The recommendation of IE over Edge may seem strange, but there’s a reason: Microsoft is changing APIs from MSAA (Microsoft Active Accessibility) to UIA (UI Automation) and it’s a work in progress. Consequently, the Microsoft Edge browser is not as accessible as the team would like it to be… yet. But, as Jacob Rossi covered in response to Steve Faulkner, it’s coming and the end result will be far better for folks who rely on assistive technology.
The Best Of The Internets
Windows 10 upgrade considerations for screen reader and magnifier users
6000 government websites to be made accessible for the differently-abled
India appears to be getting serious about web accessibility. Reading the article, however, the title is a bit misleading: 6,000 sites would be affected, but only half will be made accessible (following WCAG 2) in the next year. Still, it’s a start.
Parallels 11 to feature always-on support in OS X for Microsoft’s Cortana virtual assistant
I don’t use Parallels, but this is pretty sweet.
The Value of Content
This is a great post from Andy Beaumont regarding the sad state of affairs when it comes to content vs. conversions on the web. I look forward to the talk!
Why is so much of the internet still inaccessible to disabled people?
The internet represents one of our greatest post-ADA social failings, as a communications medium that had the potential to build accessibility into its very backbone, but didn’t. As the web becomes even more of a way of life in the next 25 years, the disability community will likely have to continue to fight for basic online accommodations, a telling testimony to their status in society.
Amen.
This small change could make a big difference for accessible technology
Understanding accessibility will be key to getting tech jobs at Adobe, AT&T, Facebook, Intuit, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Yahoo, and more. Are you ready?
The ADA at 25: Disability rights and diversity
This is a beautiful piece from Microsoft’s General Counsel on the importance of considering special needs within the umbrella of diversity. I particularly loved this bit:
At its core the ADA is not about the dimensions of doorways, but the individuals who can now pass through them.
A vision for the ADA that focuses on people helps enfranchise so many who have been excluded for so long. It also enriches and opens our institutions to the very best and brightest talent our country has to offer. That is the power of diversity and why diversity efforts should include disability.
ADA Anniversary Tool Kit
Happy 25th birthday to the Americans with Disabilities Act!
ARIA Live - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Fantastic presentation on aria-live by Russ Weakley & James Edwards. So much great research here!
Building Accessible Windows Universal Apps
If you happen to be building a Windows Universal app (or know someone who is), I just stumbled on this awesome series of posts with invaluable advice for making it more accessible.