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More Commentary on ADA Compliance Issues

For Accessibility for All:	[NEW 11/27/00] I noticed that when I read an e-mail or web sites, if the screens have blinking icons or words, I almost feel nauseated. I cannot stare at them and they are really annoying.... See entire comment We need to remember that Title II clearly states that federal and state institutions must give equal educational access to all students. We need to realize this is not an option. It is the law. We can't ignore the fact that ADA is an issue. Disabled access may be as big an issue as Sec. 508 for courses that are offered only via the Web. Distance learning courses will help many "disabled" students. ADA compliant does not mean dry as toast. Effective web design should include all users. Educational sites are more important than the "bells and whistles" to market the colleges. ADA software exists... ADA compliance can be a funding issue-withdraw federal support... Colleges must be ADA compliant. Pro ADA: Get everyone on the Web... We are denying ADA [compliant] education; maximum incentives. Colleges should follow ADA guidelines for basic student services, i.e. registration, college safety, and regulations.
For Technological Freedom:	Flashy graphics provide a great marketing tool to get students in the door. [They] should be used. Con ADA: Utilize better graphics to draw more students into our colleges who have good computers. They [who require ADA compliance] have the technology to utilize a flashy site.
General Commentary:	ADA [compliance requires] constant and current/updated knowledge of software that will allow all users access to [a] web page/site.
Links for learning more about this topic: [NEW 1/29/01] The Chronicle of Higher Education published an article about the response of community colleges to ADA compliance on the Web and in other technology applications at http://chronicle.com/free/2001/01/2001012601t.htm. For a program that automatically checks for common accessibility problems, see http://www.cast.org/bobby/. Universal accessibility standards are covered by the World Wide Web Consortium's Web Accessibility Inititative at http://www.w3.org/WAI/. Both of the above links outline accessibility requirements based on a priority system, wherein the level to which a web site "must" comply is explained. These standards are outlined at http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10/full-checklist.html. The document "ADA Compliance on the Maricopa Web" (http://www.dist.maricopa.edu/its/webden/ada/) is outdated in several places -- the directions for accessing a text-only browser via the All-in-One system no longer apply, some links are broken, etc. -- but does introduce accessibility issues in the context of Maricopa's concerns. Provide additional commentary Proceed to: ADA Compliance Issues: 1. What Do We Need To Learn? Return to: Introduction to ADA Compliance Issues Danger in the Construction Zone Contents WebDev 2000 Contents