Audit Genie

$755,000 to be paid to the plaintiffs’ lawyers. In addition $40,000 to go towards yearly accessibility implementation over 4 years’ time.

Web accessibility signifies that individuals with impairments have the capability to use a service or product as successfully as a person without disabilities. Very often equality calls for utilizing assistive devices, along with monitor magnifiers, screen readers, or captioning features. For developers and internet site owners this implies generating and keeping a web-page that adheres to exact guidelines. Guidelines that allow for uncomplicated usability and compatibility with assistive devices. Why aid accessibility? Accessibility is important for various factors; it may help to increase a web pages functionality for every client, search engine optimization (SEO) and it helps the culture of inclusion. Expanding accessibility online will help to enhance and better the existence of thousands of individuals with disabilities. Accessibility online would help to supply the same web privileges to impaired users that other users have always been accustomed to; from data and services to e-shopping and communication. How to aid the cause? Aid the culture of inclusion by taking the time to understand the significance of accessibility and by spreading the word about web accessibility. Moving forward, if a person has a website, or is aware of a site that is not accessible, inform the owner, or use a validation tool to scan and repair the website. Web accessibility is becoming a priority for anyone with an online presence. Business owners are beginning to recognize the worth of including all clients. Become a part of the solution and help to provide equality on the internet.

Techshare India 2014 took place this past February in New Delhi, and held at the India Habitat Center. This was the fourth time this event was held, there were over 25 exhibitors, highlighting a variety of modern day technology services and products. Techshare has been described as the largest technology event that focuses on promoting web accessibility for people with impairments. Three themes were focused on throughout Techshare India innovate, adapt, and evolve. The themes were incorporated into the functions four verticals; education, employment, accessibility, and policies/ laws. There were 2,000 plus attendees at the event with greater than 50 speakers from around the world that presented on concerns pertaining to accessibility. Highlights from the event included key speeches from Ted Drake from Intuit, Kiran Kaja with Adobe, and J. Alan Chicken of W3C. Research done by Gartner Global Advisory Firm suggests as much as 15 percent of the world’s population has disabilities. The range of disabilities and number of individuals with impairments is predicted to greatly increase in the near future, mainly due to the raise of the aging populace worldwide. With the growing disabled population, more events like Techshare are needed to increase awareness of web accessibility and support the culture of inclusion. Techshare India 2014 represented the importance and need for improvements in web accessibility globally as well as India. The host site for Techshare indicates that it is now time for all areas including, but not limited to the government, corporate, educational facilities, and nonprofit organizations to contemplate the ways to meet the needs of all individuals with impairments and society, “needs to evolve to generate an inclusive surrounding.”

Web accessibility lawsuits are becoming prominent across the nation and corporations are starting to notice. Accessibility, as it applies to the internet, is allowing access to information on the web to the largest number of people and is designed to help the disabled. For company owners that have a website, this means their site must comply with particular coding and design features that provides admission to all users. Failing to abide by standards can lead to serious legal problems. Accessibility has become a growing movement. With every movement there are always companies to take the first step to advance. When it comes to the accessibility of websites, Starbucks is one of those companies. Starbucks has taken an initiative to add web accessibility suggestions and policies on their website, something every company should be doing. While Starbucks Corporation has taken revolutionary actions to incorporate online accessibility guidelines, unfortunately, they are familiar to accessibility lawsuits. The corporation has been confronted a by a class action lawsuit concerning their physical store’s counter height. Quite possibly these lawsuits that violated the Americans with Disabilities Act are what resulted in the need to manage other parts of accessibility, inclusive of their internet website. Starbucks currently has a website specifically linked to ways the company is making an attempt to adjust to disability guidelines. The company provides a listing of characteristics they have used to help to supply admission to disabled individuals. Starbucks claims they have decided to boost diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in everything they do. Another notable feature Starbucks has included are Braille gift cards. Starbucks has found out that accessibility is not to be taken lightly and has made the right modifications to support the culture of inclusion. Although the infamous coffee organization has had problems regarding their physical locations, it is evident Starbucks has decided to be dedicated to web accessibility. Starbucks has done what every company ought to by including policies to support access for disabled customers. There will be no regrets for allowing access to a website, but exclusion can cause serious consequence.

