Web content written today needs to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). An Australian web consultancy called 4 Syllables has written a series of articles about web accessibility as it applies to writing for the web. Start with their “Introduction: accessibility for web writers”; links to the other articles in the series are at the bottom of that page.

Web accessibility is about making websites that can be browsed and used by everyone, regardless of disability. The University of Waterloo is committed to creating accessible websites and is required to do so by Ontario law. What does this mean for those who maintain university websites? Briefly: Any web content created now must be compliant with WCAG 2.0 Level A and should comply with WCAG 2.0 Level AA where feasible.

An accessible website doesn't mean a boring one. This presentation will look at techniques for creating modern, dynamic websites which meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and the new Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Techniques for AJAX and video will be included.

Instructor: Liam Morland, CEL

Thurs., December 9,  9:00am – 10:30am, MC 2009

Prerequisites - for web designers and developers

Registration is required.

The new site will be Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 - Level AA compliant.  Both the Web Redesign and CMS projects have committed to the creation of an accessible uWaterloo.ca experience.

Level AA compliance means that uWaterloo.ca will be accessible to most users in most circumstances. It also means that we will be well positioned to meet upcoming Ontario legislation related to making information and communications accessible.