a braille keyboard and regular keyboard shown together

Accessibility

Rivertown Communications specializes in developing e-Learning and training videos that are accessible to everyone, including users with visual or hearing disabilities. For many projects developing accessible applications is a requirement under federal and state law. We believe that developing accessible applications is always a good idea and will improve usability for everyone.

Rivertown Communications is active in promoting accessible communications on a state and federal level. We have a Minnesota Access-IT Master Contract which makes contracting with us easy for public agencies in Minnesota.

Accessibility (ADA and Section 508)

Users with disabilities (vision, hearing, mobility, learning) frequently rely on hardware and software to access web content. These tools, known as assistive technologies, range from screen readers to touch screens and head wands.

In order for a user with a disability to access web-based information, the website or e-Learning course must include some special coding.  This coding is best planned for during the design phase of program development.  For a document describing the specific issues involved with creating accessible applications, contact Rivertown Communications.

Today, many websites and e-Learning applications are required by law to meet minimum accessibility requirements.  For example, all Federal, State and other governmental websites must meet accessibility requirements.  Additionally, groups advocating for the disabled are beginning to bring pressure on private companies to offer accessible sites as well. In July of 2010 the Justice Department announced plans to begin forcing state and private organizations to increase the accessibility of their websites.

In Minnesota, the legal basis of requiring accessibility can be found in:

  • Subtitle A, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination on basis of disability by state and local government)
  • Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act insures information technology provides equal access to everyone
  • MN Statute 16C.145 (nonvisual technology access chapter) requires inclusion of nonvisual access standards in all information technology

The Federal government and most other states have additional accessibility standards.  Rivertown Communications can help you identify these requirements.

Rivertown Communications is an advocate for developing accessible e-Learning, websites and video. Besides the legal, there are numerous other reasons to develop accessible materials, including:

  • It’s simply the right thing to do, and all Americans deserve equal access to information
  • It exposes your site to more people / customers
  • Accessible sites are easier for everyone to use
  • Accessible sites reflect well on our agencies / companies
  • Chances are most of us will need accessible information technology as we age.
  • According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over half of us will have some degree of disability by the time we reach age 65.

Rivertown Communications, Inc. is committed to developing websites and e-Learning that everyone can use, including the disabled.  For more information or to schedule a presentation on accessible development, contact Robb Jacobs at Rivertown Communications.
Request a free brochure on web accessibility.