E-mail List Archives
Thread: Accessible Content Management Systems
Number of posts in this thread: 10 (In chronological order)
From: Michael Bullis, Executive Director, The IMAGE Center of Maryland
Date: Fri, Sep 19 2014 11:29AM
Subject: Accessible Content Management Systems
No previous message | Next message →
Here at the IMAGE Center we're beginning a very large web project involving
tens of thousands of videos, forums, blogs and a back-room database.
I'm wondering if those of you who know far more than I can tell me what the
most accessible cms is out there, what are its shortcomings and strong
points, Etc.
Our goal is to hire blind people and people with other disabilities and we
want to make sure we are starting out with the most accessible product on
the market, even if we have to make modifications.
Michael Bullis
Executive Director,
Independent Marylanders Achieving Growth Through Empowerment, Inc.
The IMAGE Center
300 E. Joppa Road, STE 312
Towson MD 21286
Office Phone: 443-275-9394
Cell: 443-286-9001
Email: <mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
Website: <http://www.imagemd.org>; www.imagemd.org
From: Lucy Greco
Date: Fri, Sep 19 2014 2:59PM
Subject: Re: Accessible Content Management Systems
← Previous message | Next message →
we use drupele and find it vary good. they are also making great strides
on access over all. the admen interface is a little complex but learning it
gets pass that and is well worth the learning curb
--
Lucia Greco
Web Accessibility Evangelist
IST - Architecture, Platforms, and Integration
University of California, Berkeley
(510) 289-6008 skype: lucia1-greco
http://webaccess.berkeley.edu
Follow me on twitter @accessaces
On Fri, Sep 19, 2014 at 10:29 AM, Michael Bullis, Executive Director, The
IMAGE Center of Maryland < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
> Here at the IMAGE Center we're beginning a very large web project involving
> tens of thousands of videos, forums, blogs and a back-room database.
>
> I'm wondering if those of you who know far more than I can tell me what the
> most accessible cms is out there, what are its shortcomings and strong
> points, Etc.
>
>
>
> Our goal is to hire blind people and people with other disabilities and we
> want to make sure we are starting out with the most accessible product on
> the market, even if we have to make modifications.
>
> Michael Bullis
>
> Executive Director,
>
> Independent Marylanders Achieving Growth Through Empowerment, Inc.
>
> The IMAGE Center
>
> 300 E. Joppa Road, STE 312
>
> Towson MD 21286
>
> Office Phone: 443-275-9394
>
> Cell: 443-286-9001
>
> Email: <mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>
> Website: <http://www.imagemd.org>; www.imagemd.org
>
>
>
>
>
> > > >
From: Schafer, Carmen
Date: Wed, Sep 24 2014 9:04AM
Subject: Re: Accessible Content Management Systems
← Previous message | Next message →
Does anyone know about the accessibility of using WordPress as a CMS?
With appreciation,
Carmen Schafer
Univ of MO | Division of IT | ACT Center
http://actcenter.missouri.edu
(573)882-8838
-----Original Message-----
From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of Lucy Greco
Sent: Friday, September 19, 2014 4:00 PM
To: WebAIM Discussion List
Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Accessible Content Management Systems
we use drupele and find it vary good. they are also making great strides
on access over all. the admen interface is a little complex but learning it gets pass that and is well worth the learning curb
--
Lucia Greco
Web Accessibility Evangelist
IST - Architecture, Platforms, and Integration University of California, Berkeley
(510) 289-6008 skype: lucia1-greco
http://webaccess.berkeley.edu
Follow me on twitter @accessaces
On Fri, Sep 19, 2014 at 10:29 AM, Michael Bullis, Executive Director, The IMAGE Center of Maryland < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
> Here at the IMAGE Center we're beginning a very large web project
> involving tens of thousands of videos, forums, blogs and a back-room database.
>
> I'm wondering if those of you who know far more than I can tell me
> what the most accessible cms is out there, what are its shortcomings
> and strong points, Etc.
>
>
>
> Our goal is to hire blind people and people with other disabilities
> and we want to make sure we are starting out with the most accessible
> product on the market, even if we have to make modifications.
>
> Michael Bullis
>
> Executive Director,
>
> Independent Marylanders Achieving Growth Through Empowerment, Inc.
