Introduction to IT Accessibility
Accessibility is a vast topic that requires training and practice to master, making it an important subject for anyone who creates Documents, Emails, E-Forms, Web Pages or Desktop applications. By including accessibility in the design of your work, ensures that everyone can fully participate. Here are some links to reference material that, we hope, will help you understand the concept of accessibility.
Accessible Canada Act in plain language (Bill C-81)
This document helps people understand the main points of Bill C-81; an Act to ensure a barrier-free Canada. This Bill passed (was assented) on June of 2019 and it is now known as the ‘Accessible Canada Act’. The final version of Bill C-81 is available at the House of Commons (not in plain language).
Accessibility Glossary (from the Translation Bureau)
This glossary contains 342 concepts and terminology related to Bill C-81 in the fields of sociology of work and technical aids for persons with disabilities.
Building Accessibility Confidence Internal link (OPSA on GCPedia)
OPSA prepares the public service to meet or exceed the requirements of the Accessible Canada Act.
Accessibility at Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
As the Government of Canada’s common service provider, PSPC works to provide excellent service to other federal departments. By aiming to improve access to its programs and services for people with disabilities, PSPC helps federal departments provide high-quality programs and services to all Canadians.
Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines (ATAG) Overview from the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
Authoring tools are software and services that “authors” (web developers, designers, writers, etc.) use to produce web content (static web pages, dynamic web applications, etc.).
Microsoft 365 Accessibility Internal link
Useful links on how to use accessibility features on applications like Microsoft 365, Windows 10, Teams, Word, Excel, Power Point, SharePoint, OneNote, Outlook, OneDrive and Stream.
Designing at Home Office Digital (from the UK government)
Design (for Web, Documents and desktop applications) concepts for various disabilities, such as anxiety, autism spectrum, dyslexia, low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, physical/motor and blindness. Such concepts ensure usability to everyone, no matter their abilities.
Designing accessible images
Images are inherently inaccessible to people who are unable to see them. Editors, developers, and designers should consider users with various disabilities when using images. Screen reader users include people who are blind, have low vision, or have cognitive disabilities. Each image should provide effective text alternatives for screen readers.