Accessibility projects.
Accessibility projects.
Overview.
After being appointed Accessibility Lead I took on the task of familiarising myself with the intricacies of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and understanding where the gaps are in our web estate. Through self-guided learning and hands-on application, I have been successfully driving forward improvements and increasing our accessibility scores across our products.
It is important to me that our websites are not just compliant, but also enjoyable for everyone to use. I am working on integrating accessibility considerations into every stage of our development process to ensure that it is never an afterthought.
After being appointed Accessibility Lead I took on the task of familiarising myself with the intricacies of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and understanding where the gaps are in our web estate. Through self-guided learning and hands-on application, I have been successfully driving forward improvements and increasing our accessibility scores across our products.
It is important to me that our websites are not just compliant, but also enjoyable for everyone to use. I am working on integrating accessibility considerations into every stage of our development process to ensure that it is never an afterthought.
Challenge.
The challenge I needed to overcome was not having first hand experience using common accessibility tools. To empathise effectively I needed to take the time to immerse myself and get a feel for the real-world user experience. I spent time testing unfamiliar content under various conditions such as covering my eyes or unplugging my mouse, and quickly discovered how challenging content can be to navigate when accessibility rules aren't followed.
The challenge I needed to overcome was not having first hand experience using common accessibility tools. To empathise effectively I needed to take the time to immerse myself and get a feel for the real-world user experience. I spent time testing unfamiliar content under various conditions such as covering my eyes or unplugging my mouse, and quickly discovered how challenging content can be to navigate when accessibility rules aren't followed.
Approach.
Learning the rules.
To apply rules you first need to understand them. Since initially familiarising myself with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, I have been regularly attending events, as well as reading interpretations and advice on implementation approaches.
I also had the opportinuty to meet up with a user group with diverse needs to listen to their experiences, ideas and feedback.
To apply rules you first need to understand them. Since initially familiarising myself with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, I have been regularly attending events, as well as reading interpretations and advice on implementation approaches.
I also had the opportinuty to meet up with a user group with diverse needs to listen to their experiences, ideas and feedback.
Testing testing 1 2 3.
At Somerset Council we use Silktide to assess our websites against the latest accessibility criteria.
From there I have created a pipeline to capture failing checks and feed them into our sprints. As part of our continual improvement process the issues are resolved and retested, and the learnings recorded for future projects.
At Somerset Council we use Silktide to assess our websites against the latest accessibility criteria.
From there I have created a pipeline to capture failing checks and feed them into our sprints. As part of our continual improvement process the issues are resolved and retested, and the learnings recorded for future projects.
Shift left.
One of the first things I learned is that if you are only testing your site for accessibility after it goes live you are too late.
I am actively working with our team to ensure that accessibility is part of the conversation in every stage of our development projects.
One of the first things I learned is that if you are only testing your site for accessibility after it goes live you are too late.
I am actively working with our team to ensure that accessibility is part of the conversation in every stage of our development projects.
This page is under construction.
I will soon be adding more information about the specific accessibility improvements I have been involved with at Somerset Council. Meanwhile get in touch if you'd like to know more, or just to nerd out about the guidelines!