Mark McGuire, CPWA

If your org can't muster the empathy just yet for accessibility work, maybe they'll listen to dollars. Here's a cost-benefit analysis from Deque Systems, Inc of baking accessibility work into the beginning of the project, known as shifting left, instead of saving all of the accessibility work for QA or even later.

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📜 April Policy News Round-Up at NCLD This April, significant strides were made in advocating for accessibility and literacy: The Justice Department issued new digital accessibility regulations under ADA, ensuring that web content and mobile apps are accessible to people with disabilities. NCLD responded to Senator Cassidy’s literacy white paper with key recommendations to enhance literacy through evidence-based practices. The introduction of the CARE for Student Mental Health Act in the Senate aims to improve mental health resources in schools, emphasizing support for disadvantaged districts. Maryland Legislature passed a bill to reform prison education, focusing on the needs of individuals with learning disabilities. Stay informed about how these developments impact our community. https://ncld.co/3UNik24 #Accessibility #Literacy #MentalHealth #EducationReform

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These are some best practices for creating accessible content that is easy to read. #accessibility https://lnkd.in/gwEtSFNG

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Hey, all. You have to be careful with common knowledge and conventional wisdom. Sometimes, it turns out that the things that “everyone knows” turn out to be, well, just not true. Like the 20+ accessibility myths that Sergei Kriger has pulled together. Take a look and see how many of them you’ve heard, and maybe believed. #accessibility #A11yGoodReads

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Let me rephrase this question. Should inclusivity be a product requirement? There are already models and tactical accessibility standards for digital design. They can be better, but they exist. We at least know how to talk about accessibility in digital design. But in terms of inclusivity, we got a ways to go. There are many examples of algorithmic racial bias. For instance, a clinical algorithm was making Black patients appear healthier than they were and that made it harder for them to covet a spot on the transplant list. Inclusivity is about being Human-centered and it’s beyond UI. Human centered begins at how we collect good learning data, how we consider cognition and user control, what is fraud and truth in AI outputs, how we address biases in algorithms by providing governing principles. It’s across our entire infrastructure. How many PMs have guiding principles about what it means to be human centered in their product? How many PMs consider exploitation of the users’ attention as a dark pattern? How many PMs ask the question of exclusion in data? I rephrased the question from the original post because if the product considers human value, then inclusivity becomes a priority, a clear intention in the product/program roadmap.

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When it comes to accessibility best practices, what's one thing you never want to hear about again? I'll go first... The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). No doubt this is important but... it's overwhelming and there's SO much information to absorb. Don't get bogged down in the tech speak. You're better off doing this: 1. Invite people with disabilities to test your website and content. You'll get powerful feedback this way and may find gaps you might have missed. 2. Put yourself in the shoes of users with different disabilities. Try using only a keyboard for navigation and a screen reader to identify any potential barriers. This is not to say don't learn the WCAG--you'll need it. Just prioritize the most common issues first. Feel free to ask questions in the comments!

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There's nothing like editing and formatting and coming across an illustration you don't recall making but boy does it fit the bill! (And yes, this illustration is from my forthcoming ebook, The Accessibility Operations Guidebook.) https://lnkd.in/g5ysVS2T #a11y #a11yops

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Join me at CreativePro Design + Accessibility Summit! https://lnkd.in/gDjet68S Explore the foundational principles and guidelines of accessible web design. Learn how to create web experiences that are inclusive, user-friendly, and compliant with accessibility standards, ensuring equal access for all users. Key Takeaways: - Understanding of key principles and guidelines for accessible web design - Techniques for optimizing web content for accessibility and usability - Best practices for creating accessible websites and digital experiences

