Prioritizing Disability Rights Online, in Travel, and in Building Design

By Jack McElaney | August 4, 2017 | | 1

Accessibility in the News—08/04/17Fullcover Last week’s federal regulatory announcement effectively put website accessibility rulemaking on hold. But while some bemoan a lack of guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice, groups such as EDUCause are pursuing meeting the digital needs of those with disabilities on a voluntary basis. Furthermore, many say the lack of federal action doesn’t throw out the business, litigation, or human rights justifications for making sites and mobile[…]

Accessibility in the News — July 28, 2017

By Jack McElaney | July 28, 2017 | | 0

Accessibility in the News—07/28/17.. AITN Quote of the Week “Attacking people with disabilities is the lowest display of power I can think of.” — Morgan Freeman National News (U.S.) Lawyers cash in on suits demanding ADA-compliant Web sites July 11, 2017 | Source: New York Post | Lawsuits/Litigation, ADA, Digital Accessibility, Web Design Retailers across the country are getting slammed for operating Web sites that discriminate against the blind or[…]

Automated Web Accessibility Testing Tools: The Strengths and Weaknesses of Automated Checkers

By Hiram Kuykendall | July 28, 2017 | | 25

Checking your website for accessibility? Great! But automated testing tools catch only 10-30% of errors. Learn where they excel, fail, and how to use them. Here’s How to Incorporate Automated Web Accessibility Checkers in a Robust Accessibility Compliance Program This article on automated web accessibility testing tools is reprinted, with updates and changes, from the May 2017 issue of Mealey’s™ Litigation Report: Cyber Tech & E-Commerce. It was originally published as[…]

Uber Accessibility Varies, Food Companies Get Sued for Inaccessible Websites…and Accessible Tech Tackles Laundry

By Jack McElaney | July 21, 2017 | | 1

Accessibility in the News—7/21/17. Accessibility news varied widely this week, covering a talking laundry module built by a 14-year-old, a new, tactile £10 note from the Bank of England for the blind and visually impaired, and an attorney suspended for filing frivolous ADA lawsuits. But there were a few themes: Transportation, from autonomous vehicles to Uber, was one. The ride-sharing company faces a lawsuit in New York for not having enough[…]

Mobile Applications and Litigation: Why Accessibility is Important and What to Consider before Launching, Part 1 of 2

By Sanjay Nasta | July 20, 2017 | | 11

Critical Development Considerations for Mobile Application Accessibility By Sanjay Nasta and Paul J. Adam (About the Authors) This article adapted from the July 2017 issue of Mealey’s™ Litigation Report: Cyber Tech & E-Commerce. Mealey’s is a subscription-based information provider and a division of LexisNexis. Copyright © 2017 by Sanjay S. Nasta and Paul J. Adam. Any commentary or opinions do not reflect the opinions of Microassist or LexisNexis, Mealey’s. Why Mobile Application Accessibility? Does mobile accessibility matter? […]

Accessible Design: Legal Actions Amplify Awareness of Need for Accessibility in both Physical and Online Environments

By Jack McElaney | July 14, 2017 | | 6

Accessibility in the News—07/14/17. Legal actions and policy are amplifying the need for accessibility in digital and physical environments. Accessible design is enforced by the Americans with Disabilities Act and is important for anyone and everyone to understand because of the necessity for inclusion and disability rights. Some of this week’s top stories on legal action for accessible design include a website accessibility lawsuit in Miami being settled for closed captioning[…]

Meeting Legal Accessibility Standards: Open Source Software

By Hiram Kuykendall | June 18, 2016 | | 0

Open source accessibility isn’t guaranteed for themes, plugins, or products. Furthermore, organizations are not absolved of contractual and legal obligations to deliver accessible products. This post adapted from the article, “Meeting Legal Accessibility Standards: Open Source Software—‘Actively Maintained, Highly Rated’ Does Not Equal ‘Highly Accessible,’” originally published in the May 2016 issue of Mealey’s™ Litigation Report: Cyber Tech & E-Commerce. Mealey’s is a subscription-based information provider and a division of[…]

Mobility Impairments Induce Transportation Companies to Enhance Access

By Jack McElaney | July 7, 2017 | | 1

Accessibility in the News—07/07/17. In this week’s City & State New York interview, the Human Rights Commission’s Ted Finkelstein said, “The simple ability to get in and out of their building, to get in and out of their bedroom, their bathroom – it’s just a life-changing event for people.” That pretty much sums up several of the stories in this week’s issue, many of which focused on mobility impairments, aging,[…]

Winn-Dixie Accessibility Lawsuit Has Retailers on High Alert

By Jack McElaney | July 3, 2017 | | 0

Editor’s note: This June 30, 2017 edition of Accessibility in the News was originally published following the initial decision in the Gil v. Winn-Dixie case. The case is back in the headlines following the decision of an appeal filed on behalf of Winn-Dixie. For the latest news around the case, and other news on legal activity around the Americans with Disabilities Act, visit our Accessibility in the News, Legal Edition[…]

Accessible Entertainment: Making Your Summer Activities Accessible to All

By Jack McElaney | June 23, 2017 | | 0

Accessibility in the News—6/23/17. Accessible entertainment is booming this summer, all the way from movie accessibility to a water park for those with special needs. A couple structured their home and gardens for everyone’s enjoyment, including those who use wheelchairs and walkers. Golfing fans who have Lou Gehrig’s disease, or ALS, are welcomed with very intentional accommodations at the Travelers Championship. AITN Quote of the Week “When you have a disability, knowing that[…]