Getting Started with Accessible Universal Design at Your Organization
Organizational change is never easy, but there are ways YOU can facilitate change at your organization.
There are many reasons to make the change to accessible web design.
- It's the law
- Universities typically have higher proportions of disabled users
- Accessibly designed sites benefit all users
- Low-bandwidth users
- Non-native English speakers
- Disabled persons
- Elderly
- Low-tech users
- Better use of bandwidth
- Lower server demand
- Demonstrate social responsibility
Universal Design is Good Design
Universal Design is forward thinking; the designer from the beginning conceptualizes a site that is not only usable but user-friendly in all scenarios. So, not only is universal design "accessible" in a standards-compliance sense, but it leads to better overall design for everyone, regardless of visual, mental, or other differences.
Universal Design is compatible with pervasive mobile technologies, such as PDAs, cell phones, and iPods. Now, and in the future, as more and more people use mobile technology to watch a lecture, register for classes or any number of tasks, universal design will be increasingly important.
Get Started with Accessible Design
Here are a few things to help your institution get started with accessibility:
- Know the law and how it applies to you
- Meet with key technology players at your organization
- Devise a plan, goals and deadlines
For more information or additional tips:
Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act
iCITA Information Technology Accessibility Best Practices
Browse the videos to hear how other administrators got started, what they are doing, and what their plans are for the future.
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8 Step Implementation Model | |
What are other institutions doing? |