Web Design Update: September 30, 2025
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Laura Carlson
Sep 30, 2025, 2:36:18 PMSep 30
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+++ WEB DESIGN UPDATE.
- Volume 26, Issue 14, September 30, 2025.
An email newsletter to distribute news and information about web
design and development.
++ISSUE 14 CONTENTS.
SECTION ONE: New references.
What's new at the Web Design Reference site?
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/
New links in these categories:
01: ACCESSIBILITY.
02: CASCADING STYLE SHEETS.
03: EVENTS.
04: HTML.
05: JAVASCRIPT.
06: MISCELLANEOUS.
07: NAVIGATION.
08: TOOLS.
09: USABILITY.
10: WEBWASTE & SUSTAINABILITY.
SECTION TWO:
11: What Can You Find at the Web Design Reference Site?
[Contents ends.]
++ SECTION ONE: New references.
+01: ACCESSIBILITY.
Creating a Truly Accessible Flip Card
By James Edwards.
"This article describes an approach for creating accessible Flip Cards
- small blocks of content designed to resemble a playing card or
business card, or similar two-sided thing. They have front and back
'faces' and can be 'flipped' with a 3D rotation effect…"
https://www.tpgi.com/creating-a-truly-accessible-flip-card/
WCAG's Longevity
By Eric Eggert.
"…some aspects of WCAG have also been created under the premise of a
2005-era web that do not hold true for 2025. I think one of these
aspects is visible in this recent discussion about audio descriptions.
The discussion is about the requirements for audio description in
media that has no pauses to insert the audio description in. In
particular this is about SC 1.2.5 Audio Description (Pre-Recorded)…"
https://yatil.net/blog/wcags-longevity
Testing Methods: Non-text Contrast
By Dennis Deacon.
"…WCAG 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast is a Level AA conformance level
Success Criterion. It ensures that visual elements must have a
contrast ratio of at least 3:1 against adjacent colors in the
following cases…"
https://www.dennisdeacon.com/web/accessibility/testing-methods-non-text-contrast/
Testing Methods: Reflow
By Dennis Deacon.
"The goal is to support users with low vision, those using screen
magnification, or mobile users by making content responsive and
readable without needing to scroll side-to-side or lose access to key
features. Exceptions are allowed for parts of content where
two-dimensional layout is essential, such as maps or complex data
tables…"
https://www.dennisdeacon.com/web/accessibility/testing-methods-reflow/
Annotating Designs Using Common Language
By Craig Abbott.
"In most organisations, design documentation often includes
annotations, but accessibility-specific ones are still rare. That's a
missed opportunity. Annotating designs for accessibility helps
everyone involved understand what needs to be built, tested, and
maintained…"
https://tetralogical.com/blog/2025/09/23/annotating-designs-using-common-language/
Baby Steps Accessibility - PDFs
By Dennis Deacon.
"Before we begin, let me set expectations. This isn't a step-by-step
tutorial on how to remediate a PDF. Instead, my goal is to provide a
strategic framework, one that helps organizations prepare, prioritize,
and take meaningful action on PDF accessibility. And here's a reality
check: unless you've been creating accessible PDFs for years, chances
are most of your files are not accessible…"
https://www.dennisdeacon.com/web/accessibility/baby-steps-accessibility-pdfs/
I Completed an IT Degree… What's Accessibility?
By Serene Mishteler.
"Accessibility still hasn't found its place in the 'formal curriculum
requirements' of most institutions. So how do you learn about it?
That's a fair question and one I had to answer for myself…"
https://intopia.digital/articles/i-completed-an-it-degree-whats-accessibility/
Preparation for the Update to ADA's Title II Series: Accessibility as
a Workflow: A QA Perspective
By Minnesota IT Services.
"Build accessibility into your agency's workflow from the beginning…"
https://mn.gov/mnit/media/blog/?id=38-706623
GMU's Assistive Technology Initiative: The Highs, Lows, and 'I Don't
Knows' of our ADA Title II Efforts (Video)
By Korey Singleton, Kristine Neuber, and Robert Starr.
"…a candid panel discussion with members of George Mason University's
Assistive Technology Initiative (ATI) as they reflect on their roles
in the institution's ADA Title II Update efforts. We'll explore the
challenges of scaling accessibility across websites, digital
documents, and course content, while also highlighting strategies for
training, collaboration, and sustainable change. This session will
provide insights into how GMU is creating a plan to ensure compliance,
foster accountability, and provide equitable access for all…"
https://www.3playmedia.com/events/wbnr-09-25-2025-gmu/
When Accessibility Isn't Easy: Features That Need Love with Suzanne
Dergacheva (Video)
By A11yTalks.