>
> The IMAGE Center
>
> 300 E. Joppa Road, STE 312
>
> Towson MD 21286
>
> Office Phone: 443-275-9394
>
> Cell: 443-286-9001
>
> Email: <mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>
> Website: <http://www.imagemd.org>; www.imagemd.org
>
>
>
>
>
> > > list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>
From: Jennifer Sutton
Date: Wed, Sep 24 2014 10:20AM
Subject: Re: Accessible Content Management Systems
← Previous message | Next message →
Greetings,
There's a lot going on in this space. Here are
links that should get you started.
Make WordPress Accessibility
http://make.wordpress.org/accessibility/
WordPress Theme Accessibility Guide for Reviewers « Make WordPress Accessible
http://make.wordpress.org/accessibility/theme-accessibility-guide-for-reviewers/
Joe Dolson Accessible Web Design -- posts tagged with WordPress
http://www.joedolson.com/articles/category/wordpress/
Joe Dolson Accessibility Ready Theming for a Larger Audience WordPress.tv
http://wordpress.tv/2014/07/23/joe-dolson-accessibility-ready-theming-for-a-larger-audience/
How to improve your WordPress theme's accessibility
http://getflywheel.com/accessibility-in-wordpress/
Introducing Accessible Zen An Accessible
WordPress Theme David A. Kennedy's Blog
http://davidakennedy.com/2013/accessible-zen-an-accessible-wordpress-theme/
[and other posts on his blog.]
Posts tagged with WordPress Coolfields Consulting
http://www.coolfields.co.uk/category/wordpress/
WordPress Accessibility Resources » Practical Ecommerce
http://www.practicalecommerce.com/articles/61516-WordPress-Accessibility-Resources
And for those of you who want to contribute to the effort by developing fixes:
WordPress Trac -- accessibility component
http://core.trac.wordpress.org/query?status=accepted&;status=assigned&status=closed&status=new&status=reopened&status=reviewing&component=Accessibility&group=component&order=priority
At 08:04 AM 9/24/2014, Schafer, Carmen wrote:
>Does anyone know about the accessibility of using WordPress as a CMS?
>
>With appreciation,
>
>Carmen Schafer
>Univ of MO | Division of IT | ACT Center
>http://actcenter.missouri.edu
>(573)882-8838
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>[mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of Lucy Greco
>Sent: Friday, September 19, 2014 4:00 PM
>To: WebAIM Discussion List
>Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Accessible Content Management Systems
>
>we use drupele and find it vary good. they are also making great strides
>on access over all. the admen interface is a
>little complex but learning it gets pass that
>and is well worth the learning curb
>
>
>
>--
>Lucia Greco
>Web Accessibility Evangelist
>IST - Architecture, Platforms, and Integration
>University of California, Berkeley
>(510) 289-6008 skype: lucia1-greco
>http://webaccess.berkeley.edu
>Follow me on twitter @accessaces
>
>
>On Fri, Sep 19, 2014 at 10:29 AM, Michael
>Bullis, Executive Director, The IMAGE Center of
>Maryland < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>
> > Here at the IMAGE Center we're beginning a very large web project
> > involving tens of thousands of videos,
> forums, blogs and a back-room database.
> >
> > I'm wondering if those of you who know far more than I can tell me
> > what the most accessible cms is out there, what are its shortcomings
> > and strong points, Etc.
> >
> >
> >
> > Our goal is to hire blind people and people with other disabilities
> > and we want to make sure we are starting out with the most accessible
> > product on the market, even if we have to make modifications.
> >
> > Michael Bullis
> >
> > Executive Director,
> >
> > Independent Marylanders Achieving Growth Through Empowerment, Inc.
> >
> > The IMAGE Center
> >
> > 300 E. Joppa Road, STE 312
> >
> > Towson MD 21286
> >
> > Office Phone: 443-275-9394
> >
> > Cell: 443-286-9001
> >
> > Email: <mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> >
> > Website: <http://www.imagemd.org>; www.imagemd.org
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > > > > list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> >
>>>http://list.webaim.org/ >>>
From: John E Brandt
Date: Wed, Sep 24 2014 12:42PM
Subject: Re: Accessible Content Management Systems
← Previous message | Next message →
Ditto to everything Jennifer shared.
For those who are interested...most of the major CMS (Drupal, Joomla,
WordPress) are very accessible "out of the box," meaning if you use the
basic installation and the default theme/template, they will work just fine
with screen readers and AT devices of all sorts for both the front-end
(public side) and the back end (tech side). The first problem with all of
these CMSs is the templates/themes and the plugin/add-ons/widgets that
people install. There are few "certified" templates/themes...you have to
search of them and/or you may need to use a "framework" and develop it to
meet your style needs. There is currently no process for vetting plugins -
let the installer beware!
