Legal Compliance
The passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 brought people with disabilities protection against discrimination and established standards regulations for accessibility in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation.
Web Design
More specifically related to Web design, The United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division has published Accessibility of State and Local Government Websites to People with Disabilities to help Web designers know exactly how to plan to design accessible Web sites. Here are a few of their suggestions.
- Establish a policy that your web pages will be accessible, and create a process for implementation.
- Ensure that all new and modified web pages and content are accessible.
- Develop a plan for making your existing web content more accessible.
- Ensure that in-house staff and contractors responsible for web page and content development are properly trained.
- Provide a way for visitors to request accessible information or services by posting a telephone number or E-mail address on your home page.
- Periodically enlist disability groups to test your pages for ease of use.
Print Design
Though these regulations apply only to the Web, you should keep their theory in mind when designing print content. Make sure everyone in your organization is on board with making accessible material. Provide ways for readers to contact you should they have questions. Perform usability testing to test your print documentation for clarity and ease of use. These principles will help your users and keep you in line with state and federal regulations.