[White paper] A11Y Wars: The Accessibility Interpretation Problem

*Hi everyone,Below the summary of the white paper we have created. We hope
you find it interesting and helpful in your work:*







*Without a shared testing perspective, achieving accurate test results for
compliance with WCAG 2.0 can be challenging and expensive. A common cause
for inconsistent accessibility results between experts is accessibility
testers doing their work with different goals in mind. Natural tension
exists between the goals of users, designers, developers, testers,
trainers, project managers, and executives. An unstated goal for testing
can be a major source of inconsistent results between tests.It is time to
stop the accessibility interpretation wars. There is no "one best way" of
interpreting accessibility standards. There are different interpretations,
each valid and useful in their own right. The Accessibility Peace Model
identifies the following key perspectives used for accessibility testing. -
Minimum - based on the normative text of the technical requirement. This
perspective often seeks low cost and quick solution to meet legal
requirements.- Optimized - based on the spirit and the intent of the
normative technical requirement, rather than just minimum compliance. This
is a pragmatic approach to sustainable universal design that balances equal
access, civil rights, and actual outcomes for users with disabilities with
what is technically possible with other requirements, (business) goals for
the product, and what is reasonable to achieve today. This perspective is
the most effective use of resources in the long run.- Ideal - based on a
human factors approach that extends beyond legal compliance and pragmatic
best practices. Focuses on quality of user experience for people with
disabilities and innovative breakthroughs that eliminate barriers once
considered impossible to solve. During initial phases, this perspective may
be expensive.By clearly defining the perspective your organization is using
for accessibility testing, your organization can save time and lower costs.
*

*Read the White Paper "A11Y Wars: The Accessibility Interpretation Problem
(http://bit.ly/a11ypeace) <http://bit.ly/a11ypeace>"*

*Let's make a11y peace!*


*WIlco Fiers & Glenda Sims*