The AlwaysAccessible® Framework

The AlwaysAccessible® Framework guides an organization with a four (4) step process for establishing and maintaining an accessible web site. Detailed instructions, examples, and references to supporting resources are provided for each step in the process. The AlwaysAccessible® Framework enables a web master to permanently integrate accessibility into the practices of an existing web operation.

Step 1: Education

Accessibility is an issue that will always accompany technological advances. In order to remain accessible, we will all have to make an effort to remain educated. A strong policy for accessibility education is a must with emphasis on the following subjects:

• Disability Awareness
• Issues of Access
• Assistive Technology
• Specific Problems of the Web
• Designing for Universal Access
• Emerging Technology
• The Accessible Web Practice

The AlwaysAccessible® Framework features a set of accessibility training guides that can be used to keep the staff of a web operation educated on the latest issues of technology and access.

Step 2: Self Evaluation

One of the most important practices that a web master can initiate is regular web site evaluations. On a quarterly basis the web master should perform a structured review of existing web sites, identifying new functionality and content, and testing for accessibility and usability. Web masters should plan on several types of evaluations, such as:

• Quick Tests
• Detailed Technical Requirements Tests
• Vendor Verification Tests
• Formal Usability Tests
• Informal Usability Tests

The AlwaysAccessible® Framework features a set of methodologies that can help Web masters perform these different types of evaluations throughout the year.

Step 3: Accessibility Tune-up

Just like a car, a web site needs regularly scheduled maintenance. It is important to enhance an existing maintenance plan with appropriate accessibility checklist items. The AlwaysAccessible® Framework provides example accessibility tune-up procedures and makes references to many tools that can be used as part of the maintanence program.

Step 4: Community Engagement

There is no substitute for structured feedback when managing a web site. Feedback is important during all phases of the web development life-cycle. Feedback during the design phase can help guarantee that features of an organizations web site are accessible to all parties at the time of release. Feedback during the testing phase validates that the implementation satisfies the design requirements. Feedback during the non-developmental periods can help a web master monitor the accessibility of web content as it is being published. The AlwaysAccessible® Framework contains a methodology and a series of applications to engage assistive technology user community in all phases of the web development life-cycle.