1. Will the Revolution Have Wheelchair Ramps? Web 2.0 and the Illusion of Inclusion Eileen Boswell Community Transportation Association of America Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting January 13, 2009

2. Overview Definitions Challenges Solutions Recommendations Resources

3. Definitions Web 2.0 Disability Web Accessibility –Perceivable –Operable –Understandable –Robust Section 508 Inclusive Design

4. Challenges Non-accessible formats of files/documents Keyboard equivalents for all mouse actions Images, color contrast, animation Complex or ambiguous language Posting to blog or a wiki Text equivalent of photo sharing? Web 1.0 Web 2.0

5. Specific Accessibility Issues Wikis Photo sharing (e.g. Flickr) Video sharing (e.g. YouTube) Networking Sites (e.g. Facebook) Webconferencing Virtual Worlds (e.g. Second Life)

6. Acquire only software applications that include accessibility checks Do a usability study Have target populations test your site Write a Web 2.0 policy statement Provide a contact name/number for alternative formats. Solutions Image description: Double- headed arrow showing range of cost/ investment for accessible technology High-tech Low-tech $$$ $

7. Recommendations Find your Section 508 officer (for Feds) Choose the simplest interface that meets your needs Provide alternative means/format where appropriate Solicit feedback from disability advocates and/or focus groups Prepare for ongoing maintenance/upgrades

8. Resources The Access Board Section 508 –buyaccessible.gov EPA Web 2.0 Working Group White Paper GSA draft principles for accessibility and Web 2.0 (forthcoming) World Wide Web Consortium Web Accessibility Initiative (W3C/WAI) Guidelines 2.0 (12/2008)

9. Questions and Discussion Thank you! Eileen Boswell Information Specialist Community Transportation Association of America boswell@ctaa.org 202.415.9650