"Not all parts of a website are equally straightforward when it comes
to accessibility. Some features - especially custom interactions like
maps, filters, calendars, and sliders - pose significant challenges
that can slow down a project if they're not identified early. In this
session, we'll explore real-world examples of features and design
patterns that often require additional attention to meet accessibility
standards."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNC4NodF6ac
Synthetic Speech in Audio Description - Is It Ready? (Video)
By John Paton and Jonny Marshall.
"Whilst there could be advantages to using synthetic speech for audio
description it is not always popular with AD users. RNIB conducted a
study alongside UK broadcasters to objectively determine whether the
quality of synthetic speech is currently good enough to voice audio
description. Using a MOS-based questionnaire and following up with a
focus group we uncovered insights into how synthetic speech measures
up to human voiced content and what the next steps might be to protect
the quality of audio description…"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iU3wQtwbq6Q
Inclusive Teams Make Inclusive Products (Video)
By Victoria Nduka.
"We'll discuss the gaps that show up when teams all look or think the
same, and how inclusion within teams creates space for more
thoughtful, usable, and human-centered products…"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpREBvrE_NY
Designing Neuro-Accessible Interfaces for Better User Engagement (Video)
By Piper Hutson.
"This talk explores how cognitive load theory can inform the design of
digital tools that support a wider range of users. By understanding
how working memory, attention, and information processing differ
across individuals, we'll examine practical ways to reduce cognitive
overload through multi-sensory feedback, clear visual hierarchies, and
adaptive user flows-improving engagement and usability for diverse
thinking styles…"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NYVIksCffU
The Gaps we Inherit (Video)
By Lola Odelola.
"What does accessibility interoperability look like? This talk
explores the edges of support between browsers, assistive tech, and
specs…"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idSl4JDhKuE
A False Sense of Accessibility: What Automated Testing Tools Are Missing (Video)
By Beau Vass.
"It's commonly understood that automated accessibility testing tools
can find around 20-30% of accessibility issues, but what does this
actually mean in practice? Beau takes a closer look at these tools
using specific examples, demonstrating the types of accessibility
issues automated testing tools won't find, why that is the case, and
how they could be giving you a false sense of accessibility…"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTtvETBVW48
W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) Update (Video)
By Shawn Lawton Henry and Kevin White.
"Join us to learn about continuing work on Web Content Accessibility
Guidelines (WCAG) 2, on WCAG 3 (it's a long way off), and activities
between 2 and 3. We'll also highlight updated resources to put WCAG
standards in perspective and focus on the user experiences of disabled
people, as well as the benefits for all - users, product owners,
society. Find out about resources and opportunities that support your
efforts to advance digital accessibility in your organization and
worldwide.…"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0BzCcTpODo
Accessible Data Visualization for Screen Reader User (Video)
By Jonathan Zong.
"As we increasingly rely on visualization to communicate about data,
lack of equitable information access for blind and low vision (BLV)
people can exclude people from important conversations. I work with
blind and low-vision collaborators and study participants to design
systems that support BLV users to independently conduct data
exploration without sighted assistance. In this talk, I will discuss
our work on designing richer screen reader experiences and accessible
interfaces for creating multimodal data representations…"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBxxvZ6bfkY
Beyond Compliance: The Economic Case for Digital Accessibility
By National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO).
"CIOs/state and local technology leaders will be given context about
the importance of digital accessibility, its benefits to state and
local economies and the repercussions of inaccessible platforms. They
will also be provided recommendations and ideas to improve
accessibility in their state…"
https://www.nascio.org/resource-center/resources/beyond-compliance-the-economic-case-for-digital-accessibility/
Shopify Accessibility Guide: WCAG Compliance for E-commerce Stores
By Raghavendra Satish Peri.
"This article will serve as a starter guide on making your Shopify or
eCommerce websites compliant with laws such as the ADA, EAA, Section
508, and more. Most of the practical techniques outlined here will
follow the guidance set by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
(WCAG) to ensure your Shopify websites meet WCAG 2.2 AA compliance…"
https://www.digitala11y.com/shopify-accessibility-guide-wcag-compliance-for-e-commerce-stores/
A Journey Through Global Accessibility Laws (Video & Session Materials)
By Nadine Charron, Katherine Eng, Susanna Laurin, and Jamie Strawbridge.
"…an informative journey as we explore the world of accessibility
laws! We'll travel across the globe to discover how different
countries are promoting ICT accessibility through legislation. Our
itinerary includes stops in the United States, Canada, and Europe,
where we'll highlight Section 508, ADA Title II Web Accessibility, the
Accessible Canada Act, and the European Accessibility Act."
https://www.accessibilityonline.org/cioc-508/archives/111180
DOJ Questioning the New Title II Web Regulation
By Ken Nakata.
