[NABS-L] Update On College Website Accessibility

Tue Feb 8 22:42:01 UTC 2022

Thank you! I am trying to get the direct email for the IT department, but I
don't know the exact email address for the department desk. I'll look back
at the emails I have. Maybe I'll find it in those emails.

--
Armando L. Vias
Telephone: (830) 542-2220
Email: armando at armandovias.com
Website: https://armandovias.com

Email sent using the Outlook On Windows 10

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Chris Nusbaum via
NABS-L
Sent: Tuesday, February 8, 2022 5:35 PM
To: 'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Chris Nusbaum <cnusbaumnfb at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] Update On College Website Accessibility

Hi Armando:

Congratulations on your advocacy thus far! Keep up the good work.

Perhaps this could also lead to a good on-campus job opportunity for you.
When I expressed similar concerns to my college during my freshman year, I
ended up with a paid position with their communications and marketing
department, which oversees their public-facing Web site, as their go-to
person on accessibility. As part of that work, I tested all their pages in
detail and wrote reports which were sent to the developer and Web designer,
both of whom also worked with me in the office to fix the problems in real
time. I know you have some background in Web development, which adds a level
of expertise to the position that I could not offer. So you might consider
taking your concerns directly to your college's IT department or
communications team, whichever oversees the Web site, and offer your
services. Just a thought.

Good luck!

Chris

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of VIAS, ARMANDO via
NABS-L
Sent: Tuesday, February 8, 2022 3:56 PM
To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Cc: VIAS, ARMANDO <armando at armandovias.com>
Subject: [NABS-L] Update On College Website Accessibility
Importance: High

Hello everyone on the list,

I just spoke to the Disability Manager at my college. I finally set my
appointment for the accommodation request. I will be interviewed on Friday.
I start classes on March 21, 2022.

So, the college is getting a new website, and I am disappointed to say, that
the accessibility of the website is, well, quite accessible, but needs a lot
of work. I have written a letter to the manager, and he is going to forward
my concerns to the web developers. You may feel free to send me feedback of
the accessibility issues that you found on the college website as well.

"Dear Charles,

As I said in the phone call earlier today, the accessibility of the Georgia
Military College website, located at https://www.gmc.edu
<https://www.gmc.edu/>  is not completely accessible. I believe that
accessibility is the top priority for this website. Here is some examples of
issues that I have found. This will be in a list format.

*	The menu button is not labeled. This is the first menu button on the
page. The screen-reader, NVDA only says, "Button Collapsed." I am using
Google Chrome for Windows.
*	All of the links to social media in the footer area is not labeled.
The screen-reader only says, "Link, link, link."
*	There is unlabeled images (for screen-readers) that can't be
recognized. This is called ALT text, or alternative text. The people who are
developing this website will probably learn more about this.

As a concerned student, I believe that making this website accessible from
the ground up is the best way to go. In my opinion, if you or a contractor
is going to make the website accessible, I would recommend making it from
the start. Also, other materials, such as emails, PDF announcements/files,
documents, etc., must be accessible.

I have attached some resources for the college to improve website
accessibility/functionality. I have also CCED Elaine Martin in this email as
well. If you have any questions, you may email me at any time. Once I think
of more resources, I'll send you guys an updated file.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Armando Vias"

Like I said, if you have any feedback, just let me know, and I will put an
email with your feedback.

Thank you.

--

Armando L. Vias

Telephone: (830) 542-2220

Email:  <mailto:armando at armandovias.com> armando at armandovias.com

Website:  <https://armandovias.com/> https://armandovias.com

Email sent using the  <https://outlook.com/> Outlook On Windows 10

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