Second, the most accessible CMSs (out of the box) is only as accessible as
the content being created for it. The first person who adds content can make
the site inaccessible because they lack training and an understanding of
accessible content creation. Make sure you put lots of training in your
budget if you are planning to convert to a new CMS or from a static site to
a CMS.
[Opinion] If I were choosing a CMS, I would recommend WordPress at this
point in time because they have the largest development community. And,
there is a very active, very committed and very knowledgeable core of
volunteer developers who are passionate about accessibility and WordPress.
See Jennifer's references FMI...[/opinion]
There are pockets of accessibility folks in the Drupal and Joomla
development communities, but since WP is now the "number one" CMS on the
planet, there are lots of developers and users flocking to WP and away from
these other CMSs.
~j
John E. Brandt
jebswebs: accessible and universal web design,
development and consultation
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
207-622-7937
Augusta, Maine, USA
@jebswebs
-----Original Message-----
From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
[mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of Jennifer Sutton
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2014 12:21 PM
To: WebAIM Discussion List; WebAIM Discussion List
Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Accessible Content Management Systems
Greetings,
There's a lot going on in this space. Here are links that should get you
started.
Make WordPress Accessibility
http://make.wordpress.org/accessibility/
WordPress > Theme Accessibility Guide for Reviewers < Make WordPress
Accessible
http://make.wordpress.org/accessibility/theme-accessibility-guide-for-review
ers/
Joe Dolson Accessible Web Design -- posts tagged with WordPress
http://www.joedolson.com/articles/category/wordpress/
Joe Dolson Accessibility Ready - Theming for a Larger Audience WordPress.tv
http://wordpress.tv/2014/07/23/joe-dolson-accessibility-ready-theming-for-a-
larger-audience/
How to improve your WordPress theme's accessibility
http://getflywheel.com/accessibility-in-wordpress/
Introducing Accessible Zen An Accessible WordPress Theme David A. Kennedy's
Blog
http://davidakennedy.com/2013/accessible-zen-an-accessible-wordpress-theme/
[and other posts on his blog.]
Posts tagged with WordPress Coolfields Consulting
http://www.coolfields.co.uk/category/wordpress/
WordPress Accessibility Resources > Practical Ecommerce
http://www.practicalecommerce.com/articles/61516-WordPress-Accessibility-Res
ources
And for those of you who want to contribute to the effort by developing
fixes:
WordPress Trac -- accessibility component
http://core.trac.wordpress.org/query?status=accepted&;status=assigned&status=
closed&status=new&status=reopened&status=reviewing&component=Accessibility&g
roup=component&order=priority
At 08:04 AM 9/24/2014, Schafer, Carmen wrote:
>Does anyone know about the accessibility of using WordPress as a CMS?
>
>With appreciation,
>
>Carmen Schafer
>Univ of MO | Division of IT | ACT Center http://actcenter.missouri.edu
>(573)882-8838
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>[mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of Lucy Greco
>Sent: Friday, September 19, 2014 4:00 PM
>To: WebAIM Discussion List
>Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Accessible Content Management Systems
>
>we use drupele and find it vary good. they are also making great strides
>on access over all. the admen interface is a little complex but
>learning it gets pass that and is well worth the learning curb
>
>
>
>--
>Lucia Greco
>Web Accessibility Evangelist
>IST - Architecture, Platforms, and Integration
>University of California, Berkeley
>(510) 289-6008 skype: lucia1-greco
>http://webaccess.berkeley.edu
>Follow me on twitter @accessaces
>
>
>On Fri, Sep 19, 2014 at 10:29 AM, Michael
>Bullis, Executive Director, The IMAGE Center of
>Maryland < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>
> > Here at the IMAGE Center we're beginning a very large web project
> > involving tens of thousands of videos,
> forums, blogs and a back-room database.
> >
> > I'm wondering if those of you who know far more than I can tell me
> > what the most accessible cms is out there, what are its shortcomings
> > and strong points, Etc.
> >
> >
> >
> > Our goal is to hire blind people and people with other disabilities
> > and we want to make sure we are starting out with the most accessible
> > product on the market, even if we have to make modifications.
> >
> > Michael Bullis
> >
> > Executive Director,
> >
> > Independent Marylanders Achieving Growth Through Empowerment, Inc.
