[Irl-dean] United Nations Global Audit of Web Accessibility

[Paul Walsh, Segala]

Barry,

Since learning more about the methodology I voiced my concerns on the UK
Chinwag Usability list. In essence I don't think the report should be
reference as a meaningful benchmark. I'll see if I can put together the
conversation in a user friendly format for everyone to see. 

Paul

-----Original Message-----
From: irl-dean-admin at list.eeng.dcu.ie
[mailto:irl-dean-admin at list.eeng.dcu.ie] On Behalf Of Barry McMullin
Sent: 16 January 2007 11:06
To: irl-dean at list.eeng.dcu.ie
Subject: [Irl-dean] United Nations Global Audit of Web Accessibility

Hi All -

Just to say that the *full* report of the Nomensa study of web
accessibility, on behalf of the UN, is now available (sort
of - read on!). The original announcement of the study is here:

<http://tinyurl.com/y4fhm9>

As of this morning, that still refers only to the "Executive
Summary" being available, and that only "on request".  However, I
had already logged a request for the full thing (by email), and
was advised by email, this morning, that it was available. The
email included a long and complex URL to access the report (pdf
format only, 2.5 MByte download). They did not say anything about
not sharing this URL, so I presume it is OK to pass it on.  I
have made a short version of it, as follows:

<http://tinyurl.com/ykeds8>

On the other hand ... I suspect that the URL they gave me (which
the one above redirects to) may still be a limited time/limited
use sort of thing.  So feel free to try it, but it may well not
work.  If so, the best idea is probably to request your own copy
by email to <info at nomensa.com>. (Actually, they didn't say
anything explicitly about my not sharing the full report either;
but it is marked as copyright by Nomensa, so better not...)

I've had a quick look.  My main interest is in the
methodology. So, some *very* immediate responses:

- They did not rely on pure automated evaluation, which is
  definitely a plus.

- They only looked at the home page of each target site - which
  is a severe limitation.

- Not surprisingly, they found, as usual, that the elementary
  step of providing appropriate alternatives for images is still
  tripping up many many sites.

- They give some examples of what they think is "good practice"
  for text alternatives for images (page 9).  I have to say I
  don't really agree: the examples are all from the UK prime
  minister's site, and in all three cases which they show I would
  classify the image as purely visual decoration and give it an
  empty alt.  I'd be interested in any other opinions!

Anyway, that's as far as I have got - enjoy!

Best - Barry.

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