"…'The Department now plans to publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(NPRM) to reconsider whether some of the regulatory provisions imposed
by the April 24, 2024 rule could be made less costly'…if you're
concerned, one practical step is to write to your U.S. senator or
representative. When members of Congress hear from constituents, they
raise those concerns with the Justice Department-and DOJ has to
respond. If enough voices are raised, DOJ may take the backlash
seriously…"
https://convergeaccessibility.com/2025/09/23/doj_questioning_the_new_title_ii_web_regulation/
Legal Update: September 2025
By Ken Nakata.
"…This past week also brought a shock with the DOJ's announcement that
they might reconsider the ADA Title II web accessibility regulation
(latest rumors are that any changes will be very minor). At least,
there have been fewer developments in the judiciary since there were
only a small number of interesting cases this month…"
https://convergeaccessibility.com/2025/09/29/legal-update-september-2025/
+02: CASCADING STYLE SHEETS.
The Best CSS Unit Might Be a Combination
By Miriam Suzanne.
"We don't have to choose between px and rem for spacing…"
https://www.oddbird.net/2025/09/23/type-units/
The 'Most Hated' CSS Feature: cos() and sin()
By Juan Diego Rodríguez.
"This shocks me, if I'm being honest. Are really trigonometric
functions really that hated? I know 'hated' is not the same as saying
something is 'worst', but it still has an awful ring to it. And I know
I'm being a little dramatic here, since only '9.1% of respondents
truly hate trigonometry.' But that's still too much shade being thrown
for my taste…"
https://css-tricks.com/the-most-hated-css-feature-cos-and-sin/
Styling Siblings With CSS Has Never Been Easier Experimenting With
Sibling-Count and Sibling-Index
By Brecht De Ruyte.
"If I were to divide CSS evolutions into categories, then last year
was probably the year that ended with animations and colors getting
better; This year, the end of the year seems to be about those
ease-of-life features. We had one of those not that long go with
:has(), but with things such as sibling-count, sibling-index,
functions, and conditionals, the way we write CSS might just change
for the better once again. In this article, I want to dip my toe in
sibling-index() and sibling-count(), while also carefully adding some
functions in the mix…"
https://utilitybend.com/blog/styling-siblings-with-CSS-has-never-been-easier.-Experimenting-with-sibling-count-and-sibling-index/
CSS Wish: Inner Breakpoints
By Axel Rauschmayer.
In this blog post, I'd like to talk about CSS: I wish it supported
inner breakpoints - breakpoints not for viewports or containers but
for HTML elements inside viewports or containers.
https://2ality.com/2025/09/css-inner-breakpoints.html
+03: EVENTS.
Part 2: Web Accessibility Basics - Manual Screen Reader Testing
October 29, 2025.
Online
https://accessingenuity.com/pages/webinar/part-2-web-accessibility-basics-manual-screen-reader-digital-accessibility-webinar
U.S. Access Board Meeting and Webcast
October 29, 2025.
Online
https://www.access-board.gov/news/2025/09/10/u-s-access-board-meeting-and-webcast-october-29/
Converge
October 30, 2025.
Brighton, England, United Kingdom
https://converge.zeroheight.com/
+04: HTML.
Screen Reader HTML Support - Lookup
By Steve Faulkner.
"Data source: screen-reader-HTML-support…new test and notes added…"
https://codepen.io/stevef/pen/ByoMebv
Let's Play Accordion With the HTML details Element
By Alexander Lehner.
"Managing content on a website can be challenging. You don't want to
overwhelm your users with too much information at once. One helpful
strategy is to place content in sections with show/hide functionality.
A typical example would be an FAQ page with a list of expandable
questions and answers. We can use the native <details> HTML element to
create such a disclosure widget…"
https://www.oidaisdes.org/lets-play-accordion.en/
Web Development for Beginners: Creating Web Pages via HTML
By Axel Rauschmayer.
"…Let's revisit the following HTML content: <h1>This is a level 1 heading</h1>…"
https://2ality.com/2025/09/html-basics.html
+05: JAVASCRIPT.
ARIA and Real World Dangers
By Dennis Deacon.
"…The trouble begins when developers lean on ARIA as a crutch rather
than a surgical solution…The lesson is clear: learn ARIA deeply before
deploying it broadly. HTML should always be the first tool of choice.
Use ARIA only when necessary, and only with precision. Done right, it
enhances accessibility. Done wrong, it undermines it…"
https://www.dennisdeacon.com/web/accessibility/aria-and-real-world-dangers/
ARIA Live Regions
By Nat Tarnoff.
"I've been encountering a pattern lately of developers trying to do
things right when it comes to live regions, but not understanding how
they essentially work. This tip is to provide a super high level on
how they function…"
http://tarnoff.info/2025/09/29/quick-tip-aria-live-regions/
+06: MISCELLANEOUS.