> >
> > The IMAGE Center
> >
> > 300 E. Joppa Road, STE 312
> >
> > Towson MD 21286
> >
> > Office Phone: 443-275-9394
> >
> > Cell: 443-286-9001
> >
> > Email: <mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> >
> > Website: <http://www.imagemd.org>; www.imagemd.org
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > > > > list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> >
>>>http://list.webaim.org/ = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>
From: Schafer, Carmen
Date: Thu, Sep 25 2014 7:43AM
Subject: Re: Accessible Content Management Systems
← Previous message | Next message →
I know someone who maintains a WP blog and uses a screen reader, and has not run into any barriers. So I wanted to know if the WP CMS was also accessible to persons with disabilities who are creating web content and it sounds like it is, "will work just fine with screen readers and AT devices of all sorts for both the front-end (public side) and the back end (tech side)".
Thank you both for the information and resources.
Have a great day.
-----Original Message-----
From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of John E Brandt
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2014 1:42 PM
To: 'WebAIM Discussion List'
Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Accessible Content Management Systems
Ditto to everything Jennifer shared.
For those who are interested...most of the major CMS (Drupal, Joomla,
WordPress) are very accessible "out of the box," meaning if you use the basic installation and the default theme/template, they will work just fine with screen readers and AT devices of all sorts for both the front-end (public side) and the back end (tech side). The first problem with all of these CMSs is the templates/themes and the plugin/add-ons/widgets that people install. There are few "certified" templates/themes...you have to search of them and/or you may need to use a "framework" and develop it to meet your style needs. There is currently no process for vetting plugins - let the installer beware!
Second, the most accessible CMSs (out of the box) is only as accessible as the content being created for it. The first person who adds content can make the site inaccessible because they lack training and an understanding of accessible content creation. Make sure you put lots of training in your budget if you are planning to convert to a new CMS or from a static site to a CMS.
[Opinion] If I were choosing a CMS, I would recommend WordPress at this point in time because they have the largest development community. And, there is a very active, very committed and very knowledgeable core of volunteer developers who are passionate about accessibility and WordPress.
See Jennifer's references FMI...[/opinion]
There are pockets of accessibility folks in the Drupal and Joomla development communities, but since WP is now the "number one" CMS on the planet, there are lots of developers and users flocking to WP and away from these other CMSs.
~j
John E. Brandt
jebswebs: accessible and universal web design, development and consultation = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
207-622-7937
Augusta, Maine, USA
@jebswebs
-----Original Message-----
From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
[mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of Jennifer Sutton
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2014 12:21 PM
To: WebAIM Discussion List; WebAIM Discussion List
Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Accessible Content Management Systems
Greetings,
There's a lot going on in this space. Here are links that should get you started.
Make WordPress Accessibility
http://make.wordpress.org/accessibility/
WordPress > Theme Accessibility Guide for Reviewers < Make WordPress Accessible http://make.wordpress.org/accessibility/theme-accessibility-guide-for-review
ers/
Joe Dolson Accessible Web Design -- posts tagged with WordPress http://www.joedolson.com/articles/category/wordpress/
Joe Dolson Accessibility Ready - Theming for a Larger Audience WordPress.tv
http://wordpress.tv/2014/07/23/joe-dolson-accessibility-ready-theming-for-a-
larger-audience/
How to improve your WordPress theme's accessibility http://getflywheel.com/accessibility-in-wordpress/
Introducing Accessible Zen An Accessible WordPress Theme David A. Kennedy's Blog http://davidakennedy.com/2013/accessible-zen-an-accessible-wordpress-theme/
[and other posts on his blog.]
Posts tagged with WordPress Coolfields Consulting http://www.coolfields.co.uk/category/wordpress/
WordPress Accessibility Resources > Practical Ecommerce http://www.practicalecommerce.com/articles/61516-WordPress-Accessibility-Res
ources
And for those of you who want to contribute to the effort by developing
fixes:
WordPress Trac -- accessibility component http://core.trac.wordpress.org/query?status=accepted&;status=assigned&status=
closed&status=new&status=reopened&status=reviewing&component=Accessibility&g
roup=component&order=priority
At 08:04 AM 9/24/2014, Schafer, Carmen wrote:
>Does anyone know about the accessibility of using WordPress as a CMS?
