eNews · December 2016
What's New
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PEAT has added a new online resource to help employers and others understand U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) priorities related to the accessibility of websites and other information and communication technologies (ICT). DOJ has recognized that access to ICT is a civil right and a vital employment issue for individuals with disabilities, and as of May 2016 entered into 167 settlement agreements addressing ICT accessibility. While DOJ settlements only apply to the parties involved, they do offer insights into potential actions that DOJ might exact in similar situations.
As the digital gateway to your company or organization, your company’s website is an ideal place to start when implementing accessible technology practices. But how do you actually get started? In this multi-part series, Gian Wild of AccessibilityOz shares essential tips for ensuring that your eRecruiting materials and other website content are accessible to as many people as possible. Please watch for upcoming events in this series, and explore the new resources we’ve added so far:
Website Images
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- Factsheet: Accessibility Principles for Website Images
- Blog: Making Sure Alternative Text isn’t an Afterthought
Website Tables
- Factsheet: Table Accessibility Principles for Websites
- Blog: Implementing Accessible Workplace Tech: Website Tables
- Webinar Recording: Creating Accessible Tables for the Web
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Senior Associate Director for the White House Office of Public Engagement Maria Town joined PEAT recently for a lively conversation in celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). During this PEAT Talk, Maria shared thoughtful insights about the state of accessible technology, and the current Administration’s efforts to promote its use in workplaces nationwide.
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The 2017 Web for All Conference (W4A) will explore “The Future of Accessible Work.” W4A welcomes conference paper submissions and entries for the Accessibility Challenge, which showcases presentations of innovative web and mobile technologies. Submissions are due Friday, January 6. PEAT is proud to be partnering on this exciting event that will explore technology’s role in creating more inclusive work environments. Be sure to stay tuned for more details about the conference and accessibility hackathon!
Save the Date
Thursday, December 15, 2pm-3pm ET WEBINAR
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Images are used on websites for many different functions, and each require a different approach for accessibility. Join AccessibilityOz CEO Gian Wild for a detailed demonstration, discussion, and Q&A about how to ensure your images are both accessible and usable for people with disabilities.
Thursday, January 19, 2pm-3pm ET WEBINAR
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Join PEAT as we talk with Rachel Kerrigan to learn how Perkins School for the Blind and Harvard Extension School are educating HR professionals about common technology barriers to access through a free online course titled “Introduction to Inclusive Talent Acquisition.”
Thursday, January 26, 2pm-3pm ET WEBINAR
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Video accessibility requires more than simply providing transcripts, captions and audio descriptions. Join AccessibilityOz CEO Gian Wild for a detailed demonstration, discussion, and Q&A about how to make videos accessible to people with disabilities.
In Focus
PEAT is always enthused to attend the annual HR Technology Conference, given their focus on technology tools and trends shaping the field of human resources. This year we left feeling more excited and energized than ever, because the topic of accessibility is finally starting to take hold in the hearts and minds of HR Tech stakeholders.
The National Council on Disability’s annual report to Congress notably focuses on improving access to technology for Americans with disabilities. Recognizing accessible technology as a right for all Americans and a key pathway to employment, the report provides actionable recommendations for the federal government, technology industry, and private and public sectors.