Why I Gave the World Wide Web Away for Free
By Tim Berners-Lee.
"My vision was based on sharing, not exploitation - and here's why
it's still worth fighting for…"
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/28/why-i-gave-the-world-wide-web-away-for-free
Autonomous Vehicle Accessibility: Good, Bad, and Game Changing (Video)
By Anthony Vasquez.
"William Gibson said, 'The future is already here. It's just not
evenly distributed yet.' The presence of autonomous vehicles is proof
of this. For disabled people generally, and blind people specifically,
getting to move about a large city without a human driver is both
exhilarating and a bit frightening. Anthony Vasquez shares firsthand
experiences of traveling in a Waymo robotaxi. Learn about the
accessibility of the Waymo One iOS app, barriers inside the vehicle,
and the freedom that this new technology may bring to disabled
travelers…"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2454IutpIQ
Designing for Deaf Space: Example of Japan's Starbucks Signing Store
By Julia Undeutsch.
"Last year, I visited Starbucks Japan's Signing Store in Tokyo-a café
designed by and for deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. More than just
a coffee shop, it's a powerful example of how design, technology, and
communication can come together to create an inclusive, accessible
space. In this talk, I'll explore what we can learn from it when
designing for Deaf Space and inclusive customer experiences…"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyEG4mVZUlA
+07: NAVIGATION.
Why Sticky Navigation Can Undermine Accessibility
By Sheri Byrne-Haber.
"…When implemented without consideration for accessibility, it almost
always interferes with screen readers and magnification, blocking
essential content and creating cognitive and physical barriers…"
https://buttondown.com/access-ability/archive/why-sticky-navigation-can-undermine-accessibility/
+08: TOOLS.
Able Player 4.7.0 & Able Player for WordPress 2.2.0 Released!
By Joe Dolson.
"The next release of Able Player is out today! This release continues
the process of modernizing Able Player, but also includes some useful
new key features. This release is synchronized with Able Player for
WordPress 2.2.0, which incorporates the features of the updated
player…"
https://www.joedolson.com/2025/09/able-player-4-7-0-able-player-for-wordpress-2-2-0-released/
Cambridge Subtitles for PowerPoint
By Sam Waller.
"Cambridge Subtitles for Powerpoint offers more inclusive options for
presenting PowerPoint slides…"
https://www.inclusivedesigntoolkit.com/presentations/
Accessibility Highlighter
By Afixt.
"A browser extension to highlight accessibility problems on the page,
giving a visual indication of what the problems are…"
https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/accessibility-highlighter/kjfamhljidgcfmnladbkkaiobmbneech
+09: USABILITY.
How Chunking Makes Content More Accessible
By Josh Crawford.
"This article explores chunking as a simple but powerful technique
that makes content more accessible by breaking information into
manageable pieces. It covers practical strategies, demonstrating how
these approaches reduce cognitive load for people who are dyslexic,
have ADHD, are autistic, or have memory impairments while improving
comprehension and engagement for all users…"
https://www.digitalaccesstraining.com/pages/articles?p=how-chunking-makes-content-more-accessible
Ditch Those Words!
By Robin Rendle.
"…Every word in a UI needs to act like a hammer, with each successive
word the interface should become clearer, more easily understood. If
you put a word like Explore in an interface it might make sense but
now add another navigation item like Discover beneath it and now both
words make no sense…"
https://robinrendle.com/notes/ditch-those-words/
+10: WEBWASTE & SUSTAINABILITY.
How To Minimize The Environmental Impact Of Your Website
By James Chudley.
"As responsible digital professionals, we are becoming increasingly
aware of the environmental impact of our work and need to find
effective and pragmatic ways to reduce it. James Chudley shares a new
decarbonising approach that will help you to minimise the
environmental impact of your website, benefiting people, profit,
purpose, performance, and the planet…"
https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2025/09/how-minimize-environmental-impact-website/
[Section one ends.]
++ SECTION TWO:
+11: What Can You Find at the Web Design Reference Site?
Accessibility Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/accessibility.html
Association Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/associations.html
Book Listings.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/books.html
Cascading Style Sheets Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/css.html
Color Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/color.html
Drupal Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/drupal.html
Evaluation & Testing Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/testing.html
Event Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/events.html
HTML Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/html.html
Information Architecture Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/architecture.html
JavaScript Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/javascript.html
Miscellaneous Web Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/misc.html
Navigation Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/navigation.html
PHP Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/php.html
Sites & Blogs Listing.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/sites.html
Standards, Guidelines & Pattern Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/standards.html
Tool Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/tools.html
Typography Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/type.html
Usability Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/usability.html
WebWaste & Sustainability Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/webwaste.html
XML Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/xml.html
[Section two ends.]
++END NOTES.
+ SUBSCRIPTION INFO.