>
>With appreciation,
>
>Carmen Schafer
>Univ of MO | Division of IT | ACT Center http://actcenter.missouri.edu
>(573)882-8838
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>[mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of Lucy Greco
>Sent: Friday, September 19, 2014 4:00 PM
>To: WebAIM Discussion List
>Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Accessible Content Management Systems
>
>we use drupele and find it vary good. they are also making great strides
>on access over all. the admen interface is a little complex but
>learning it gets pass that and is well worth the learning curb
>
>
>
>--
>Lucia Greco
>Web Accessibility Evangelist
>IST - Architecture, Platforms, and Integration University of
>California, Berkeley
>(510) 289-6008 skype: lucia1-greco
>http://webaccess.berkeley.edu
>Follow me on twitter @accessaces
>
>
>On Fri, Sep 19, 2014 at 10:29 AM, Michael Bullis, Executive Director,
>The IMAGE Center of Maryland < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>
> > Here at the IMAGE Center we're beginning a very large web project
> > involving tens of thousands of videos,
> forums, blogs and a back-room database.
> >
> > I'm wondering if those of you who know far more than I can tell me
> > what the most accessible cms is out there, what are its shortcomings
> > and strong points, Etc.
> >
> >
> >
> > Our goal is to hire blind people and people with other disabilities
> > and we want to make sure we are starting out with the most
> > accessible product on the market, even if we have to make modifications.
> >
> > Michael Bullis
> >
> > Executive Director,
> >
> > Independent Marylanders Achieving Growth Through Empowerment, Inc.
> >
> > The IMAGE Center
> >
> > 300 E. Joppa Road, STE 312
> >
> > Towson MD 21286
> >
> > Office Phone: 443-275-9394
> >
> > Cell: 443-286-9001
> >
> > Email: <mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> >
> > Website: <http://www.imagemd.org>; www.imagemd.org
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > > > > list messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> >
>>>http://list.webaim.org/ = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>messages to = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
From: Iza Bartosiewicz
Date: Sun, Sep 28 2014 8:27PM
Subject: Re: Accessible Content Management Systems
← Previous message | Next message →
>
> I'm wondering if those of you who know far more than I can tell me what the
> most accessible cms is out there, what are its shortcomings and strong
> points, Etc.
>
Hi Michael,
If you are looking for an enterprise-type CMS, rather than an open source
system like Wordpress or Drupal, I've recently stumbled upon the
WebdragonCMS:
http://www.webdragon.com.au/main-site/welcome/launching-webdragoncms-8
I can't verify its maker's claim that it is
"the world's only content management system (CMS) built with a focus on
accessibility from the bottom up, using open-source platforms.",
and the website is light on details as far as their compliance with WCAG
(Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and ATAG (Authoring Tool
Accessibility Guidelines) is concerned. They only make a broad compliance
statement and don't even mention which version of ATAG they comply with
(that usually gets my alarm bells ringing). However, it might be worth
contacting them to find out more.
Another CMS that claims accessibility compliance is TerminalFour
http://www.terminalfour.com/web-content-management-system/accessibility-tools/
They don't mention ATAG explicitly, but they list the accessibility
features of their authoring tool, and they tick some of the ATAG
checkpoints.
cheers
Iza
Iza Bartosiewicz
Library Website Coordinator
RMIT University
p: 99253103
e: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
t: #Mr0wka18 <http://twitter.com/Mr0wka18>;
l: www.linkedin.com/in/izabartosiewicz
"The world is a hellish place, and bad writing is destroying the quality of
our suffering", Tom Waits
From: Robert Fentress
Date: Mon, Sep 29 2014 10:03AM
Subject: Re: Accessible Content Management Systems
← Previous message | Next message →
Hi, Michael.
Have you requested Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs)
from the major vendors? Though you can't count on them to always be
accurate, it is a good place to start. At least some of them will be
honest and tell you they have accessibility problems.
My personal opinion is that open source is good because at least if
there are problems you have the power (if not the resources) to fix
them. I know Penn State has used Drupal. Given the settlement they
made with the NFB, they may have some good info to share on how
accessible Drupal is (or can be made to be).
Best,
Rob
On Fri, Sep 19, 2014 at 1:29 PM, Michael Bullis, Executive Director,
The IMAGE Center of Maryland < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
> Here at the IMAGE Center we're beginning a very large web project involving
> tens of thousands of videos, forums, blogs and a back-room database.
>
> I'm wondering if those of you who know far more than I can tell me what the
> most accessible cms is out there, what are its shortcomings and strong
> points, Etc.
>
>
>
> Our goal is to hire blind people and people with other disabilities and we
> want to make sure we are starting out with the most accessible product on
> the market, even if we have to make modifications.
