New Technology: barrier or solution to accessibility?
To celebrate the forthcoming Jodi awards for accessible technology we invited Jon Pratty, manager of disability arts online and former editor of 24 hour museum (now culture24.org.uk), to give us an overview of Heritage sites and accessibility in a Web 2.0 world (pdf) (doc). Jon has lots of advice and a host of pointers towards good practice and where to go for help. This article has made us re-think the way we phrase things on the Our Place site, and we’ll be banning the use of the words “click here” in future to help people who use screen readers. Which just goes to show it is as much about a thoughtful approach to accessibility as it is about the technology.
You only have to look at the project pages to see that Our Place members have embraced new technology as a way of engaging with, and increasing accessibility for different audiences and community groups. Key lessons and rewards in embarking on accessibility projects include;
- Gaining confidence and skills in new technology themselves
- The importance of developing the resources with Deaf or disabled consultants from the outset
- Working in partnership with organisations with the technical expertise
Case Study
Lucie Fitton, Inclusion Officer at the Museum of London discusses their Podcasts from the Past (pdf) (doc). This project was run as part of the social inclusion programme with long-term unemployed participants. The process of learning new skills was as much a part of the project as the product – podcasts for visually impaired visitors. Lucie worked in partnership with VocalEyes for advice and consultation on how to use audio description, and Sounddelivery for training in the technology and creation of podcasts. This project was the subject of a presentation at the recent M.A. conference as well.
Our Place Members’ Projects
Two Our Place members’ projects have won the Jodi Award for Excellence in Accessible Technology. Linda Ellis, ICT Development Officer at Wolverhampton Arts & Museums worked in partnership with Zebra Uno to create BSL hand held video guides to Bantock House. You can read all about the lessons learnt in Our Place Projects.
The National Trust created over 20 virtual tours of properties across 11 regions, developing the original pilot in consultation with Frabjous Day. Read Heather Smith’s report on how they developed their virtual tours in Our Place projects. Heather worked with software providers Cordivae, where you can see a sample virtual tour of Dunham Massey. One of the most challenging and exciting things about the project was the way it drew on a multi-disciplinary team from within the Trust. Being part of this project, in particular seeing the process of consultation with actual users of the service, has had a much wider influence on the team’s approach to accessibility issues.
USEFUL CONTACTS and WIDER READING
Accessible websites and new technology are specifically mentioned in the government guide to good practice in the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 as a way of increasing access. This need not be as intimidating as it sounds. There are wealth of organisations out there that will help you.
For help in developing the technology you use for your website with a variety of different disabilities in mind, do look at the WAI (Web Accessibility Initiative), which includes scenarios of people with different disabilities using the web. There are a number of companies now that will help you test the accessibility of your website starting with the RNIB web accessibility advice which advises on a wide range of disabilities. Webcredible, will assess your site for access issues and provide training in usability, as will Accessibility Works.
To be in the know with the latest developments in assistive technology, have a look at the recent Techshare conference papers. For a personal review of the recent techshare conference try the blog at BBC Ouch!.
If you want help with seeking advice from the potential audience for your accessibility tools then, as well as consulting people who already use your services, other organisations that may be able to help you include:
The Sensory Trust who provide advice on creating inclusive spaces and accessible information services.
Shape Arts provide five essential services to help you apply access and equality standards across your organisation and develop your deaf and disabled audiences. They are also hosting Shape Arts Animate Project, which is using the web to look at ways to inspire disabled people to engage with culture, both as creators, and audience.
Vocal Eyes specialise in audio-description and advice on services for the blind and partially sighted.
Sign Solutions and Zebra Uno offer sign language communication solutions.
Jon Pratty’s article on Heritage sites and accessibility in a Web 2.0 world (pdf) (doc) includes more suggestions as well.