Web 2.0 technologies (a.k.a. new media) provide opportunities for agencies to disseminate and collect information in new and exciting ways. Wikis, blogs and social networking sites are all examples of connecting people electronically. Agencies are already working on policies, regulations and guidance on the use of Web 2.0 media.
But what about existing regulations – such as Section 508. Well, as it turns out Web 2.0 technologies are mostly new uses and combinations of existing “Web 1.0″ technologies! According to Wikipedia, “It does not refer to an update to any technical specifications, but to changes in the ways software developers and end-users utilize the Web.” Therefore, Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) accessibility considerations for Web 2.0 should be in part be based on existing EIT accessibility standards. While existing Section 508 technical requirements may apply to Web 2.0 technology, it likely to be in new combinations and ways to fit the physical and functional characteristics of the new technologies. We view the world of Web 2.0 as:
- Social networking
- Collaboration, Co-Inventing and Problem Solving
- Publishing and Enterprise Search
- Virtual Worlds
This is the latest post fromt the Accessibility Forum 2.0 blog. Upcoming posts will explore accessibility in each of these categories. Stay tuned and get in on the discussion!
Honestly that’s one of the reasons I transitioned to new media from old media because the unwillingness of old media to adapt and get on board with new things and new ways of doing things. I know it freaking for organizations to dive in but what makes social media any different if we monitor it and are slow to do things the same way old media is?