Lessons Learned on Web and Digital Access for Customers with Disabilities
Mell Toy, ADAC & Eva de Leon, MA, CRC, ADAC (University of Washington, Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation)
January 17 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST
What are the common barriers on websites and electronic documents that discourage (and sometimes stop) people with disabilities from accessing information or completing an online task? Two members of the University of Washington's Accessible Design and Innovative Inclusion team will share what they have learned from years of providing accessibility reviews for private businesses and state and local governments. The discussion will focus on general guidance to improve web and digital experiences for end-users, rather than how to code a website for accessibility.
Attendee Takeaways:
- Give 3 examples of issues that can impede access and usability of websites and digital products
- Briefly describe the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II of the ADA and how website and digital access fits into the ADA
- Give 3 national resources that can assist state and local government agencies to learn more about their ADA responsibilities, including website and digital access requirements and guidance
Presenters
Mell Toy, ADAC & Eva de Leon, MA, CRC, ADAC
Mell is a continuing education specialist with the Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation at the University of Washington. A member of the Accessible Design and Innovative Inclusion team and the Vocational Rehabilitation Program and Services team, Mell provides technical assistance and training to professionals on a variety of disability and access topics, including web, digital, communication and physical access. Prior to this work, Mell provided trainings on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and taught blindness and low vision skills to adults in the state of Washington. She is a certified ADA coordinator.
As the director of accessible design and innovative inclusion, Eva directs the daily management of projects related to comprehensive accessibility assessment. She provides consultation and guidance on access to programs and services, policy and systems improvement, and other provisions of the ADA related to federal and state requirements for businesses, state and local governments, and customers. Eva's prior roles include assistant director of the Northwest ADA Center, where she led technical assistance service, training and strategic implementation of daily activities and operations. She is a certified ADA coordinator and certified rehabilitation counselor.
