Miami University Faces Accessibility Lawsuit

A visually impaired university attendee, Aleeha Dudley, with the help of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), has filed an accessibility lawsuit opposing Miami University. Ms. Dudley was a remarkable pupil enrolled the school’s zoology program and had ideas of one day becoming a veterinarian, but her aspirations were ruined when course work for her program were incomprehensible for her as a blind student. The accessibility lawsuit declares that the University violated the ADA (American with Disabilities Act) in addition to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act by intentionally not providing necessary supplies for the impaired attendee that would allow her to meet stage necessary requirements. Miami University fell short in delivering items, such as schoolbooks and course materials that could be used by those with visual impairments. If the university had appropriately offered the supplies, Ms. Dudley could have had the opportunity to maintain her grades and sustain her position in the zoology program. Ms. Dudley has fallen behind within her program, not as a result of her abilities but, alas, because of the university's inability to adapt and supply for their impairment students.

The Disability Rights Ohio Advocacy Group and the NFB will be representing the blind student in the accessibility lawsuit. Evidently, Ms. Dudley’s situation is not the first or even the sole visually impaired individual to be discriminated against at Miami University. Other blind students have faced similar discouragements and pointless challenges to efficiently accesses course work and supplies. A university has an incredible chance to insure a brilliant future for those with impairments, but as Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the NFB, said in an announcement regarding this circumstance, the university did not acknowledge its moral and lawful obligations, they failed to supply accessible material for Ms. Dudley’s education. The NFB is taking a stand and claims they will not allow the inequalities happening to Ms. Dudley and or to any other visually impaired students in America. The NFB may fervently pursue this lawsuit and is encouraging other university facilities and educational facilities to take the mandatory measures to ensure accessibility for their students.

The university attendee has described her experience at the school as being a nightmare. Ms. Dudley is now behind her in her degree and may have no chance of fulfilling her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Ms. Dudley explains her actions in submitting the accessibility lawsuit stating she is taking this case on not just for herself, but to support a path for other visually impaired students looking to attend Miami University, so they will not have to experience the same dismal challenges and anguish she had to undergo.

Safeway Makes their Website and Delivery Service More Accessible

Safeway Inc., put into action some major changes that every business owning a website should, they made their online store usable for individuals with impairments. Safeway, like most stores, offers their products; food, beverages, toiletries, etc.  As well as supplying a delivery service online. Web Accessibility guidelines are beginning to gain importance and be enforced and Safeway made a wise choice to implement guidelines before it becomes a problem. Other corporations, no matter what their size or product is, should take into account the actions of this retailer and make their own website or available to disabled users.

Safeway has reported, the appearance of the website is precisely analogous, but now satisfies the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) specifications. The W3C creates set standards for every section of World Wide Web. W3C ideas are obtainable via the internet for internet website creators and establishments to comply with. There are also validation tools that can examine a website for sections that don't meet W3C specifications.

The company claims it may proceed in improving their internet site for accessibility in the upcoming 12 months to further meet W3C suggestions. Safeway has even opened their site to have blind shoppers navigate the site to facilitate new changes in order to enhance shopping experiences for new blind customers. Larree Renda, VP of Safeway Inc., indicated that the choice was a crucial for giving buyers who are blind or have visual impairments to have the best experience encountering the site and purchasing products as possible.

The W3C enhancements will not only improve a blind customers experience, it also will provide an easier user experience for those with other impairments. Adding accessibility features such as the audio requirements, for example, will provide subtitles for consumers that are hearing impaired.

The significance of web accessibility is increasingly becoming a priority for businesses as they acknowledge the advantage of providing an equal encounter for each shopper. Shoppers with impairments need to have equal access to services and products available on the World Wide Web, however the needs of disabled customers are being missed by many organizations. This is a major error for organizations that can result in essential legal problems.

Safeway Inc. has made a proactive approach to accessibility and created an internet site that meets W3C standards. On the alternative side of web accessibility is the main taxpaying service, H&R Block Inc., who is currently managing a critical lawsuit for denying visually impaired clients the ability to access their web page. Safeway Inc. has set a superb example that businesses should notice and implement the same web accessibility guidelines now, before having to cope with a lawsuit.

Dangers of Web Accessibility and How to be Protected

Dangers of Web Accessibility and  How to be Protected

Until recently web accessibility was not a concern for many businesses. Developing sales and market shares often took superior priority. Furthermore, there was an absence of penalties for firms that did not have an accessible internet website. Now, the importance of compliance has taken a shift as crucial corporations such as Target, Jet Blue, and H&R Block face costly lawsuits due to accessibility problems. Business proprietors and human resource professionals need to be aware of the hazards associated with online accessibility and learn the way to safeguard themselves from harmful legal problems.

Be aware of Potential Dangers.

Consider how organizations with physical store locations operate. Every corporation open to the general public must be equally accessible and provide the same service to all consumers. Failure to adjust to ADA standards can bring catastrophic legal issues and adverse publicity for that business. Companies that operate on the web are now being held to similar corresponding standards as physical locations. High profile online accessibility lawsuits have been filed by blind advocates and aggressive attorneys, and they are winning. Be aware of the potential risks linked to web accessibility and take the initiative to implement necessary changes.

Get Protected.

There is a simple and uncomplicated way to become protected against litigation and unfavorable exposure by making use of a website compliance testing tool. There are validation tools that are simple to use, which can scan an entire web-page for compliance and accessibility error. Using validation tools, companies can take the necessary steps to ensure their internet site is accessible. The advantage of being proactive about accessibility will greatly exceed the price of any future legal problems.

Internet website accessibility ought to be a concern for all proprietors operating on the web. It is important to know that having an inaccessible site can result in serious penalties. Take action and use a website validation tools to ensure web accessibility and keep corporations and employees protected against litigation.

Increase Holiday Sales by Making Your Website Accessible to the Blind

The holidays are here, and that means online shopping. This year an  estimated 91.7% of shoppers will go online to research gifts and/or make purchases (Marketingprofs, Holiday Season 2013: How and When Consumers Plan to Shop). E-commerce sites are quickly gaining preference over traditional ‘brick and mortar’ stores. There are no lines, crowds or traffic. Simply click, add to cart, type in your credit card number and your purchase arrives on your doorstep.

This is great news for those offering goods services or products online.

An online presence means lower overhead costs and high profitability. Driving customers to your site and making sure your prices are competitive are top priority. Another important aspect to consider this holiday season is to take the time to ensure your website is functioning properly and fully accessible. Test your website links, functionality and coding to be certain that every potential customer has a positive and equal user experience, including those with disabilities.

A website can be considered by ADA regulations as a place of public accommodation and must be fully accessible to the public, regardless of physical abilities. Failing to have a compliant website could cost more than just the loss of a sale; your business could be looking at a lawsuit. Help to spread the joy and grant equal access to your website this year. To learn more or find out if your website is ADA compliant, take a look at the government checklist, use a compliance checking tool like www.auditgenie.com,  talk to your web developers and get educated on web accessibility.

To learn more on how to test your website for compliance and accessibility issues go to www.auditgenie.com. AuditGenie™ is a leading provider of an online website testing tool that is used by web developers, law firms, human resource professionals, and advocacy groups.