Travel, School, Workplace Accessibility: Results May Vary

By Jack McElaney | December 6, 2016 | | 0

Accessibility in the News—12/06/16 In this issue of Accessibility in the News (AITN), various levels of government, institutions of higher education, and faith-based organizations are pressing forward to make their environments more inclusive for patrons and employees. Texas schools receive sharp admonitions to change their approach in serving students with disabilities. Transportation and travel stories cover a range of conditions that either hamper or help getting from one place to the next. Technology[…]

ADA Violations, Online and Off; Access Innovations Target News, Apps, Transit

By Jack McElaney | November 30, 2016 | | 0

Accessibility in the News—11/25/16 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is front and center in this issue of Accessibility in the News (AITN). Originally affecting physical spaces, the federal government continues to take seriously reports of ADA violations, such as those in Sioux Falls, Iowa. Litigation experts are advising banking and retail industries about the growing need to apply those principles in digital environments, noting the upward trend of websites targeted for alleged[…]

Website Accessibility Litigation: What Business Owners Need to Know

By Hiram Kuykendall | November 28, 2016 | | 3

Accessibility litigation against companies with websites that are unusable by people with disabilities is increasing, even as dependence on web-based services continues to grow. Here, Microassist Chief Technology Officer Hiram Kuykendall explores a few reasons these type of legal actions are on the rise. NOTE: This article is adapted from the April 2016 issue of Mealey’s™ Litigation Report: Cyber Tech & E-Commerce article, “Accessibility-Related Factors In Current Litigation.” Copyright ©2016[…]

Digital Learning Initiatives, ADA Title III, Accessibility Awareness Initiatives

By Jack McElaney | November 23, 2016 | | 0

Accessibility in the News—11/17/16 Calls for equal access and nondiscriminatory practices span Trump properties, fitness centers, and more. Many of these calls are in the form of legal actions: 2016 saw an increase in website accessibility demand letters for both banking and real estate, and industry leaders are calling attention to implement online access practices. Other calls take the form of digital learning initiatives and helps, as well as industry and personal accomplishments[…]

The Berkeley Web Accessibility Ruling…

By Kevin Gumienny | November 17, 2016 | | 1

And What It Means for Online Education Background: University’s Online Courses Deemed Inaccessible On August 30, 2016, the Department of Justice informed University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) that large segments of UC Berkeley’s free, publicly available online content was not accessible to individuals with hearing, vision, or manual disabilities. The DOJ’s letter to university administration stated that UC Berkeley’s courses were in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act[…]

Industry Article Highlights Accessible Banking, Concerns over Legal Risk

By Vivian Cullipher | November 11, 2016 | | 2

Financial services have harnessed technology to usher in ease and convenience for many. But millions of people in the United States alone may not be able to bank online—or at least, not as easily. And that puts banks, credit unions, and other financial services at risk of legal action. As online banking accelerates, so does the need for accessible banking Traditional, in-person banking is becoming a shadow of what it once was, and[…]

Industries Weigh in on Website and Mobile App Accessibility Litigation

By Jack McElaney | November 10, 2016 | | 0

Accessibility in the News—11/10/16 In this issue of Accessibility in the News (AITN), advocacy in the U.S. and abroad is resulting in a higher profile for online accessibility for websites and mobile apps, and the importance of accessibility in a democratic elections process. Retail, banking, and real estate industry publications weigh in on the importance of online accessibility and the very real possibility of ADA litigation. Articles also cover training[…]

Website Accessibility Lawsuits, Tools, Progress

By Jack McElaney | November 3, 2016 | | 0

Accessibility in the News—11/03/16 In this issue of Accessibility in the News (AITN), news and commentary on web accessibility lawsuits and demand letters feature heavily (particularly with retailers and community banks. There’s also a list of 240 website accessibility lawsuits since 2015); colleges and universities ramp up accessible design in online courses and web environments; and both on and off campus, tools facilitate providing accessible web content. To receive Accessibility[…]

Toys, Tech, and Text: Innovation Impacts Inclusive Design

By Jack McElaney | October 28, 2016 | | 0

Accessibility in the News—10/27/16 In this issue of Accessibility in the News (AITN), media coverage included toys (both modified and off-the-shelf items for kids with disabilities), the impact of technology and text for those with learning disabilities and visual impairments, potential future government decisions on private-sector requirements for accessibility (from the U.S. Department of Justice’s ADA interpretations to the upcoming ruling on Section 508), and the debut of Apple’s accessibility-focused website. To receive Accessibility[…]

Web Accessibility Lawsuits Hit Banking, Retail; WCAG 2.1 Under Consideration

By Jack McElaney | October 20, 2016 | | 0

Accessibility in the News—10/20/16 In this issue of Accessibility in the News (AITN), web accessibility lawsuits hit community banks and retail (not even the Kardashians are immune). Ride share apps are also being deemed inaccessible. The Web Content Accessibility Working Group is seeking input on WCAG 2.1 (in order to build on current web accessibility standards). Tips for making college admissions are included this issue, as well as another story[…]