Digital Accessibility News

From the Office of Accessibility at Minnesota IT Services

Making a Proposal and Grant Management System Accessible for All

By: Michael Lind Varien, Senior Project Analyst with the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources

The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) is currently designing, developing, and implementing an online proposal and grant management system. One of the objectives is to build a system that meets the state digital accessibility standard for all users, including:

• State employees.
• Commission members.
• Funding applicants.

The LCCMR is a legislative commission made up of seventeen members, including ten legislators and seven citizens. The commission recommends projects to the legislature to receive funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF).

Our plan was to design, develop, and implement an online proposal and grants management system. It would:

• Manage all components of the LCCMR process, from project proposal through project implementation, to project completion.
• Serve as a searchable database of our project portfolio.
• Provide a place for commission members to review and evaluate proposals.

The aim was to move our paper-based process to an online system. A primary goal was to shift from providing accommodations when requested to accessibility for all users.

Michael shares:

• their initial digital accessibility assumptions and questions
• language they added into the Request for Proposal (RFP)
• why wireframe reviews were an essential part of ensuring the accessibility of the system
• how LCCMR staff played a role in digital accessibility testing and
• key takeaways you can apply to your next project

in Making a Proposal and Grant Management System Accessible for All.

Microsoft Edge + Immersive Reader

By: Jennie Delisi

I get excited when I learn about a new accessibility feature. This is especially true for those that help people with cognitive disabilities. But I found it difficult to understand how to use Immersive Reader with Microsoft Edge. It only worked about half of the times I tried using it.

This month we will share information about using Immersive Reader with Edge for:

• People who want to use the accessibility feature.
• IT support staff who test to ensure it works in their environment.
• Web developers and web content creators who want to have it work with their pages.

We will tell you more about when and how it works, and how this tool can support people accessing information on the web in Microsoft Edge + Immersive Reader.

Tech Tip: Using Your Keyboard During Webex Meetings

Keyboard access benefits many groups, including people who:

• use a screen reader,
• use speech to text software,
• use alternative access methods like eye gaze and switches, and
• find it easier to use a keyboard than a mouse.

When participating in a Webex Meeting, you can use your keyboard to access both the participant and chat panels.

Participant Panel

The participant panel toggle/button is now within the meeting controls, after “end meeting.” With focus in the meeting controls, use the tab key to navigate to the participants button, then select space bar to open the panel.

F6 (not tab) will place focus inside this now open panel. Navigate around the panel using the tab key.

To move between participants, use your up and down arrow keys to move within the list.

The hand raise, chat and mute buttons for each participant are within options next to their name. Use tab to navigate between these options. Enter and spacebar will select them. If you select the chat option, it will open a private chat with that person using the chat panel and place you in the chat message field.

To leave this panel, use F6 to navigate between panels, the ribbon of the application, and the meeting controls.

If both the Participant Panel and the Chat Panel are open, use Ctrl + Tab to move to the other open panel.

Chat Panel

The chat panel toggle/button is now within the meeting controls, after the participants button. With focus in the meeting controls, use the tab key to navigate to the chat button, then select space bar to open the panel.

F6 (not tab) will place focus inside this now open panel. Navigate around the panel using the tab key.

If both the Participant Panel and the Chat Panel are open, use Ctrl + Tab to move to the other open panel.

Events and Trainings

Free Webinar Today! Review of the Revised 508 Standards (Part 1): Requirements for Federal Websites and Electronic Content

"This session is the first in a two-part review of the revised Section 508 Standards which apply to information and communication technology developed, procured, maintained, or used by federal agencies. Part I covers requirements in standards that apply to a federal agency’s public-facing content, including websites, publications, and social media sites. It will also address requirements for other types of electronic content, such as policy announcements, notices of benefits, templates or forms, educational or training materials, and intranets. Presenters from the U.S. Access Board will discuss relevant application, scoping, and technical provisions, as well as definitions and functional performance criteria. They will answer questions submitted in advance and during the live session.

Part II of this session will focus on requirements in the 508 Standards for hardware and software and take place on March 30, 2021."

Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Central Time

Register on the Great Lakes ADA Center's Review of the Revised 508 Standards (Part 1) webinar page.

Webinar: Accessibility in an Agile Methodology

"A practical walk through of applying accessibility principles to an Agile workflow. This includes examples and how to apply it successfully in your business. If you are looking to implement accessibility within an Agile framework, this class will help with the tried and tested techniques for you to use in your company.

Participants will learn:

• The Agile approach of small iterations of design, development, test and implementation to allow for reduced cost in money and time
• Accessibility and areas it can be applied to any development project
• How Agile and Accessibility interlink and can practically work together."

Date: Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Time: 10 - 11am Central Time

Speaker: Helen Burge, Senior Accessibility and Usability Consultant, AbilityNet

Cost and registration details available on IAAP's information page about the Accessibility in an Agile Methodology webinar.

Webinar: What Makes an Accessible Kiosk Application

"Kiosk applications must be built to be accessible and work with a screen reader such as JAWS. Learn how and when to apply WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA and AAA to your upcoming or existing kiosk deployment. How are kiosk applications different from traditional websites or mobile applications and what should you consider in developing one? Building an accessible kiosk is only partially about kiosk hardware. The accessibility of kiosk software should also be considered in order to build a cohesive accessible kiosk experience.

Participants will learn:

• Kiosk Application Design Overview
• Define/review kiosk application accessibility requirements
• Accessibility best practices for kiosk applications"

Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Time: 10 - 11am Central Time

Speakers: Laura Boniello Miller, Corporate Business Development Manager, Vispero and Rachael Bradley Montgomery, Director, Accessible Community

Cost and registration details on IAAP's What Makes an Accessible Kiosk Application webinar page.

Free Webinar: Review of the Revised 508 Standards (Part II): Requirements for Hardware and Software

“This session is the second in a two-part review of the revised Section 508 Standards which apply to information and communication technology developed, procured, maintained, or used by federal agencies. Presenters from the U.S. Access Board will explain provisions in the standards for hardware and software. Requirements for hardware, such as computers, information kiosks, and multi-function copy machines address privacy, operable parts, communication, and other features. Software requirements cover interoperability with assistive technology, applications, and authoring tools. Requirements for support documentation and services will also be covered.”

Date: Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Time: noon – 1:30 pm CT

Speakers:
• Bruce Bailey, Accessibility Specialist/Information Technology Specialist, US Access Board
• Timothy Creagan, Senior Accessibility Specialist/Information Technology, US Access Board
• Katherine Eng, Senior ICT Accessibility Specialist, US Access Board

Registration and more information is on the Review of the Revised 508 Standards (Part 2) – Great Lakes ADA Center webinar page.

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