Web Accessibility: Building a Culture of Online Inclusivity
Description
or mission-driven organizations, web accessibility goes beyond meeting compliance mandates—it is about fostering inclusivity and ensuring equal access for all users. While many associations are focused on aligning their websites with state, federal, and global standards such as Colorado’s accessibility mandate and WCAG AA 2.1 guidelines, the ever-changing landscape of legislation and litigation demands a more proactive, sustainable approach.
This webinar will equip association leaders and marketing professionals with actionable strategies to not only meet compliance requirements but also create a more inclusive, user-friendly online experience. From understanding the essentials of accessibility governance to developing a practical remediation plan, this session provides the tools and insights needed to prioritize inclusivity and enhance user satisfaction.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this program, participants will:
- Prioritize Accessibility: Understand the importance of web accessibility as a mission-driven imperative and a compliance requirement.
- Demystify Standards: Decode web accessibility standards such as WCAG AA 2.1 and their implications for websites.
- Identify Barriers: Learn how common technical and design flaws hinder inclusivity for users with disabilities.
- Enhance User Experience: Implement best practices to improve usability and accessibility for all visitors.
- Develop a Remediation Plan: Create a manageable roadmap for addressing technical accessibility issues and achieving compliance.
- Embed Accessibility in Design: Gain strategies for building inclusivity into the planning, design, and development phases of new websites or redesigns.
- Navigate Legalities: Stay informed about emerging regulations and litigation trends affecting web accessibility at local, national, and international levels.
Content Focus:
Section 1: Why Web Accessibility MatterContent Focus:
- Accessibility as a core value for mission-driven organizations.
- Legal and reputational risks of non-compliance.
- The evolving landscape of accessibility mandates.
Section 2: Understanding Compliance Standards
- Breakdown of WCAG guidelines, including WCAG AA 2.1.
- Real-world examples of common compliance issues and their solutions.
Section 3: Building a Sustainable Accessibility Framework
- Techniques for conducting accessibility audits.
- Tools and resources for ongoing monitoring and compliance.
- Creating an accessibility governance structure for continuous improvement.
Section 4: Enhancing User Experience
- How accessibility and usability intersect to benefit all users.
- Tips for inclusive design, such as proper color contrast, intuitive navigation, and alt text for images.
Section 5: Planning for the Future
- Strategies for embedding inclusivity in new site development and redesign projects.
- How to future-proof your site for emerging accessibility standards and technologies.
Key Takeaways:
- Practical insights to address common website accessibility barriers.
- A structured approach to developing and maintaining accessibility governance.
- Strategies for integrating inclusivity into future website projects.
- Tools to enhance the user experience for all audiences while maintaining compliance.
This program provides a comprehensive guide for association professionals seeking to champion web accessibility as part of a broader culture of inclusivity and innovation.
About Our Speaker:
Rob Bean, Partner & Strategist at Refactored, specializes in helping associations build better website experiences through a thoughtful application of strategy, creativity, and technology. Bean has generated great results for organizations such as CSU College of Business, Investments & Wealth Institute, the National Society of Black Engineers, The American Society for Non-Destructive Testing, and Western Research Institute.
