Accessibility Roles
Accessibility is a shared responsibility. Everyone needs to know the importance of accessibility and ensure content and resources are accessible. Even when resources are not for the Web or a digital platform, they still need to be made accessible because they can still be shared online or with disabled co-workers.
Staff, partners, and vendors will need to emphasize WCAG 2.1 AA requirements to ensure all types of web content is accessible to people with disabilities. Every person that contributes to planning, creating, editing, reviewing, sharing, publishing, and promoting digital resources plays an important role in making content accessible.
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Content creators are responsible for the content and resources on websites and other digital platforms. They need to ensure content is well structured, written in plain language, and accessible for assistive technologies. Their contributions can expanded to applications, presentations, documents, forms, social media, and other digital formats.
Content Creator Responsibilities:
- Learn and apply accessibility fundamentals
- Apply best practices for writing
- Optimized content for readability
- Create Accessible Digital Products
Content Creator Resources:
- Document and Content Language
- Images Can Enhance Comprehension
- Accessible Digital Content: Tips and Tricks
- Plain Language
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UX designers help visitors have a positive and inclusive experience on websites and digital platforms. They will need to be knowledgeable with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and focus on inclusive design practices. Designers are key in helping improve usability and accessibility overall.
Designer Responsibilities:
- Learn WCAG accessibility principals
- Apply universal design principles
- Adopt an inclusive experience
- Define accessibility requirements for developers
Designer Resources:
- How People with Disabilities Use the Web
- Tools and techniques that disabled people use to access the web
- Accessibility, Usability, and Inclusion
- Microsoft Inclusive Design
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Developers are tasked in building sites and applications that are functional and accessible. They should ensure accessibility is in their scope throughout the development, implementation, and testing process. Developers will need to apply best accessibility practices so that sites and applications are accessible to different types of devices and user technologies.
Developer Responsibilities:
- Learn WCAG accessibility principals
- Code to meet WCAG 2.0 AA standards
- Develop for Web Accessibility
- Test Web Accessibility
Developer Resources:
- Design and Develop Accessible Products
- Accessible Rich Internet Applications
- United States Web Design System
- W3C Developer Resources
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Project Managers need to oversee accessibility is implemented on all electronic information resources (EIR) projects. They need to assign accessibility roles to team members, provide members with accessibility resources, and ensure accessibility goals are being met. It is important that project managers stay up to date on accessibility requirements.
Project Manager Responsibilities:
- Assign accessibility teams
- Plan and manage web accessibility
- Provide training and tools
- Obtain conformance reports
Project Manager Resources:
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Vendors and contractors that are integral to the design and development of digital content should have experience with WCAG 2.0 level AA standards. All new or updated resources that are developed will need to meet the the same accessibility requirements. Vendors must ensure they:
- Produce EIR that meets WCAG 2.0 AA requirements.
- Acquire their own training and know-how from credible resources.
- Review accessibility language in contracts, SOW, and other solicitations to be aware of the requirements.
- Ensure submitted EIR is accessible, tested, and verified (VPAT or ACR).