Vimeo has recently presented a series of upgrades to their video player platform, along with incorporating in-player transaction support for Vimeo subscribers which allows any professional member to market their work and do it using the means they like, on the net or own their company site. Included in the upgrade is a faster and more accessible service. The update is done around HTML5 technology offering a more responsive design for computers, phones and tablets. Vimeo's chief technology officer, Andrew Pile explains that Vimeo is an exceptional platform that takes pride in the expertise of creators worldwide. Using Vimeo will ensure content is shown at the very best quality possible. A significant amount of work went into generating the latest version of our player. Pile states that Vimeo is excited to take a top slot in support of open web standards by using HTML5. Other changes Vimeo has applied, includes the introduction of speedier playback, along with reduced loading time, plus the opportunity to make purchases directly from a members. Vimeo has also enhanced their web accessibility, making the platform easier to use with assistive technology. This will likely be a big progress for individuals utilizing keyboard and display screen readers, as well as those who utilize captions and subtitles. Video creators can now add their very own translations subtitles and captions to their videos, helping to increase viewership across the globe. While web accessibility changes to the Vimeo platform can still use enhancements, the much needed improvements will be appreciated by many impaired users. Vimeo has attracted clients through the years due to their quality customer care. It is a significant reason video makers have chosen this platform. With the current HTML5 in place that provides increased web accessibility, better voiceover and sharing compatibility, it looks as if the popular platform will continue to remain a preferred consumer product.

Why have a Usable Website for Disabled Individuals? There are plenty of factors to take into consideration working to ensure an internet site is offered to persons with disabilities. There are the obvious legal and moral factors involved in having a compliant internet website. Additional factors may include website ranking on Google, and delivering a website that is responsive and works with all tools that connect to the web. Arguably the most important factor that provides inspiration for business owners to focus on web accessibility and have an error free website ought to be business. In a review performed by the National Federation for the Blind, there are actually over 6 million adults that indicated having a vision deficit.  When business owners are constantly trying to find new consumers and increase sales, it is not wise to have a website that is inaccessible to even 5% of the population.    The way to create a website accessible? The most effective place to begin is becoming aware of web accessibility and understand how to have a website that is compliant. The next step is to test the website for accessibility errors by utilizing validation tools. Validation tools can scan an entire site for not only accessibility issues, but for coding and broken hyperlinks. Once the website has been examined, work with a trustworthy web developer to input changes. Whether the drive is legal, ethical, or sales focused, it is time to ensure all websites are offered to everyone and inclusive of impaired individuals. Do not bar a website from potential customers any longer, use website validation tool and make necessary web accessibility changes.

Overview: An important feature when making a website accessible to disabled users is adding skip navigation.  Adding a skip to content link should be included prior to a website’s navigation tools. A single skip to content link is usually adequate for a website. Adding a skip feature allows users needing assistive screen readers to “skip” between headers and sub headers labeled H2, H3, H4. Importance of Skip Navigation: Providing navigation links on a website, on the left hand side or atop the page, will benefit the overall usability and give proper assistance to individuals with mobility impairments. The skip feature, for example, will be highly useful for those that have difficulty operating a mouse or using a screen reader. Conclusion: Yet, visually impaired individuals that utilize screen readers may hear all the links at the start of each page, this can be time consuming and cause irritation. It is imperative to add a skip navigation strategy that allows a skip over a block of navigational links for screen readers. It’s important for every website to have a web accessibility strategy. Implementing web accessibility features improve a sites usability and give access to the widest audience possible. Skip navigation is one of the many features that