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#WhyAccessibilityMatters When it comes to accessibility testing, there are several excellent tools available that can help ensure your web applications meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards and provide a good experience for users with disabilities. Here are some of the best tools for accessibility testing: • WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) Available as a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge Provides a color-coded overlay on web pages to highlight accessibility issues Offers both automated and manual evaluation options • axe DevTools Integrated into Chrome DevTools Automatically detects accessibility issues as you develop Provides real-time feedback and suggestions for improvement • Lighthouse Built into Chrome DevTools Performs comprehensive audits, including accessibility checks Generates reports and provides recommendations for improvement • WAI-ARIA Validator Checks for proper use of ARIA attributes Helps identify potential accessibility issues related to dynamic content • Color Contrast Checker Ensures sufficient contrast between text and background colors It can be used online or integrated into development workflows • WebAIM Color Contrast Checker Similar to the previous tool but with additional features Allows for batch checking of multiple color combinations • Tenon JavaScript library for automated accessibility testing Integrates well with CI/CD pipelines Provides detailed reports and recommendations • a11y Command-line tool for accessibility testing Supports various output formats (JSON, HTML, CSV) Can be easily integrated into build processes • Deque's axe-core JavaScript library for automated accessibility testing Widely used in the industry due to its accuracy and ease of integration • Screen Reader Simulator Simulates screen reader behavior to test keyboard navigation Available as a Chrome extension or standalone application • VoiceOver Screen Reader Built-in screen reader for macOS Useful for manual testing on Mac systems • NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) Free, open-source screen reader for Windows Provides comprehensive accessibility testing capabilities Key Points to Consider No single tool can cover all aspects of accessibility testing. It's recommended to use a combination of automated and manual testing tools. Regularly update your tools to ensure they support the latest accessibility standards and guidelines. Integrate accessibility testing into your development workflow and CI/CD pipelines for continuous improvement. Combine automated testing with human review for the most thorough accessibility evaluation. #DigitalInclusion hashtag #AccessibilityMatters If you have exciting QA opportunities, feel free to contact me at [email protected], and don't forget to check my resume https://lnkd.in/gNjQfrKP

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Designers neglecting cultural sensitivity risk isolating users. Discover how Latina leaders are breaking barriers to create inclusive, meaningful user experiences and learn from their breakthrough strategies. #ux #ui #designthinking #productdesign

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Advanced Usability and Accessibility is perfect for those looking to deepen their understanding and application of universal design principles, enhancing both usability and accessibility in their work. You'll walk away with the insights, best practices, and frameworks to advocate for your users effectively. You’ll learn: - The Fundamentals of Universal Design: How to integrate universal and human-centered design principles to create accessible and inclusive digital experiences. - Advanced Usability Practices: Techniques for evaluating and enhancing user interfaces with usability heuristics and best practices for a seamless user experience. - Accessibility Assessment and Implementation: Strategies for applying accessibility tools and standards, including WCAG AAA guidelines, to improve content and interface accessibility. - Usability and Accessibility Advocacy: How to articulate the value of inclusive design and advocate for usability and accessibility improvements within your organization or team. Save $100 when you enroll in the inaugural cohort, launching June 3rd - no code required! https://lnkd.in/grMUWF-5

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“Good accessibility is about compliance, great accessibility is about empathy.” — Sheri Byrne-Haber (disabled) I recently dove into Sheri Byrne-Haber’s Giving a Damn About Accessibility, and I’ve been buzzing with thoughts ever since. This short e-book for web designers really drove home that accessibility isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about truly caring and creating inclusive experiences. Here’s what really stood out to me: Empathy Over Compliance 🌟 Byrne-Haber nails it with, “Good accessibility is about compliance, great accessibility is about empathy.” While meeting standards is key, the real magic happens when we bring empathy into our work. It’s about going beyond the basics to understand and address the diverse needs of users with disabilities, ensuring we’re not just meeting minimum requirements but truly making a difference. The Concept of Accessibility Debt 💸 The book introduces “accessibility debt,” a concept I hadn’t considered before. Byrne-Haber warns that ignoring accessibility issues only adds to this debt, making future compliance even tougher. It’s a reminder that addressing these issues sooner rather than later can save us from a heavier burden down the road and help us connect with a broader audience. Embracing Imperfection and Progress 🌱 One of the most encouraging quotes is, “Your first attempt at making anything accessible will be awful. Don’t use this as an excuse. Even awful is better than 98% of what other people are doing.” It’s a great nudge to start somewhere—even if it’s not perfect—and keep improving. Progress is about taking that first step and refining from there. Addressing the Root Causes 🔍 Byrne-Haber also points out that “everything that makes accessibility difficult ties back to one root cause: people not giving a damn about others who are different.” It’s a tough but necessary insight, challenging us to tackle the core issue of indifference and push for a culture of genuine care and inclusivity. Giving a Damn About Accessibility isn’t just a guide—it’s a wake-up call to infuse empathy and proactive measures into our accessibility efforts. Plus, it’s practical, easy to share, and best of all, free! A huge thank you to Sheri Byrne-Haber for making such a valuable resource accessible to everyone. ⏩ What free resources have you found that everyone should read? #AccessibilityInsights #InclusiveDesign #DigitalInclusion #AccessibilityForDesigners #AccessibleWebsites

