Assistive Alternatives to Increase Access

1. Procedures and Tools to Increase Access.
This site uses a range of tools and procedures to increase access, including:

a. Increasing access to images and graphics.
Where possible, we use ALT tags to describe the content of visual elements, particularly graphics that serve as links.

b. Reducing site complexity.
Where possible, all frames have been removed, and all new content lacks frames and related devices that would add unnecessarily to the complexity of site access. Where possible, the use of plug-ins, applets, and scripts has been strictly limited. The only plug-in provides access to Adobe Acrobat PDF files. Where possible, HTML versions of these PDF files are provided.
In cases where there are no alternatives to PDF files, as in the content of other sites accessed by links, the file conversion services of the Adobe Access Site should be considered.

c. Alternatives to mouse and cursor access.
The menu alternatives on pages have been sequenced to simplify keyboard and "switch" access. Problems can still occur because of browser differences. If keyboard rather than cursor access is required, we suggest the use of Microsoft Explorer as the browser. All content is previewed on the most commonly used Windows and Mac browsers. The use of Explorer may provide a better match between screen images and printer output.

d. Multimedia and file size policy.
At this time we have chosen to increase access to persons at home and at other sites with modest bandwidth modems. We limit the use of file sizes and software that unnecessarily challenge the available bandwidth, and the technological literacy and budgets of the users.
Simple high-contrast formats are to present menus and content. Multiple color presentations are avoided, particularly when color is used to emphasize or vary content meaning.

e. Content organization.
Consistency, simplicity, and directness in format and content organization are stressed across topics. Graphics are rarely used to present new content, and, where possible, graphics serve to summarize information previously presented in complete and descriptive text.

2. Sources of Help to Increase Access to Web Information.
The Access Utah Network has a mission to assist persons with disabilities. Please contact this network for information on hardware and software that will increase access to the web.
For telephone access, contact: 1-(800) 333-8824
For E-mail access, contact: accessut@state.ut.us
The Internet site is: www.accesssut.state.ut.us
For persons with disabilities outside the state of Utah, this network is a part of a national network, and similar services should be available in other states. Please contact the above-listed Utah sources for information on referrals to similar resources in other states.

3. Consumer and Developer Information.
Every effort is being made to make this site directly accessible to individuals with disabilities. The efforts being made at this site use information from a range of similar state and national efforts. Central to many of these efforts are federal initiatives, including those associated with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Standards for web site development to support Section 508 were initially scheduled for availability and compliance on August 7, 2000. This compliance deadline has been delayed until 6 months after the availability of approved standards. An estimate of the new deadline is early 2001.
Information on the progress and the nature of these national initiatives can be found on the following sites: Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act; WebAim. Consumers and web site developers interested in more specific information on techniques to increase access should monitor the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) site. This site provides guidelines for site developers, an ongoing history of national initiatives, and links to other sites of interest to consumers and developers.

4. A Transition Plan.
The access procedures on this site follow a transition plan to guide site development to ensure access for all. We continue to modify the transition plan by monitoring our consumer evaluations, technical aspects of evolving federal standards, and the on-going developments of the web industry. Suggestions for improving access are welcomed.

Contact: Web Access Committe