Opening the New Year brings resolutions, ambitions, a rejuvenated sense of hope as well as yearning to make transformations for the better. New Year’s resolutions cover a broad scope ranging from diet and exercise to global impacting decisions. Regardless of resolutions are in 2014, there is certainly one improvement business owners can make that will have a profound influence, by setting a new year’s resolution to make their website accessible. Having an accessible site will enhance the everyday life of impaired internet users in addition to generating more business for your website. Become a part of the movement to bring web accessibility into 2014. Reasons to focus on making your website accessible in 2014: 1. Enhance the everyday Lives of Impaired Individuals: Ensuring a internet website is accessible would permit disabled individuals to have a chance to access the same information, goods, services or products as other individuals. 2. New Buyers: Enabling online impaired internet users the ability to access a business website will open corporations to new consumers. 3. Enhanced Web-page Usability: Focusing on web accessibility will not simply help disabled users navigate a website significantly better, but in addition will help the entire performance of a site. 4. Enhance Search Engine Optimization and Internet browser Capabilities: Search engine optimization, internet browser capabilities, as well as accessibility are all connected. The adjustments applied to further improve web accessibility also will allow web crawls to locate a website more easily. The easier it is for web crawlers to find and browse site the greater a businesses online visibility will be. 5. Maximize Earnings: By improving a company's consumer reach as well as enhancing seo, can attract new customers and bring in more sales. Isn't it time for the internet to become equally accessible for all consumers?  Businesses should take action, support web accessibility and make a new year’s resolution to have website accessible in 2014.

Opening the New Year brings resolutions, ambitions, a rejuvenated desire to make changes for the better. New Year’s resolutions cover a broad area ranging from creating food regimens and working out to world influencing decisions. In spite of the resolutions in store for 2014, there's certainly one area business can improve which can have a profound outcome, by setting a new year’s resolution to make the company website easily accessible. Having an easily accessible web site is going to improve the everyday life of individuals with impairments moreover it will generate more visits for to the company's internet site. Become a part of the movement to have online accessibility in 2014. 5 great reasons to focus on web accessibility in 2014: 1. Improve the Everyday Life of Impaired Individuals: Ensuring a internet website is accessible would permit disabled individuals to have an opportunity to access identical facts, goods or services as other individuals. 2. New Consumers: Increasing web accessibility will give the opportunity to allow impaired users to visit and navigate a website and may open companies to new clients. 3. Enhanced Usability of a Web-page: Focusing on web accessibility will not simply help impaired clients navigate a website better, but moreover will help to facilitate the overall performance of a site. 4. Boost Search Engine Optimization and Internet browser Compatibility: SEO, internet browser capabilities, in addition to accessibility are all attached. The adjustments utilized to further boost web accessibility also may allow website crawlers to locate an internet site more easily. The easier it is for internet crawlers to locate and navigate a website the more an organization will be visible online. 5. Maximize Earnings: By improving a company's consumer reach as well as improving SEO, will help to acquire new customers and bring in additional sales. Isn't it time for the web to become similarly accessible for every online client? Businesses ought to take action, support web accessibility and make a new year’s goal to have internet website that is accessible in 2014.

Internet accessibility is developing into a subject the internet community is conversing about, and for important reasons. Possessing an internet site that permits access to new customers, even those with disabilities, is vital for increasing business, and defends from legal actions due to discrimination. The topic of web accessibility has advanced from something technical that only internet developers, national and government internet websites, or major corporations, have paid attention to. Now, it is having a large impact on the entire internet community. Articles and blog post are sent out daily on the topic and anyone can follow the conversation live on social websites using the #a11y. The word accessibility is 13 letters long, in an internet world that typically only allows 140 characters. A11y was created to condense the length of a word. The shortened word A11y, a numeronym, is the characters ‘A’ and ‘Y’ with the number 11, representing the characters between the beginning and last letter. A11y is utilized to imply the subject of accessibility or to switch with the word when used in a sentence. Here are a couple of samples: Use #A11y in a sentence: Help to increase awareness of web #A11y and support the disabled community. Place the pound symbol at the back of your post to imply the subject: Websites must provide equal access to all users. #A11y Gain knowledge of what A11y means, and becomes part of the discussion to support web accessibility. Website accessibility is continuing to gain importance and weight, as it affects the existence of individuals with disabilities and impacts the visibility of company owned web pages across the globe.