WEB DESIGN UPDATE is available by subscription. For information on how
to subscribe and unsubscribe please visit:
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/webdev_listserv.html
The Web Design Reference Site also has a RSS 2.0 feed for site updates.
+ TEXT EMAIL NEWSLETTER (TEN).
As a navigation aid for screen readers we do our best to conform to
the accessible Text Email Newsletter (TEN) guidelines. Please let me
know if there is anything else we can do to make navigation easier.
For TEN guideline information please visit:
http://www.headstar.com/ten
+ SIGN OFF.
Until next time,
Laura L. Carlson
Information Technology Systems and Services
University of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, MN U.S.A. 55812-3009
mailto:lcar...@d.umn.edu
[Issue ends.]
- Volume 26, Issue 14, September 30, 2025.
An email newsletter to distribute news and information about web
design and development.
++ISSUE 14 CONTENTS.
SECTION ONE: New references.
What's new at the Web Design Reference site?
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/
New links in these categories:
01: ACCESSIBILITY.
02: CASCADING STYLE SHEETS.
03: EVENTS.
04: HTML.
05: JAVASCRIPT.
06: MISCELLANEOUS.
07: NAVIGATION.
08: TOOLS.
09: USABILITY.
10: WEBWASTE & SUSTAINABILITY.
SECTION TWO:
11: What Can You Find at the Web Design Reference Site?
[Contents ends.]
++ SECTION ONE: New references.
+01: ACCESSIBILITY.
Creating a Truly Accessible Flip Card
By James Edwards.
"This article describes an approach for creating accessible Flip Cards
- small blocks of content designed to resemble a playing card or
business card, or similar two-sided thing. They have front and back
'faces' and can be 'flipped' with a 3D rotation effect…"
https://www.tpgi.com/creating-a-truly-accessible-flip-card/
WCAG's Longevity
By Eric Eggert.
"…some aspects of WCAG have also been created under the premise of a
2005-era web that do not hold true for 2025. I think one of these
aspects is visible in this recent discussion about audio descriptions.
The discussion is about the requirements for audio description in
media that has no pauses to insert the audio description in. In
particular this is about SC 1.2.5 Audio Description (Pre-Recorded)…"
https://yatil.net/blog/wcags-longevity
Testing Methods: Non-text Contrast
By Dennis Deacon.
"…WCAG 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast is a Level AA conformance level
Success Criterion. It ensures that visual elements must have a
contrast ratio of at least 3:1 against adjacent colors in the
following cases…"
https://www.dennisdeacon.com/web/accessibility/testing-methods-non-text-contrast/
Testing Methods: Reflow
By Dennis Deacon.
"The goal is to support users with low vision, those using screen
magnification, or mobile users by making content responsive and
readable without needing to scroll side-to-side or lose access to key
features. Exceptions are allowed for parts of content where
two-dimensional layout is essential, such as maps or complex data
tables…"
https://www.dennisdeacon.com/web/accessibility/testing-methods-reflow/
Annotating Designs Using Common Language
By Craig Abbott.
"In most organisations, design documentation often includes
annotations, but accessibility-specific ones are still rare. That's a
missed opportunity. Annotating designs for accessibility helps
everyone involved understand what needs to be built, tested, and
maintained…"
https://tetralogical.com/blog/2025/09/23/annotating-designs-using-common-language/
Baby Steps Accessibility - PDFs
By Dennis Deacon.
"Before we begin, let me set expectations. This isn't a step-by-step
tutorial on how to remediate a PDF. Instead, my goal is to provide a
strategic framework, one that helps organizations prepare, prioritize,
and take meaningful action on PDF accessibility. And here's a reality
check: unless you've been creating accessible PDFs for years, chances
are most of your files are not accessible…"
https://www.dennisdeacon.com/web/accessibility/baby-steps-accessibility-pdfs/
I Completed an IT Degree… What's Accessibility?
By Serene Mishteler.
"Accessibility still hasn't found its place in the 'formal curriculum
requirements' of most institutions. So how do you learn about it?
That's a fair question and one I had to answer for myself…"
https://intopia.digital/articles/i-completed-an-it-degree-whats-accessibility/
Preparation for the Update to ADA's Title II Series: Accessibility as
a Workflow: A QA Perspective
By Minnesota IT Services.
"Build accessibility into your agency's workflow from the beginning…"
https://mn.gov/mnit/media/blog/?id=38-706623
GMU's Assistive Technology Initiative: The Highs, Lows, and 'I Don't
Knows' of our ADA Title II Efforts (Video)
By Korey Singleton, Kristine Neuber, and Robert Starr.