>
> Michael Bullis
>
> Executive Director,
>
> Independent Marylanders Achieving Growth Through Empowerment, Inc.
>
> The IMAGE Center
>
> 300 E. Joppa Road, STE 312
>
> Towson MD 21286
>
> Office Phone: 443-275-9394
>
> Cell: 443-286-9001
>
> Email: <mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>
> Website: <http://www.imagemd.org>; www.imagemd.org
>
>
>
>
>
> > > --
Robert Fentress
Senior Accessibility Solutions Designer
540.231.1255
Technology-enhanced Learning & Online Strategies
Assistive Technologies
1180 Torgersen Hall
620 Drillfield Drive (0434)
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
From: deborah.kaplan@suberic.net
Date: Mon, Sep 29 2014 10:07AM
Subject: Re: Accessible Content Management Systems
← Previous message | Next message →
As a general rule, I would beg everyone doing procurement to
request a VPAT from the vendor. Trust me that the vendors hear
you saying that and translated into "oh, accessibility matters
for our paying customers." Trust me that at least some of the
vendors use the VPAT process to do and accessibility test of
their products.
Even if you don't want the VPAT,, merely asking for it encourages
the vendors to make more accessible products.
Deborah Kaplan
On Mon, 29 Sep 2014, Robert Fentress wrote:
> Hi, Michael.
>
> Have you requested Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs)
> from the major vendors? Though you can't count on them to always be
> accurate, it is a good place to start. At least some of them will be
> honest and tell you they have accessibility problems.
>
> My personal opinion is that open source is good because at least if
> there are problems you have the power (if not the resources) to fix
> them. I know Penn State has used Drupal. Given the settlement they
> made with the NFB, they may have some good info to share on how
> accessible Drupal is (or can be made to be).
>
> Best,
> Rob
>
> On Fri, Sep 19, 2014 at 1:29 PM, Michael Bullis, Executive Director,
> The IMAGE Center of Maryland < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>> Here at the IMAGE Center we're beginning a very large web project involving
>> tens of thousands of videos, forums, blogs and a back-room database.
>>
>> I'm wondering if those of you who know far more than I can tell me what the
>> most accessible cms is out there, what are its shortcomings and strong
>> points, Etc.
>>
>>
>>
>> Our goal is to hire blind people and people with other disabilities and we
>> want to make sure we are starting out with the most accessible product on
>> the market, even if we have to make modifications.
>>
>> Michael Bullis
>>
>> Executive Director,
>>
>> Independent Marylanders Achieving Growth Through Empowerment, Inc.
>>
>> The IMAGE Center
>>
>> 300 E. Joppa Road, STE 312
>>
>> Towson MD 21286
>>
>> Office Phone: 443-275-9394
>>
>> Cell: 443-286-9001
>>
>> Email: <mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>
>> Website: <http://www.imagemd.org>; www.imagemd.org
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> >> >> >
>
>
>
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From: Bourne, Sarah (ITD)
Date: Mon, Sep 29 2014 11:25AM
Subject: Re: Accessible Content Management Systems
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Michael,
If you have the time and resources, I recommend a pilot where you can check the accessibility yourself, as well as other business requirements. Many Software-as-a-Service offerings are happy to give you free trial periods once they realize you are a serious customer. We did paid proofs of concept for our enterprise web content management system, since it was more elaborate to get set up as we would be using it and because it allowed us more realistic tests. We selected the top two products from a more traditional procurement screening process and paid for installation and configuration of test environments.
One thing we learned from it is that while VPATs are invaluable (we weeded out multiple bidders whose VPATs were just "does not support") their reliability depends on the vendor's knowledge of accessibility. The VPAT from a knowledgeable vendor may look worse than from a vendor with limited accessibility expertise: it looks like they have a lot of problems because they report on them in detail while the other cheerfully states "Supports" in every box. Conducting testing on both ourselves gave us an apples-to-apples comparison to work with. It also allowed us to see the context of reported errors so we could determine if they presented barriers to task completion.
While paying for a trial is more costly than free, it paid for itself by actually demonstrating which product best fit our needs. If we hadn't done it, we would have made the costly mistake of acquiring the wrong product. And the added bonus was that we had figured out most of the complicated configurations, so that went quickly in setting up the final product.
sb
Sarah E. Bourne
Director of IT Accessibility
Massachusetts Office of Information Technology
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
1 Ashburton Pl. rm 1601 Boston MA 02108
617-626-4502
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
http://www.mass.gov/itd