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CLF for the Internet - Accessibility
Standard 1.2 (Updated)HTML or similar formats that are W3C Recommendations (e.g. XHTML) must be the primary format for all documents on Government of Canada Web sites. In cases where a document cannot be represented in HTML, users will be given information on how to obtain alternate versions, e.g., print, Braille, audio, etc. Version Histories
RationaleThe W3C is an international industry consortium that develops many of the standard languages used by Web page designers and Web application programmers. As explained in the following quote, the W3C is committed to the concept of "Universal Access":
Source: W3C... in 7 points. Through the working groups of the W3C's Web Accessibility Initiative, all W3C language specifications under development are looked at through an "accessibility lens" to ensure that the goals of interoperability and accessibility are met. To the best of our knowledge (at the time of writing), no other technology-standard setting bodies can make that claim. The reason for inclusion of Standard 1.2 is to promote the use of standards that are known to include constructs and tools that make accessibility possible. InterpretationPrimary Format for All DocumentsHTML or other language recommendations* developed by the W3C must be the primary format for all documents on GoC Web sites. Please note that simply using W3C languages for markup or application design does not mean that your products will be naturally accessible: using W3C languages does allow you to use standard methods to ensure the accessibility of your products.
* Recommendation is the term the W3C currently uses instead of Standard Alternate VersionsIn cases where the document cannot be represented in HTML, users should be given information on how to obtain alternate versions, e.g., print, Braille, audio, etc. First and foremost, be aware that this is a "last resort" measure. It was not included as a CLF Standard to give you a convenient method of avoiding the (often minimal) effort necessary to make your Web page or Web application accessible. Most Web content can be made accessible, especially if you are using W3C recommended languages - see list. If, however, after your best effort you cannot make the content or application accessible, please refer to Techniques 1 - 6. 1.2 Best PracticesTechnique 1: Include A Statement Technique 1Include a statement If, in spite of your best efforts, you are unable to make any document or page accessible, the following is an example of explanatory text you can use to meet the requirements of Standard 1.2. Please note that this technique should be used only as a last-resort as it is contrary to the spirit of the policy that is intended to make all Web content widely accessible. Include a statement on the same page and preceding the inaccessible element to this effect (some optional language is enclosed between square brackets):
Technique 2Accessible markup Another way to provide similar information in a Web page is to include it as the content of the <OBJECT>, <APPLET> (deprecated), <NOSCRIPT>, or <NOEMBED> elements: The following is an example of accessible markup you can use to meet Standard 1.2. <OBJECT data="http://mysite.com/finance_calculator.class"
type="application/java" > Note that <EMBED> and <NOEMBED> are not included the HTML standard, and <APPLET> is deprecated as of HTML 4.0. The information placed between the start and end tags of the <OBJECT> element will be displayed on browsers that either don't support Java, or that don't support <OBJECT>. Technique 3Accessibility notice Finally, if you resort to using such techniques, you should also place a note in the "Help" pages associated with your site. Something like this would be appropriate: Accessibility Notice: While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accessibility of this site, some content or services found here might be inaccessible to some visitors. In those circumstances, the contact information for someone who can assist you has been provided. However, what you should first do in any case is make an effort to create an accessible alternative (using accessible markup) and include it as the content of the element - or less desirably, on a separate page - instead of resorting to the above disclaimers. Technique 4Converting legacy and PDF documents For those concerned about vast legacy holdings of bitmapped or complex PDF documents, see alternative versions: Standard 1.2, for a possible solution. Conversion of Legacy Documents to PDF New files created in PDF must also be provided in an accessible format. Legacy Documents already in PDF Format Departments should start identifying the PDF documents that are most frequently accessed and develop a strategy for converting them to W3C accessible formats. Technique 5Manager's Guide to Multiple Format Production Produced through the Assistive Devices Industry Office of Industry Canada for the Government of Canada. Financial support from the Treasury Board Employment Equity Positive Measures Program Intervention Fund. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/accessinfo/s36-202.001-e.html Technique 6Guidelines and Specifications for Providing Information in Multiple Formats Human Resources Development Canada Développement des ressources humaines Canada CA-406-12-99E This document is available in multiple formats: large print, audio cassette, braille, and computer diskette in English and in French by calling 1 800 788‑8282. Table of Contents