"…a candid panel discussion with members of George Mason University's
Assistive Technology Initiative (ATI) as they reflect on their roles
in the institution's ADA Title II Update efforts. We'll explore the
challenges of scaling accessibility across websites, digital
documents, and course content, while also highlighting strategies for
training, collaboration, and sustainable change. This session will
provide insights into how GMU is creating a plan to ensure compliance,
foster accountability, and provide equitable access for all…"
https://www.3playmedia.com/events/wbnr-09-25-2025-gmu/
When Accessibility Isn't Easy: Features That Need Love with Suzanne
Dergacheva (Video)
By A11yTalks.
"Not all parts of a website are equally straightforward when it comes
to accessibility. Some features - especially custom interactions like
maps, filters, calendars, and sliders - pose significant challenges
that can slow down a project if they're not identified early. In this
session, we'll explore real-world examples of features and design
patterns that often require additional attention to meet accessibility
standards."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNC4NodF6ac
Synthetic Speech in Audio Description - Is It Ready? (Video)
By John Paton and Jonny Marshall.
"Whilst there could be advantages to using synthetic speech for audio
description it is not always popular with AD users. RNIB conducted a
study alongside UK broadcasters to objectively determine whether the
quality of synthetic speech is currently good enough to voice audio
description. Using a MOS-based questionnaire and following up with a
focus group we uncovered insights into how synthetic speech measures
up to human voiced content and what the next steps might be to protect
the quality of audio description…"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iU3wQtwbq6Q
Inclusive Teams Make Inclusive Products (Video)
By Victoria Nduka.
"We'll discuss the gaps that show up when teams all look or think the
same, and how inclusion within teams creates space for more
thoughtful, usable, and human-centered products…"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpREBvrE_NY
Designing Neuro-Accessible Interfaces for Better User Engagement (Video)
By Piper Hutson.
"This talk explores how cognitive load theory can inform the design of
digital tools that support a wider range of users. By understanding
how working memory, attention, and information processing differ
across individuals, we'll examine practical ways to reduce cognitive
overload through multi-sensory feedback, clear visual hierarchies, and
adaptive user flows-improving engagement and usability for diverse
thinking styles…"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NYVIksCffU
The Gaps we Inherit (Video)
By Lola Odelola.
"What does accessibility interoperability look like? This talk
explores the edges of support between browsers, assistive tech, and
specs…"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idSl4JDhKuE
A False Sense of Accessibility: What Automated Testing Tools Are Missing (Video)
By Beau Vass.
"It's commonly understood that automated accessibility testing tools
can find around 20-30% of accessibility issues, but what does this
actually mean in practice? Beau takes a closer look at these tools
using specific examples, demonstrating the types of accessibility
issues automated testing tools won't find, why that is the case, and
how they could be giving you a false sense of accessibility…"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTtvETBVW48
W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) Update (Video)
By Shawn Lawton Henry and Kevin White.
"Join us to learn about continuing work on Web Content Accessibility
Guidelines (WCAG) 2, on WCAG 3 (it's a long way off), and activities
between 2 and 3. We'll also highlight updated resources to put WCAG
standards in perspective and focus on the user experiences of disabled
people, as well as the benefits for all - users, product owners,
society. Find out about resources and opportunities that support your
efforts to advance digital accessibility in your organization and
worldwide.…"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0BzCcTpODo
Accessible Data Visualization for Screen Reader User (Video)
By Jonathan Zong.
"As we increasingly rely on visualization to communicate about data,
lack of equitable information access for blind and low vision (BLV)
people can exclude people from important conversations. I work with
blind and low-vision collaborators and study participants to design
systems that support BLV users to independently conduct data
exploration without sighted assistance. In this talk, I will discuss
our work on designing richer screen reader experiences and accessible
interfaces for creating multimodal data representations…"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBxxvZ6bfkY
Beyond Compliance: The Economic Case for Digital Accessibility
By National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO).
"CIOs/state and local technology leaders will be given context about
the importance of digital accessibility, its benefits to state and
local economies and the repercussions of inaccessible platforms. They
will also be provided recommendations and ideas to improve
accessibility in their state…"
https://www.nascio.org/resource-center/resources/beyond-compliance-the-economic-case-for-digital-accessibility/
Shopify Accessibility Guide: WCAG Compliance for E-commerce Stores
By Raghavendra Satish Peri.
"This article will serve as a starter guide on making your Shopify or
eCommerce websites compliant with laws such as the ADA, EAA, Section
508, and more. Most of the practical techniques outlined here will
follow the guidance set by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
(WCAG) to ensure your Shopify websites meet WCAG 2.2 AA compliance…"
https://www.digitala11y.com/shopify-accessibility-guide-wcag-compliance-for-e-commerce-stores/
A Journey Through Global Accessibility Laws (Video & Session Materials)
By Nadine Charron, Katherine Eng, Susanna Laurin, and Jamie Strawbridge.
