Integrating Technology Accessibility into Business Processes
This content provides valuable insights into incorporating technology accessibility considerations into business practices. It covers topics such as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), inclusive consulting services, AODA policies, procurement guidelines, training requirements, and accessibility planning. The guidance offered emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, compliance with accessibility regulations, and proactive strategies to enhance accessibility for all individuals.
- Technology Accessibility
- Business Processes
- AODA Compliance
- Inclusive Consulting
- Procurement Guidelines
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Presentation Transcript
NOT A Checklist BUILDING TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY INTO YOUR BUSINESS PROCESSES
Inclusivity Strategic Consulting EVE HILL, PARTNER
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 5 Parts (Really 7) General Information and Communication Employment Transportation Accessible Design of Built Environment Customer Service Compliance I. II. III. IV. V.
AODA POLICIES PROCUREMENT TRAINING PLAN
AODA - POLICIES REQUIREMENT Policies governing how business achieves or will achieve accessibility must be publicly available Statement of organizational commitment to meet accessibility needs in a timely manner MEANING High-level policies Internal policies re. responsibility and authority Internal policies re. implementation How-to; Who can help Budget Feedback Tracking & Improvement
AODA - PROCUREMENT Government and Public Sector Organizations Incorporate accessible design, criteria, and features when procuring or acquiring Goods, services or facilities Self-service kiosks Large & Small Organizations Have regard to accessibility when designing, procuring or acquiring BEST PRACTICE Incorporate accessible design into vendor and service provider contracts
AODA - TRAINING Train on AODA and Human Rights Code Employees Participants in developing organization policies Everyone who provides goods, services or facilities on behalf of As soon as practicable and ongoing Keep records of training
AODA - ACCESSIBILITY PLAN REQUIREMENT Outline organization s strategy to Prevent barriers Remove barriers Meet AODA obligations Post on website Review and update every 5 years BEST PRACTICE (required for Public Sector Organizations) Consult with disability organizations BEST PRACTICE (required for Public Sector Organizations) Annual status report
Americans with Disabilities Act Title III public accommodations (12 categories) Requirement Effective communication - 28 CFR 36.303(c) Ensure effective communication with people with disabilities through auxiliary aids and services (28 C.F.R. 36.303(c)) Accessible electronic and information technology is an example of an auxiliary aid (28 C.F.R. 36.303(b)(I) and (2) In order to be effective, auxiliary aids and services must be provided in accessible formats, in a timely manner, and in such a way as to protect the privacy and independence of the individual with a disability.
Americans with Disabilities Act If a public accommodation provides information or receives information online, it needs to ensure it effectively communicates that information with people with disabilities DOJ, other federal agencies, Section 508, and courts have all said compliance with WCAG 2.0/2.1 Level A and AA accomplishes effective communication
Americans with Disabilities Act Must be documented in writing By an official with budgetary authority Undue Burden Significant difficulty or expense in light of all the business available resources Fundamental Alteration Accessibility would fundamentally alter the nature of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations being offered The business must still provide an alternative aid or service that would not result in an undue burden or fundamental alteration but would ensure effective communication to the maximum extent possible.
IMPLEMENTATION UNDER BOTH AODA AND ADA POLICIES STAFFING & TRAINING PRE-POSTING PROCEDURES PROCUREMENT REMEDIATION INTERIM MEASURES AUDITS FEEDBACK
IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES & STAFF Adopt policy and publicize policy Setting standard (WCAG 2.0/2.1 Levels A & AA) Hire/assign responsible staff With sufficient authority and budgetary authority With sufficient expertise Training for developers and content creators Provide experts/resources for developers and content creators
IMPLEMENTATION PRE-POSTING PROCEDURES Set procedures for pre-posting reviews of accessibility of new content Establish responsibility to approve and document exceptions AODA Unconvertible (this exception must be documented) Not within the control of the organization (directly or by contract) ADA Undue burden Fundamental alteration Establish accountability mechanisms for developers and content creators who post inaccessible material
IMPLEMENTATION - PROCUREMENT PROCUREMENT Establish Procurement accessibility policy Contract language Audit capability Accountability mechanisms Remediation responsibility
IMPLEMENTATION - REMEDIATION Audit to identify barriers Prioritize Frequency of customer encounters Importance of function Severity of the barrier Ease of remediation
IMPLEMENTATION - REMEDIATION Specify Schedule for barrier elimination Page by page Barrier type by barrier type Format by format Assign Person(s) responsible for implementation, oversight, progress tracking, reporting Resources ($, staff, time) Track and report progress Update (every 5 years at least)
Sample Worksheet 1: Remediation Plan for Website Accessibility Barriers Actions Resources Responsibility Completion Date Office Manager March 1, 2015 Time Money Staff Develop and implement a policy that documents be created in a structured electronic format to allow for easier conversion to accessible formats Assess how and what information we make available to public Time Money Staff Customer Service Dept. September 1, 2015 Time Money Staff Customer Service Dept. September 1, 2015 Develop a process for responding to requests for accessible formats Identify vendors for Braille, accessible pdfs, captioning, audio Time Money Staff Office Manager March 20, 2015 Outsource select products for conversion to accessible formats Time Money Staff Customer Service Dept. November 1, 2015 Develop accessible interim alternatives to website for people who need accessible information Time Money Staff Customer Service Dept. November 1, 2015 Post a notice on website, Facebook page or other social media sites and on premises that information is available in a variety of accessible formats Time Money Staff Webmaster December 1, 2015
IMPLEMENTATION - REMEDIATION Establish and publish interim means for providing alternative access during remediation Phone line where trained staff will read web information Email address to request accessible versions of documents Process for escalating accessibility requests/complaints Vendors with deadlines for converting to accessible formats on request
IMPLEMENTATION - AUDITS Set schedules and responsibility for periodic audits Internal and by qualified vendor Automated and manual/user audits Frequency Guidelines for Monitoring of Accessibility Compliance Previous Accessibility Compliance Accessibility Controls in Place Moderate-Low High Moderate-High Moderate Low Semi- Annual Review Deficient or Not Present Monthly Review Quarterly Review Monthly Review Monthly Review Semi-Annual Review Annual Review Monthly Review Adequate Quarterly Review Monthly Review Quarterly Review Annual Review Semi-Annual Review Quarterly Review Effective Annual Review
IMPLEMENTATION - FEEDBACK Build Trust and Access Experts Invite and welcome feedback and respond Publicize your efforts, plans, and progress Hire user testers Include people with disabilities in Beta testers
SUMMARY Welcome all customers Even B2B services have customers, whose customers and employees have disabilities Build goodwill with the disability community and their families, friends, and allies Be transparent Build internal capacity Choose and use vendors wisely Protect yourself through procurement policies Stop digging establish pre-posting processes to make sure everything new is accessible Set priorities, responsibility, and deadlines for remediation Establish accountability Welcome feedback Solve problems with staff, not lawyers
