefly… 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?