A D A = A Determined Act
Where did I come up with that definition for the A.D.A. - Americans with Disabilities Act? A.D.A. accommodation violations generally involve a failure to provide access and amenities in public places for persons with disabilities, including all digital web content. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (A.D.A.), businesses and governments are required to make accommodations for persons who are legally disabled.
Yes, because the federal web standards require adherence, it is natural that programs and processes are put in place to meet these federal standards. As such, a determined act (effort) needs to be made for all digital web content to meet the A.D.A and W.C.A.G. standards.
A determined act is an act whereby work is produced for the purpose of achievement. Therefore, with digital web content and the A.D.A; Web Teams are tasked to provide equal access to all Users by making web applications accessible.
In an earlier post, I noted that the A.R.I.A. extension of HTML properties is an excellent solution for helping make web content accessible. The example on the top left implemented an A.D.A. fix for accessibility by using A.R.I.A properties, like an informative label, versus the grocer example on the top right, which appears made no effort on the Add List buttons for compliance.
Good example of form controls: The many sale items all have buttons that read as, "Load to card". However, in the forms list, no button is found simply stating "Load to card". Why? Because a unique aria label was provided for every button item. The top, left, example shows "Load to card Save $2.00 Tide" which makes it descriptive and fully understandable to all users.
Bad example of form controls: Whereas, the Add to List buttons states, "ADD TO LIST" for a hundred or more different items, but conveys as the same with no distinction or details of the specific item with every button. This makes me think of the frustration statement in Gladiator by Russel Crowe... and as the many challenged Users prevented from access would rhetorically ask the Web Programs found lacking, "Are you not ashamed?" This is besides the mistake of using all capitals, as is the case for all these 'ADD TO LIST' buttons which I covered in an earlier post.
Solution: A descriptive label of each item is provided in the good example by the use of an arial-label. Therefore, the button label, "Load to card" is replaced by the aria-label="Load to card Save $2.00 Tide", and it is commendable that this same Web Program provided a global accessible solution for the hundreds of buttons on their e-commerce shopping web site.
Conclusion: There are two types of Web Programs. One that makes a determined effort to meet the A.D.A. standards and the other Web Program that appears made no effort toward providing equal access on these buttons even when its as simple as writing a descriptive aria label.
These two types of programs present a 2 class digital society, with one group gaining access to digital web content and the other group having access prevented to them.
- It's not because making web content accessible is harder or demands more exertion;
- It's not for lack of browsing and purposing to engage with online content;
- It's simply a lack of effort made by many Web Programs to abide by the A.D.A mandate that all web content will have a User Centered Design for equal access and meet the federal guidelines for accessibility;
- Russel Crowe set a standard in Gladiator and was rewarded with an academy award by his role acting focus. And it's time for all Web Programs to make a focused effort to provide equal access to meet the federal W.C.A.G. web standards with determination.
User-centered design (UCD) or user-driven development (UDD) is a framework of processes (not restricted to interfaces or technologies) in which usability goals, user characteristics, environment, tasks and workflow of a product, service, or process are given extensive attention at each stage of the design process. User-centered design can be characterized as a multi-stage problem-solving process that not only requires designers to analyze and envision the way users are likely to consume a product, but also to validate their assumptions with regard to the user behavior in real world tests. These tests are conducted with/without actual users during each stage of the process from requirements, pre-production models and post production, completing a circle of proof back to and ensuring that "development proceeds with the user as the center of focus."
A Final Thought on Improving a Web Program: In the movie Gladiator, several leadership and management elements provide the keys to success:
1. Organization – Every part of the army is organized with leadership within each sub-organization to see that the job gets accomplished successfully. A certain amount of structure is needed in any organization and Web Program to succeed;
2. Process – There is a specific process used and replicated to achieve success. Each soldier knows his duties and is trained to handle them, and Web Programs need to continually mature.
3. Supervision – Soldiers and the processes are supervised to insure things are carried out appropriately. Without governance and supervision, success is not obtainable;
4. Motivation – The soldiers are motivated by having achieved success in the past and the goals that lie ahead with one final success in battle. Maximus also delivers a motivational pitch to his cavalry just before the attack to motivate his men. Good Web Programs have buy ins from the top down;
5. Inspection – Generals inspect components of the plan and processes underway, , , they know that inspection is a key for success. Web Programs need proper over-sight;
6. Strategy – The Roman Legions have a simple, coordinated battle strategy that’s very effective. It takes advantage of each element of the army’s strengths and capabilities and attacks the vulnerabilities of the opposing force. Is a Program plan being implemented?
7. Planning – Planning is obvious as you see the battle unfold. Everything works like clockwork. A great strategy won’t work unless you are able to plan and implement effectively. Case in point, the Web Programs lacking implementation, need to imitate Programs that are successful.
8. Providing tools and equipment for the job – The soldiers are well equipped and have the support they need to succeed. Clearly Web Programs missing the mark are not focused or equipped adequately. This must change for the Web Program to succeed.
9. Trained employees – Action is methodical and coordinated, a sign the soldiers are trained to do their job. With many of the same non compliant issues persisting for years demonstrates training has not been in scope. Training needs to be continually in scope.
10. Backup – Maximus loses his sword as he enters the battle. A backup sword prevents downtime or loss. I’m pretty sure the General must have been a very early “IT guy”. A good program needs quality and depth.
11. Delegation – Responsibilities are delegated to competent leaders within the army. One guy can’t do it all. And no director should try. A good program should be the responsibility of all project teams and be a part of the company culture;
12. Communication – Communication is key, from discussions with other officers, motivational acknowledgements to the foot soldiers, to the rally delivered to the cavalry. Even the fire arrow signal sent to start the battle is an example of communicating effectively; An example is building out a code template library for all content teams;
13. Leadership by example – Maximus doesn’t just bark out orders, ...he leads his cavalry into battle. The reason he has so much respect from all levels of the army is that he is willing to do what he asks of his men. He leads by example with focus and determination;
14. Treating others with respect – You can see mutual respect between the General and the men, ...it starts by the General sincerely respecting what his men do to win battles ...even the lowest paid soldier in the army; A good program will grow with appreciation;
15. Teamwork – Soldiers of each component of the army work together as a team and all teams work in a coordinated fashion so the army as a whole can be effective in winning battles. A program will grow where synergy is fostered;
(All leadership & management examples taken from: https://itlever.com/2013/10/30/15-leadership-traits-from-the-gladiator/ )
