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Welcome to our September issue of the Accessibility Minute Newsletter! This newsletter is produced by the CU Boulder Digital Accessibility Office and covers one accessibility skill or topic per month. Please visit the DAO website to access past newsletters. As always, thank you for taking a minute (or two!) to read.

Advocating for and Implementing Accessibility Practices in an Organization

As organizations strive to create inclusive experiences, the importance of digital accessibility cannot be overstated. Yet, many organizations may be vocal about their commitment to inclusivity without fully grasping the scope of digital accessibility. This month’s newsletter outlines key approaches and questions that can help you advocate, prioritize, and implement digital accessibility within your organization.

Nurturing Digital Accessibility Proficiency and Cultural Competence from an Organizational Perspective

Accessibility is Not a "Feature"

Accessibility should be embedded into your organization’s DNA, not treated as an add-on. It's about ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can access and benefit from your digital offerings. Proactively advocating for accessibility within your organization ensures time can be allotted for incorporating and checking for accessibility while managing large workloads and tight timelines.

Understanding Nuance: "It Depends"

It’s important to recognize that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach; what works in one situation might not work for another. Institutions and organizations may do things differently depending on their respective systems and environments.

Digital Accessibility Policy

Develop and enforce a comprehensive digital accessibility policy. This policy should outline your organization's commitment to accessibility and provide clear guidelines for creating and maintaining accessible digital products.

Training

Invest in regular accessibility training for your team. Equip everyone with the knowledge and skills to identify and resolve accessibility issues, making accessibility a natural part of your development process. Check to see if your organization offers training or utilize paid or free training options online.

Talk About It

Promote a culture of accessibility by talking about it openly. Encourage discussions about accessibility in meetings, workshops, and throughout the design and development process- Remember, it’s much easier to implement digital accessibility from a foundational level versus retrofitting once a project is done.

Let Others See You Doing It!

Lead by example. Show your commitment to accessibility by actively implementing best practices and sharing your journey with others in your organization.

Nurturing Digital Accessibility Proficiency and Cultural Competence from a Human Perspective

Disability is an Important Part of the Diversity and Inclusion Conversation

Accessibility is a fundamental aspect of creating an inclusive environment. Ensure that disability is included in your organization's diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Awareness of Lived Experiences and Identities

Recognize that disability is inherent in society. Awareness of the diverse experiences and identities of people with disabilities can help foster understanding and a stronger commitment to accessibility.

Experiences Vary, They Are Individual

Understand that accessibility needs vary from person to person. Tailoring your approach to meet the specific needs of individuals is critical to creating truly inclusive experiences.

Ask Questions!

Asking questions about accessibility encourages curiosity and continuous learning. Whether working with vendors or your institution or using digital tools in the classroom, questioning is a powerful tool for advocacy.

Questions to Ask Vendors, Institutions, and About Online Digital Tools

It may be difficult to figure out exactly where to start when you are working to implement digital accessibility into your processes, tools, and workflows. Regardless of the environment of your work, the following are some questions you can ask to develop awareness for yourself and others.

Vendors:

• How was the product tested for accessibility?
• If testing was only automated, bring it up and ask for more comprehensive testing methods.
• Do they have a VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) or a Roadmap?
  • Don’t take VPATs at face value. Ask about the roadmap and whether the vendor is willing to work with you to address any accessibility concerns.
• October 2022 Newsletter: Talking to Vendors about Accessibility

Institution:

• What are the digital accessibility policies in place?
• How is the institution testing for accessibility?
• Are there processes for reviewing digital products for accessibility?
• Who should be contacted for accessibility questions or support?

Online Digital Tools:

• Am I asking students, employees, or customers to engage in activities or use tools that could exclude them?
• Do I know how accessible this tool is?
• What accessibility information is available online about this tool?
• Who can I contact (vendor or institution) if there is an accessibility issue?

By incorporating these approaches and questions into your organization, you can play a pivotal role in cultivating a more inclusive and accessible digital environment. Although these are great first steps, it is important to remember that accessibility is not just a checklist to complete, but more so a commitment to continuous improvement and learning along the way.

DAO News

We're hiring! The DAO encourages applications for a Digital Accessibility Services Coordinator. Please review our to learn more about this position and the application process. Applications must be submitted by October 1st, 2024, for consideration.

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DAO Office Hours are now the 4th Tuesday of every month from 1 to 2 PM MT. Our next office hours will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024.