Information and Communication Technology

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Make Information Accessible

In our increasingly digital world, information and communication technology (ICT) is a large part of everyday living. From emails to distance learning, it seems all areas of life are affected by it.

As such a large part of our world, it’s more important than ever to use accessibility practices in designing and developing ICT. The following information can help you learn more about digital accessibility and use accessible practices in designing and building your digital products.

Information and Communication Technology

ICT includes products that store, process, transmit, convert, duplicate, or receive electronic information. Examples of ICT include:

• software applications and operating systems
• web-based information and applications such as online or distance learning
• telephones and other telecommunications products
• video equipment and multimedia products distributed on videotapes, CDs, DVDs, email, or the internet
• office products like photocopiers and fax machines
• calculators
• computer hardware
• electronic textbooks, instructional software, and chat programs.

ICT vs Assistive Technology

ICT is a general term that includes any device or technology that helps with communication and information management. Assistive technology (AT) includes special tools or software that help people access, participate in, and complete activities they may otherwise not be able to do.

Examples of ICT include computers, telephones, and the internet. Examples of AT include special keyboards to type on computers, software to magnify or audibly read text on a computer screen, text telephones, and more.

To put it simply, AT helps people use ITC. Read more about what ICT is and how it is used.

Standards and Guidelines

Section 508 is a federal law outlined in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It was updated in 1998 to incorporate digital accessibility. In 2017, the law was updated again to include electronic documents and further synchronize accessibility standards on a global scale.

Section 508 requires all federal agencies to make their ICT accessible to people with disabilities. It provides criteria for a range of areas, including electronic documents and websites.

Plain Language

Part of making your digital products accessible is ensuring that people can understand what your product is and how to use it. The use of Plain Language helps make that possible.

Plain Language is communication people can understand the first time they hear it or read it. It uses everyday words with short, concise sentences. It is reader-centered, well-organized and sticks to the topic.

Document Accessibility

Document accessibility is the practice of making electronic/digital documents usable for people of all abilities. This includes people who use AT to access and use digital documents. A document is considered accessible when it can be read with equal ease by someone with low vision, hearing, physical, or cognitive disabilities.

There are many elements to consider when creating accessible documents. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Plain Language
• meaningful link text
• alt text for non-text content
• hierarchical heading structure
• color contrast and text size
• correct tag or label elements.

Web Accessibility

Similar to document accessibility, web accessibility is the practice of making websites, tools, and technologies usable for all people. This includes people with disabilities. It helps to ensure that everyone can understand, navigate, interact with, and contribute to the web.

Web accessibility standards are defined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). WCAG outlines processes that aim to make all web-based content and tools:

• Perceivable: Information and components must be presented to users in ways they can perceive.
• Operable: Components and navigation must be operable.
• Understandable: Information and operation of components must be understandable.

Accessibility Checkers

Planning, designing, and building with accessibility in mind helps to ensure products that meet accessibility requirements and are usable by all people. It may seem complex but there are many tools available to help you hit the mark. This includes tools that will check accessibility and provide guidance on how to improve new and existing products.

Accessibility services and products

These tools and resources can help boost accessibility in planning and building digital products. They may also help make existing products more accessible to people with disabilities. Please note IATP does not endorse any company or product, nor are these the only companies that provide these services.