"…an informative journey as we explore the world of accessibility
laws! We'll travel across the globe to discover how different
countries are promoting ICT accessibility through legislation. Our
itinerary includes stops in the United States, Canada, and Europe,
where we'll highlight Section 508, ADA Title II Web Accessibility, the
Accessible Canada Act, and the European Accessibility Act."
https://www.accessibilityonline.org/cioc-508/archives/111180
DOJ Questioning the New Title II Web Regulation
By Ken Nakata.
"…'The Department now plans to publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(NPRM) to reconsider whether some of the regulatory provisions imposed
by the April 24, 2024 rule could be made less costly'…if you're
concerned, one practical step is to write to your U.S. senator or
representative. When members of Congress hear from constituents, they
raise those concerns with the Justice Department-and DOJ has to
respond. If enough voices are raised, DOJ may take the backlash
seriously…"
https://convergeaccessibility.com/2025/09/23/doj_questioning_the_new_title_ii_web_regulation/
Legal Update: September 2025
By Ken Nakata.
"…This past week also brought a shock with the DOJ's announcement that
they might reconsider the ADA Title II web accessibility regulation
(latest rumors are that any changes will be very minor). At least,
there have been fewer developments in the judiciary since there were
only a small number of interesting cases this month…"
https://convergeaccessibility.com/2025/09/29/legal-update-september-2025/
+02: CASCADING STYLE SHEETS.
The Best CSS Unit Might Be a Combination
By Miriam Suzanne.
"We don't have to choose between px and rem for spacing…"
https://www.oddbird.net/2025/09/23/type-units/
The 'Most Hated' CSS Feature: cos() and sin()
By Juan Diego Rodríguez.
"This shocks me, if I'm being honest. Are really trigonometric
functions really that hated? I know 'hated' is not the same as saying
something is 'worst', but it still has an awful ring to it. And I know
I'm being a little dramatic here, since only '9.1% of respondents
truly hate trigonometry.' But that's still too much shade being thrown
for my taste…"
https://css-tricks.com/the-most-hated-css-feature-cos-and-sin/
Styling Siblings With CSS Has Never Been Easier Experimenting With
Sibling-Count and Sibling-Index
By Brecht De Ruyte.
"If I were to divide CSS evolutions into categories, then last year
was probably the year that ended with animations and colors getting
better; This year, the end of the year seems to be about those
ease-of-life features. We had one of those not that long go with
:has(), but with things such as sibling-count, sibling-index,
functions, and conditionals, the way we write CSS might just change
for the better once again. In this article, I want to dip my toe in
sibling-index() and sibling-count(), while also carefully adding some
functions in the mix…"
https://utilitybend.com/blog/styling-siblings-with-CSS-has-never-been-easier.-Experimenting-with-sibling-count-and-sibling-index/
CSS Wish: Inner Breakpoints
By Axel Rauschmayer.
In this blog post, I'd like to talk about CSS: I wish it supported
inner breakpoints - breakpoints not for viewports or containers but
for HTML elements inside viewports or containers.
https://2ality.com/2025/09/css-inner-breakpoints.html
+03: EVENTS.
Part 2: Web Accessibility Basics - Manual Screen Reader Testing
October 29, 2025.
Online
https://accessingenuity.com/pages/webinar/part-2-web-accessibility-basics-manual-screen-reader-digital-accessibility-webinar
U.S. Access Board Meeting and Webcast
October 29, 2025.
Online
https://www.access-board.gov/news/2025/09/10/u-s-access-board-meeting-and-webcast-october-29/
Converge
October 30, 2025.
Brighton, England, United Kingdom
https://converge.zeroheight.com/
+04: HTML.
Screen Reader HTML Support - Lookup
By Steve Faulkner.
"Data source: screen-reader-HTML-support…new test and notes added…"
https://codepen.io/stevef/pen/ByoMebv
Let's Play Accordion With the HTML details Element
By Alexander Lehner.
"Managing content on a website can be challenging. You don't want to
overwhelm your users with too much information at once. One helpful
strategy is to place content in sections with show/hide functionality.
A typical example would be an FAQ page with a list of expandable
questions and answers. We can use the native <details> HTML element to
create such a disclosure widget…"
https://www.oidaisdes.org/lets-play-accordion.en/
Web Development for Beginners: Creating Web Pages via HTML
By Axel Rauschmayer.
"…Let's revisit the following HTML content: <h1>This is a level 1 heading</h1>…"
https://2ality.com/2025/09/html-basics.html
+05: JAVASCRIPT.
ARIA and Real World Dangers
By Dennis Deacon.
"…The trouble begins when developers lean on ARIA as a crutch rather
than a surgical solution…The lesson is clear: learn ARIA deeply before
deploying it broadly. HTML should always be the first tool of choice.
