TRT Accessible Information Technology Resource Page
This resource page was assembled by Steve Noble at the KATS Network as part of the Accessible Information Technology in Schools Project. Although initially designed as an aid for Technology Resource Teachers (TRTs), it can be useful for anyone who constructs web pages or selects software products. Please address all comments to The KATS Network at 1-800-327-5287. Funding for the KY-AITIS Project was provided in part by the Southeast Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (SEDBTAC) through a grant by the U.S. Dept. of Education (Grant #H133D010207).
How can I test websites for accessibility?
- Bobby by Watchfire
This resource includes free live on-line checking of individual websites. You can also purchase software to test your entire website at the same time.
- Cynthia Says
This resource includes free live on-line checking of individual websites. The report style is easy to read and very direct.
- Wave
This resource includes free live on-line checking of individual websites. Although the report style is a little more complicated, it is very thorough.
How can I find out which products are accessible before I buy them?
- Voluntary Product Accessibility Template
One way to gather this kind of information in the beginning of the selection process is to check out the vendor's "Voluntary Product Accessibility Template" (VPAT). VPAT self-assessments are submitted by vendors but they do not carry any contractual obligations, so they are not an iron-clad guarantee. However, they do come in handy for doing initial investigations and trimming down a list of possible products.
- MAR*TEC Accessible Software Reviews
This resource includes accessibility, usability and instructional reviews of a large number of commonly used instructional software products. This site was developed for the state of Maryland because they have a state requirement (similar to Kentucky's) that instructional software used in public schools must comply with federal accessibility standards.
How can I get training on accessibility?
- Access E-Learning
The Georgia Tech Research on Accessible Distance
Education (GRADE) project has a free, ten-module tutorial for designing accessible online materials.
- AccessIT online training
The University of Washington AcessIT project offers a free online course that provides an introduction to accessible information technology in education.
- JimThatcher.com online tutorial
This is a free online tutorial developed with funding from the federal government.
Where can I get help with technical assistance?
- KATS Network AITIS Project
The KATS Network is a state agency in Kentucky's Education Cabinet (within the Office for the Blind), which provides technical assistance on accessibility and assistive technology issues.
- Southeast DBTAC Accessible IT Portal
The Southeast DBTAC is a federally funded program, which among other things provides technical assistance on accessible information technology issues in educational settings.
- AccessIT
AccessIT is a federally funded project of the University of Washington and assists schools with questions about how to make information technology hardware and software accessible.
- WebAIM
Comprehensive website adminstered by the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University, providing online guides, tutorials, and examples for creating accessible information technology.
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