Moving into 2014, web accessibility is expected to make serious advances and movement throughout the year. Changes are anticipated in everything from finalizing accessibility plans, refreshing current policies, to increased accessibility overall. The Section 508 that is known today will be refreshed in the upcoming twelve months, the update will call for government establishments to be compliant at level AA of the WCAG 2.0. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was amended in 1998 creating Section 508.  The amendment was created to require government organizations to provide access to all digital information, but with rapid advances in technology the amendment has been unable to cover all areas of accessibility. The coming refresh will attempt to address the uncovered accessibility areas. The update advances from level A to AA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). WCAG 2.0 represents the most recent set of suggestions put out by the W3C, the guidelines are composed of specifications to ensure digital technology is usable for disabled individuals. The specifications encompass three degrees of testable guidelines: A, AA and AAA. The levels become more difficult to adjust to as each particular level because the levels build on one another. Level A: first criteria Level AA: required to comply with A and AA Level AAA: required comply with A, AA and AAA Predicted to be revealed later in the year is the refresh to Section 508, an extension to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that specifies obligatory necessities to obtain web accessibility guidelines. Indicators imply that upgrades are thought to be approved in March preceding any legislative alterations in a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM). Current discussion signifies that preliminary expected conformance date of any proposed changes will be no earlier than 2016 to provide time to put into place new standards.

Why focus on web accessibility? There are plenty of reasons to consider working to ensure a website is accessible to people with disabilities. There are obvious reasons, like the legal and ethical components that invoke the need to be accessible. Additional motives comprise SEO (search engine optimization), and delivering a responsive website that will operate with all instruments that connect to the web. Arguably, the most important and applicable inspiration for businesses to attain an error free web page and a site that allows access to consumers with disabilities, should be sales. In an analysis performed by the National Federation for the Blind, they found that over 6 million men and women reported having vision impairments. The business world is so competitive; it doesn’t make sense to exclude an entire population of consumers with disabilities. When businesses are examining the need to acquire more customers, they should ask be asking, “is our website fully accessible?” How web accessibility makes a site usable for disabled individuals? The ideal place to start is becoming aware of web accessibility and understanding compliance standards. Next, test the web site for problems and errors by using validation tools. Validation tools can scan a website for not only accessibility problems, but also for coding and link issues. Once the website has been examined, work with a dependable internet developer that can help make the necessary changes. It does not matter if the motivation to create an accessible website is ethical, legal, or sales driven, it is time to ensure all online resources are accessible to everyone. Don't exclude a website from potential business any longer. Keep websites error free by inspecting and maintaining an internet site by utilizing validation tools and making necessary changes.

One can help to aid changes in accessibility and support the culture of inclusion by taking the time become educated on website accessibility issues and spread the word about web accessibility. Also, if someone has an internet site, or is conscious of a site that has possible accessibility errors, let the website owner know, or use validation tools to check and fix the website. Web accessibility is becoming a concern for anyone with a web presence as they realize the potential worth of including all buyers. Become a part of the accessibility movement and help to include all users on the web.

Vimeo’s video player platform just recently introduced a series of enhancements. Along with introducing in-player transaction support for Vimeo subscribers allowing any professional member to display their work and do it utilizing the means they desire, on the web or own their own site. Members can now appreciate a faster and easier to use service. The update was generated around HTML5 technology offering a more responsive layout for computer systems, telephones and other internet capable devices. Andrew Pile, Vimeo's chief technology officer, says that Vimeo is a distinctive platform that takes satisfaction in the knowledge that artists worldwide are using Vimeo because they know their product will be presented at the best quality possible. A significant amount of labor went into producing the latest version of the product. Pile explains that Vimeo is happy to take a high ranking slot in aid of open web standards by utilizing HTML5. Other changes Vimeo has incorporated, the intro of quicker playback, along with less loading time, plus the possibility to make purchases directly from a members. Vimeo has made a shift and put some focus on web accessibility, making the platform more compatible with assistive devices. This will likely be a large progress for individuals with disabilities that use keyboard and monitor readers, in addition to people who need subtitles and captions. Video makers can now add their own translations, subtitles and captions to their own movies, assisting to increase viewership worldwide. While web accessibility changes to the Vimeo platform could still use further enhancements, the essential upgrades will likely be valued by many disabled users. Vimeo has continually drawn new customers because of their quality customer care. It is often a big reason video creators and marketers have chosen the platform. With the present HTML5 updated that offers better web accessibility, voiceover and sharing compatibility, it looks as if Vimeo will maintain its popularity and possible even gain new customers.

