A challenge to web accessibility metrics and guidelines: putting people and processes first

Martyn Cooper; David Sloan; Brian Kelly; Sarah Lewthwaite

doi:10.1145/2207016.2207028

A challenge to web accessibility metrics and guidelines: putting people and processes first

Martyn Cooper, David Sloan, Brian Kelly, Sarah Lewthwaite

Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review

39 Citations (SciVal)

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Abstract

This paper argues that web accessibility is not an intrinsic characteristic of a digital resource but is determined by complex political, social and other contextual factors, as well as technical aspects which are the focus of WAI standardisation activities. It can therefore be inappropriate to develop legislation or focus on metrics only associated with properties of the resource.

The authors describe the value of standards such as BS 8878 which focus on best practices for the process of developing web products and include a user focus.

The paper concludes with a case study that illustrates how learning analytics could provide data to support the improvement of the inclusivity of learning resources, providing a broader perspective beyond the digital resource.

Original language	English
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1145/2207016.2207028
Publication status	Published - 16 Apr 2012
Event	W4A 2012: 9th International Cross-Disciplinary Conference on Web Accessibility - Lyon Duration: 16 Apr 2012 → 18 Apr 2012

Conference

Conference	W4A 2012: 9th International Cross-Disciplinary Conference on Web Accessibility
City	Lyon
Period	16/04/12 → 18/04/12

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10.1145/2207016.2207028

w4a-2012-p23-final.pdfAccepted author manuscript, 305 KB

Cite this

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AB - This paper argues that web accessibility is not an intrinsic characteristic of a digital resource but is determined by complex political, social and other contextual factors, as well as technical aspects which are the focus of WAI standardisation activities. It can therefore be inappropriate to develop legislation or focus on metrics only associated with properties of the resource. The authors describe the value of standards such as BS 8878 which focus on best practices for the process of developing web products and include a user focus. The paper concludes with a case study that illustrates how learning analytics could provide data to support the improvement of the inclusivity of learning resources, providing a broader perspective beyond the digital resource.

UR - http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/web-focus/papers/w4a-2012/

UR - http://ukwebfocus.wordpress.com/papers/a-challenge-to-web-accessibility-metrics-and-guidelines-putting-people-and-processes-first/

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Y2 - 16 April 2012 through 18 April 2012

ER -

A challenge to web accessibility metrics and guidelines: putting people and processes first

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