It Works For Everybody
2/23/2004
When we started testing local government websites for compliance with Section 508, we expected a pretty high failure rate. After all, it’s a federal requirement, and local agencies that comply are doing so voluntarily. But I’m going to be honest — I didn’t expect the results to be as bad as they are.
Reasons for failure to comply range from the ever-popular missing alt attributes to multi-layer JavaScript-based navigation systems not even Superman could read. When we talk to local agencies, they never fail to make a point of mentioning the size of their senior citizen constituency — yet their websites turn backflips to avoid being useful for this growing and Internet-savvy demographic. It’s like the left hand and right hand haven’t met.
Netscape 4: Government Standard or Urban Legend?
2/15/2004
I can’t believe that it’s 2004 and we’re still hearing anecdotal stories about how certain government agencies have standardized on Netscape 4 and require all agency related web development to support this archaic browser. This, of course, creates a trickle down effect where developers believe they must support Netscape 4 because so many government agencies still use this browser. The result is that developers are afraid to design with web standards because of Netscape 4′s notoriously poor support for CSS.
I have to say that I’m skeptical about these claims. Are these agencies completely unaware of Mozilla and the fact that it’s FREE? How do they rationalize standardizing on seven year old technology when the best web browser on the planet is available at no cost?
If possible, I’d like to debunk this myth once and for all so we can all move forward with accessible, standards-based design. If anyone has hard evidence of government agencies that still use Netscape 4, please post a brief comment here. I’d like to get to the bottom of this once and for all.
Why Local Government Should Comply with Section 508
2/12/2004
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act applies to United States federal government websites and to the sites of those who do business with the federal government. State and local governments have frequently voluntarily adopted these standards, and a few have made Section 508 standards official policy (some have gone even further and adopted additional provisions of the WCAG). For those agencies not required to comply, it’s just common sense that they should.
While federal and state agencies have put much effort into egovernment, local agencies still lag behind. This is due to budget constraints, lack of staff, and different priorities. I think some agencies hope this Internet thing is a fad that will go away before they have to worry about it.
The bad news is the Internet is going to stick around — and residents and businesses are expecting their local government to provide the same level of service they get from federal and state agencies. This is a contrast to the past where the most responsive government was local. There is something disconcerting about the fact that the IRS website is easy-to-use while I can’t figure out how to pay a parking ticket in my city. The good news is that meeting constituent expectations can save time, money, and effort.