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Collaborating for Equity Through Community-Built Tools We’re excited to announce the launch of the Intersectional Dashboard Design Cohort, a collaboration between Women's Funding Network (WFN), Candid, and members of Women’s Funding Network. Together, we’re building an intersectional dashboard that provides an in-depth look at nonprofit leadership trends in the context of race and gender, making this data publicly accessible to all. This project is grounded in the feminist idea that data and data gaps aren’t neutral—rather, they reflect the structures of power, priorities, and inequality from which they emerge. The strength of this work comes from the expertise and perspectives of the cohort members, whose backgrounds span advocacy, data analysis, leadership, evaluation, and equity-focused research. Carolyn Van Nelson, Director of Finance and Technology, Women’s Foundation of Minnesota Shawnda Chapman, Former Director of Innovative Grantmaking and Research, Ms. Foundation for Women Dr. Travis Speice, Applied Research Director, The Women’s Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation Aleeka Kay Morgan Executive Director, Nurturing Wāhine Fund Viviana E. Alvarado Pacheco, M.A. Senior Research and Policy Manager, The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade Taryn Kearns, Learning and Evaluation Officer, Global Fund for Women Maria Casey, Database and Reporting Associate, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation & Fund for Women and Girls Mara Montante, Knowledge Management Coordinator, WNY Women’s Foundation Solace Mensah-Narh, Data Analyst, G4GC Cesar Del Valle, Partnerships Director, Candid Demographic data about nonprofits is increasingly recognized as an important element of organizational transparency and funder accountability, but until recently has not been easily accessible to the public. Nonprofits make up 10% of the U.S. workforce, yet the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) only releases data about the nonprofit sector every five years—and without the comprehensive demographic analysis available in quarterly and annual reports generated about the private sector. Together, this talented team will build a tool to meet a community need to apply an intersectional lens to data analysis and bring visibility to disparities within the nonprofit sector that are often masked by aggregated data. With data sourced from the Demographics via Candid dataset, the tool will provide funders, researchers, and nonprofits with a quantitative baseline to evaluate and build upon equity strategies. Work on the project will begin in November 2024 and will be featured at the upcoming UN World Data Forum in Medellín, Colombia. Sincerely, Sara Keilholtz Women’s Funding Network Director of Data and Strategic Insights

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Why Accessibility Needs to Be a 2025 Goal for All Nonprofits #accessibility #accessibledesign #accessibilitymatters #userexperiencedesign #uxdesign #cxdesign #customerexperience #uxdesigners #process #userresearch #designresearch #research # #productdesign #userexperience #Usability #principles #psychology #curiosity #biases #datacollection #culture #creativity #innovation #discovery #designthinking #metrics #ux_dizajn_slovensko

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Modern accessibility-focused frameworks are always a great starting point. However, delivering genuinely accessible websites requires thinking beyond components. This article points to the other half or the problem. Design Implementation. https://lnkd.in/et5sUNNN #uxdesign #designsystems #accessibility #UX #inclusivedesign

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I have a quick accessibility tip about clear language! It’s normal to use the words we use for things. But sometimes those aren’t the right words to use. If your site is for highly trained professionals in a specific industry then it makes sense to use the words they’d use. But if your site is for regular people, then using words that only people in your industry (or company!) know will be confusing. Or frustrating. People will feel less trusting toward your company. And some people will just leave. We get so used to how we talk at a company that we forget people don’t know what radio buttons are. Or what a formulated integral attribute framework is (I made that one up). It can add credibility when your audience understands the terminology you use. But it can remove trust when they don’t. Testing your content with people is a way to figure out whether your wording works. You might not have the structure or the budget for testing. That’s okay! Maybe you can test it with someone who works in a non-tech role at your company. Or maybe you can ask a friend or partner if they understand a sentence. Being thoughtful about the language we use, and making sure it makes sense to the people who will read it can take time. But it’s worth doing! Here are a couple of resources on clear language: - Use Clear Words from the W3C (article) - https://lnkd.in/eKxK9v3T - Plain Language .gov (website) - https://lnkd.in/eXXA6F8X #Accessibility #A11y #AccessibilityMatters #AccessibleContent #Content #UXWriting #UserExperience

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Hey, all. It’s true that everyone is responsible for delivering accessible results, not just people who have “accessibility” in their job title. (Yes, that means you.) It’s also true that everyone benefits from accessibility! It’s called the curb cut effect – and the effect goes well beyond curb cuts. So many things you use every day, from keyboards to text messaging, were also originally developed to provide accessible experiences for people with disabilities. And there are so many more examples that show how accessible experiences benefit all of us! Learn about them, and you’ll be better prepared to explain the benefits of accessibility when you include accessibility features in that design you’re working on. #A11yGoodReads #Accessibility

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