Accessibility on the web is not just a desirable feature; it is a necessity. For institutions like SMU, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can access and navigate their web content is paramount. Behind this crucial endeavor stands Beth Andresen, the Associate Director of Web Development in Web Application Services at SMU.
With over a decade of experience at the university and a fervent dedication to accessibility, Beth plays an important role in bridging the gap between policy and practice in web accessibility. SMU’s commitment to web accessibility traces back to 2019 when the university adopted its Web Accessibility Policy. This policy laid the foundation for a comprehensive approach to digital accessibility, encompassing the university’s hundreds of webpages. With funding allocated to support this initiative from the Faculty Technology Council, SMU invested in tools and platforms essential for detecting and rectifying accessibility issues.
Beth’s journey into the realm of web accessibility is marked by expertise and passion. Equipped with a certification in Accessibility Core Competencies from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, she embarked on a mission to make SMU’s digital landscape inclusive for all. Beth’s role involves meticulously reviewing SMU’s webpages for code-based accessibility errors, utilizing tools like DubBot, an automated scanning service, and more recently, the results of a manual accessibility review conducted by Allyant.
In February of this year, Allyant compiled a list of accessibility issues they found on some of the key pages such as the SMU home page, and Admission page to be corrected. Beth estimates that by the end of this year she should have all issues related to framework code resolved. Allyant’s useful dashboard offers detailed notes on the issues as she corrects with coding behind the scenes. This can be helpful if an individual is using assistive technologies like eye tracking software or a screen reader. Issues that were barriers for them are being addressed and corrected.
For Beth, accessibility is not just a professional duty but a personal commitment. Beth shared with us, “I am pretty passionate about these efforts. I previously worked with someone who was blind. My colleague used a screen reader, and I learned first hand of the impact to someone when sites are not built correctly.” Beth’s experience continues to fuel her dedication to crafting digital experiences that are inclusive and user-friendly for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
As SMU continues its journey towards digital inclusivity, Beth continues to champion accessibility at every turn. With ongoing manual accessibility reviews conducted by Allyant and continuous collaboration with others across the university, SMU is poised to set new standards in web accessibility.
