Web Accessibility Knowledge Research Articles

Towards Defining the Role of Localisation Professionals in the Achievement of Multilingual Web Accessibility

Expertise in web accessibility matters has not been traditionally observed as a requirement for localisation professionals. Similarly, not enough evidence exists with regard their role as contributors to multilingual web accessibility. This paper presents the initial results of a study carried out with the goal of clarifying localisers’ involvement in the achievement of web accessibility. Data gathered suggest that (1) localisation experts should have web accessibility knowledge as part of their skills set; and that (2) localisers’ participation in multilingual web assessment for accessibility would be of added-value for evaluators.

Web Accessibility Knowledge and Skills for Non-Web Library Staff

Why do librarians and library staff other than Web librarians and developers need to know about accessibility? It's a no-brainer that those whose jobs are centered on developing and maintaining the...

An Assessment of Web Accessibility Knowledge and Needs at Oregon Community Colleges

A needs assessment determined Oregon community college staff knowledge of (a) accessible information technology (IT) guidelines, (b) IT-related disability laws, (c) legal obligations regarding Web accessibility, and (d) perceived level of current Web accessibility. Training needs were assessed and training suggestions were solicited. IT staff demonstrated higher levels of Web accessibility guidelines knowledge, and disability/student services staff best understood disability laws. At most schools, knowledge of disability issues and IT were not integrated. Needs identified included provision of: comprehensive resources about accessible Web design, hands-on trainings in accessible technology topics, strategies for fulfilling legal accessibility obligations, training for students and staff regarding their responsibilities in the area of accessible IT, and a Web site accessibility testing service.

Designing an integrated knowledge base to support ecosystem services valuation

Quantifying the value of ecosystem services is important for the social recognition and acceptance of ecosystem management across multiple geographic scales. Yet, the data required to perform such quantifications and the dynamic models that allow the projection of policy changes into the future are currently scattered, incomplete, and difficult to use. We describe the design of the Ecosystem Services Database (ESD), an integrated, web-accessible knowledge base that links a relational database for temporally and spatially explicit data to dynamic simulation models. The ESD architecture supports unit standardization, scale translation in space and time, and statistical analysis. Process-based dynamic models and valuation methods can be run by end users either through a web-based simulation engine or on their own computers by means of open-source software. The knowledge base will serve as: (1) a communication tool for use by researchers in several fields; (2) an analytical tool for meta-analysis, synthesis, and prediction; (3) an educational tool to disseminate knowledge on ecosystem services and their valuation; (4) a collaborative tool for institutions involved in different aspects of ecosystem service valuation; and (5) a prototype for linking databases and dynamic models.