I Providing Accessible Human Resources Development Canada Information to All CanadiansAs the lead department on disability issues, Human Resources Development Canada endorses the rights of all citizens to have equal access to our information, programs and services. Providing accessibility to its information is important for Human Resources Development Canada. HRDC believes that the integration of people with disabilities into the mainstream will be instrumental in maintaining Canada's position as a world leader in the areas of human rights, disability, communications and technology. Information is made available to Canadians through conventional print, via broadcast (radio / television) or through the Internet. However, there is a significant and growing portion of the population unable to access information through these methods. Canadians provided with essential information and services through accessible communications methods such as large print, braille, audio recording, teletypewriter, listening systems, captioning and descriptive narration for film and video, and innovative electronic information delivery systems are more able to become active participants and contributors in the governance of their lives. Accessibility requirements for such increasingly prevalent communications media such as the Internet and film and video are being developed. This document, however, will confine itself to the provision of large print, braille, audio cassette, and computer diskette. II Preparing Information for Multiple Format ProductionWhen authors of HRDC documents work in consultation with producers of multiple formats at the planning stage, it becomes possible to synchronize the release date of publications so that all formats are available to Canadians at the same time. Marketing, promotion and distribution strategies should ensure that, upon publication, Canadians are made aware of the availability of multiple formats. The conventional print publication should include this information. Many documents prepared for conventional print publication contain elements that are not comprehensible in audio format (e.g., footnotes, charts, sidebars, etc.). For this reason, the first step in preparing text for production in multiple formats entails modifying the original electronic text version to ensure audio comprehension. This narrative script then becomes the one source master from which electronic multiple format masters are generated. This ensures consistency among all formats. Requirements for Developing the One Source Master
III Guidelines and Specifications for Providing Information in Multiple FormatsSome partially sighted people can read print if the type is larger than that used for conventional material. For others, printed matter is accessible through the use of large print in conjunction with magnification devices such as closed-circuit television (CCTV). Professional graphic designers ensure that layouts and typography provide optimum legibility. Paper qualities such as colour, texture, weight and finish are extremely important. Spiral binding allows pages to lie flat when opened and folded back for use with assistive reading devices. Master:
For blind or partially sighted people, and for some people with low literacy skills, as well as many new Canadians, listening may be the only access to the written word. Information that is presented in point or list form is edited for audio comprehension. Listening instructions and audible tone indexing are incorporated to allow listeners to locate specific sections of the text. Audio masters are recorded by professional narrators. Computer-generated synthesized voice files can be used for production of time-sensitive reference information subject to frequent re-listing such as: press releases, indexes, catalogues, bibliographies, etc. Master:
Label:
Many blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted people gain access to the printed word through braille, a tactile reading system composed of embossed dots on paper. The system has three levels: grade I (basic) and grade II (contracted) are used for publishing braille documents in accordance with standards set by the Braille Authority of North America (BANA). Consult http://braille.brl.org/formats/. Grade III (shorthand) is not used for publication. Professional braille transcribers and proof readers ensure accuracy of transcription. Master:
Binding:
Some blind and partially sighted people use computer-based technology to gain access to printed information that is also available electronically. Information must be formatted as text-only and braille electronic files to ensure compatibilty with adaptive technologies such as large print screen display software, voice synthesizers and braille printers. Master:
Label:
Considerations for Multiple Format Production
IV AnnexTreasury Board of Canada Secretariat How to Provide Alternative Formats (BT53-7/1993-L) Braille Authority of North America (BANA) National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped University of British Columbia Disability Resource Centre (Crane Library) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Closed Captioning Web |
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