Ethics for Usability and Accessibility

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26% of U.S. adults have some type of disability (CDC, 2020). When creating content online, communicators must be inclusive to all viewers. By following Section 508 of the Rehabilitation ACT of 1973, communicators can ensure that everyone has the ability to access online content.

Specifically, the functional performance criteria ensure that when there is a visual mode of operation is provided (“Revised 508 Standards,” n.d.):

  • those without vision must have access to at least one operation that does not require user vision

  • those with limited vision have access to at least one mode of operation that allows users to

    make use of limited vision

  • those without a perception of color have access to at least one visual mode of operation that

    does not require the perception of color

When there is an audible mode of operation is provided:

  • those without hearing have access to at least one mode of operation that does not require

    hearing

  • those with limited hearing have access to at least one mode of operation that allows the use of limited hearing

Where speech is used: 

  • those without speech have access to at least one mode of operation that does not require speech 

Where a manual mode of operation is provided:

  • those with limited manipulation have access to at least one mode of operation that does not

    require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations

  • those with limited reach and strength have access to at least one mode of operation that is operable with limited reach and strength and

And those with limited language, cognitive, and learning abilities have simpler and easier access to features.

An accessibility audit can also be done to ensure the website complies with these standards or you can follow the instructions in the video below!


References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, September 16). Disability impacts all of us infographic. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https:// www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html

U.S. Access Board. Revised 508 Standards and 255 Guidelines. (n.d.). Retrieved December 18, 2022, from https://www.access-board.gov/ict/


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