2014’s Techshare, India, scheduled for the 13th and 14th of February, will be carried out at the India Habitat Center. This is the 4th occurrence for this event and is estimated to bring in more than 25 exhibitors that will be presenting many different modern day technology services and products. Techshare is reportedly the largest modern technology event promoting web accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Innovate, adapt and evolve are the three themes that will be represented at Techshare India 2014. These three themes will likely be integrated into the events four verticals; employment, education, accessibility, and laws/policies. 2,000 plus attendees are predicted, and greater than 50 visiting speakers will present on problems associated with web accessibility over the 2 day occasion. Keynote speakers will include J. Alan Bird of W3C, Kiran Kaja with Adobe, and Ted Drake from Intuit. Research conducted at Gartner global advisory firm discovered that as many as 15 percent of the world’s populace has a disability. Due to the growing global elderly population, this percentage is only expected to rise. The innovative occasion symbolizes the benefit and mandatory advances needed for web accessibility in India, as well as worldwide. The host site for Techshare advises; now is the time for all parts government, companies, educational institutions, and nonprofits, “needs to evolve to generate an inclusive surroundings,” to take into consideration ways to meet the needs of everyone including the disabled.

The present day world functions immensely online; it is often where people work, study, organize, interact and receive the news. Organizations and companies are regularly aiming to design the flashiest and most high tech internet site, attempting to make their web-page quick to find and attractive to clients. Now it’s time for organizations and businesses to take into account the customers they may be missing out on and verify that their web site allows access to people that have disabilities. If an enterprise or organizations are not aware of web accessibility, it's time to start considering it. What does having an accessible site mean? A well-made website is accessible to anyone navigating the web and fulfills The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Sections 504 and Section 508). This implies textual content, pics, films and hyperlinks are accessible to any individual who visits a webpage, in spite of their physical capacity. Web accessibility incorporates impairments such as: Visual Auditory Physical Speech Cognitive Neurological impairments (W3C Initiative http://www.w3.org) Who is site should be accessible? Web accessibility laws require all federal and government establishments to maintain a usable site for disabled individuals. In the United States, there is presently no major regulation demanding all web pages be compliant, but this does not mean websites can ignore accessibility. They are still vulnerable to legal actions and discrimination situations. In recent years, many civil rights lawsuits against organizations for having inaccessible web pages have been filed. Laws dealing with online accessibility are under examination with a push to enforce and expand the laws to cover more areas on the web. For business entities and organizations, it is improbable the current or upcoming web accessibility legal guidelines will instantly have an impact on the business. It is, however, wise to be proactive and defend businesses from having to handle legal consequence. It is apparent the United States is heading toward requiring all web pages be compliant with American with Disabilities Act and other regulations. Businesses should move in the direction of ensuring their site is user friendly for disabled individuals by testing their site with accessibility tools.

Today’s world performs largely online. It is often where people work, research, strategiest, communicate and keep up with current events. Corporations and organizations have a tendency to aim to build the latest and most high tech web-page, making sure their internet site is easy to locate and attractive to prospective clients. Now, it’s time for businesses to step back and carefully consider who they are missing online and asses if their web page allows access to individuals who have impairments. If a company is not concerned with web accessibility, it is time to start considering it. Exactly what does it mean to have an accessible web-page? A properly designed internet website is in fact accessible to everyone online. It satisfies World-wide-web Consortium (W3C) guidelines, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Sections 504 and Section 508. This suggests desired content, images, movies in addition to hyperlinks are accessible to anybody who can browse to a webpage, no matter their physical capability. Web accessibility involves disabilities such as: Visual Auditory Physical Speech Cognitive Neurological disabilities (W3C Web Accessibility Initiative http://www.w3.org) Should a company have an accessible site? Accessibility laws will require all federal as well as government programs to be accessible. In the United States, there is presently no universal law that enforces all websites to be compliant. This does not mean a company will not be faced with discrimination or legal issues for having an inaccessible website. Recently, there has been countless civil rights lawsuits against establishments for having inaccessible company websites. Federal laws that deal with accessibility and web pages are under examination, with a focus on expanding legal guidelines to cover a broader range of places online. For a small business or organization, it is less likely that the existing legal guidelines will immediately affect a company, but there are benefits to being proactive and protecting a business by making sure the website is accessible. It is undoubtedly clear the United States is shifting to demand all web pages be compliant with ADA regulations. Companies can use online validation tools to test their site and work with web developers to generate a site that works for everyone.