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Library Accessibility Resources

Library WCAG Compliance Overview

Unlocking the web

Library Accessibility Testing Project

Beginning May 1, 2019, the HCC Libraries automation librarians began systematically testing LibGuides and pages for WCAG 2.0 compliance using the WAVE Accessibility tool as a Chrome plugin. The Library site contains over 150 librarian-published LibGuides consisting of multiple pages and content types.

Process

  • By installing the WAVE Chrome plugin we are able to check compliance for an entire guide very quickly.
  • The most common issues are form labels and alternative text.
  • The HCC brand colors used for the menu tabs, links, and text colors already meet WCAG 2.0 color contrast ratio guidelines:
    "WCAG 2 level AA requires a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text, and a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 for graphics and user interface components (such as form input borders). Level AAA requires a contrast ratio of at least 7:1 for normal text and 4.5:1 for large text."
  • When adding images to content boxes the Springshare platform now provides form inputs for image alternate text.
  • Once a page group is checked the WCAG 2.0 logo is added to the lower left corner of the home page for that LibGuide or page group.

Progress

  • 78 LibGuides and page groups have been verified to be WCAG 2.0 compliant as of 6/19/19.
  • About 10 guides or page groups are completed weekly.
  • Issues are fixed as they are found.
  • Fixing templates has resolved most label and heading problems.
  • We estimate that the Library site was at least 85% compliant before we started checking systematically.
  • The next phase of the project will be to check all linked Word, PDF, and Powerpoint documents for compliance.
  • Public-facing video content produced by HCC librarians and linked on the library site is captioned.

Content Provided by Vendors

Coming soon. See the sections above for Articles, Books, and eBooks.

Universal Design

Principles of Universal Design

  1. Equitable Use: The design does not disadvantage or stigmatize any group of users.

  2. Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

  3. Simple, Intuitive Use: Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.

  4. Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.

  5. Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

  6. Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably, and with a minimum of fatigue.

  7. Size and Space for Approach & Use: Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility.

From the Institute for Human Centered Design

Compiled by advocates of Universal Design in 1997. Participants are listed in alphabetical order: Bettye Rose Connell, Mike Jones, Ron Mace, Jim Mueller, Abir Mullick, Elaine Ostroff, Jon Sanford, Ed Steinfeld, Molly Story, Gregg Vanderheiden. The Principles are copyrighted to the Center for Universal Design, School of Design, State University of North Carolina at Raleigh [USA].

The Principles established a valuable language for explaining the characteristics of Universal Design. They are in common use around the world, sometimes with slight modifications, primarily one or two principles grouped together.

See also Resources for Universal Design from the Institute for Human Centered Design

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