Use ARIA only when necessary, and only with precision. Done right, it
enhances accessibility. Done wrong, it undermines it…"
https://www.dennisdeacon.com/web/accessibility/aria-and-real-world-dangers/
ARIA Live Regions
By Nat Tarnoff.
"I've been encountering a pattern lately of developers trying to do
things right when it comes to live regions, but not understanding how
they essentially work. This tip is to provide a super high level on
how they function…"
http://tarnoff.info/2025/09/29/quick-tip-aria-live-regions/
+06: MISCELLANEOUS.
Why I Gave the World Wide Web Away for Free
By Tim Berners-Lee.
"My vision was based on sharing, not exploitation - and here's why
it's still worth fighting for…"
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/28/why-i-gave-the-world-wide-web-away-for-free
Autonomous Vehicle Accessibility: Good, Bad, and Game Changing (Video)
By Anthony Vasquez.
"William Gibson said, 'The future is already here. It's just not
evenly distributed yet.' The presence of autonomous vehicles is proof
of this. For disabled people generally, and blind people specifically,
getting to move about a large city without a human driver is both
exhilarating and a bit frightening. Anthony Vasquez shares firsthand
experiences of traveling in a Waymo robotaxi. Learn about the
accessibility of the Waymo One iOS app, barriers inside the vehicle,
and the freedom that this new technology may bring to disabled
travelers…"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2454IutpIQ
Designing for Deaf Space: Example of Japan's Starbucks Signing Store
By Julia Undeutsch.
"Last year, I visited Starbucks Japan's Signing Store in Tokyo-a café
designed by and for deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. More than just
a coffee shop, it's a powerful example of how design, technology, and
communication can come together to create an inclusive, accessible
space. In this talk, I'll explore what we can learn from it when
designing for Deaf Space and inclusive customer experiences…"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyEG4mVZUlA
+07: NAVIGATION.
Why Sticky Navigation Can Undermine Accessibility
By Sheri Byrne-Haber.
"…When implemented without consideration for accessibility, it almost
always interferes with screen readers and magnification, blocking
essential content and creating cognitive and physical barriers…"
https://buttondown.com/access-ability/archive/why-sticky-navigation-can-undermine-accessibility/
+08: TOOLS.
Able Player 4.7.0 & Able Player for WordPress 2.2.0 Released!
By Joe Dolson.
"The next release of Able Player is out today! This release continues
the process of modernizing Able Player, but also includes some useful
new key features. This release is synchronized with Able Player for
WordPress 2.2.0, which incorporates the features of the updated
player…"
https://www.joedolson.com/2025/09/able-player-4-7-0-able-player-for-wordpress-2-2-0-released/
Cambridge Subtitles for PowerPoint
By Sam Waller.
"Cambridge Subtitles for Powerpoint offers more inclusive options for
presenting PowerPoint slides…"
https://www.inclusivedesigntoolkit.com/presentations/
Accessibility Highlighter
By Afixt.
"A browser extension to highlight accessibility problems on the page,
giving a visual indication of what the problems are…"
https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/accessibility-highlighter/kjfamhljidgcfmnladbkkaiobmbneech
+09: USABILITY.
How Chunking Makes Content More Accessible
By Josh Crawford.
"This article explores chunking as a simple but powerful technique
that makes content more accessible by breaking information into
manageable pieces. It covers practical strategies, demonstrating how
these approaches reduce cognitive load for people who are dyslexic,
have ADHD, are autistic, or have memory impairments while improving
comprehension and engagement for all users…"
https://www.digitalaccesstraining.com/pages/articles?p=how-chunking-makes-content-more-accessible
Ditch Those Words!
By Robin Rendle.
"…Every word in a UI needs to act like a hammer, with each successive
word the interface should become clearer, more easily understood. If
you put a word like Explore in an interface it might make sense but
now add another navigation item like Discover beneath it and now both
words make no sense…"
https://robinrendle.com/notes/ditch-those-words/
+10: WEBWASTE & SUSTAINABILITY.
How To Minimize The Environmental Impact Of Your Website
By James Chudley.
"As responsible digital professionals, we are becoming increasingly
aware of the environmental impact of our work and need to find
effective and pragmatic ways to reduce it. James Chudley shares a new
decarbonising approach that will help you to minimise the
environmental impact of your website, benefiting people, profit,
purpose, performance, and the planet…"
https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2025/09/how-minimize-environmental-impact-website/
[Section one ends.]
++ SECTION TWO:
+11: What Can You Find at the Web Design Reference Site?
Accessibility Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/accessibility.html
Association Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/associations.html
Book Listings.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/books.html
Cascading Style Sheets Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/css.html
Color Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/color.html
Drupal Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/drupal.html
Evaluation & Testing Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/testing.html
Event Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/events.html
HTML Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/html.html
Information Architecture Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/architecture.html
JavaScript Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/javascript.html
Miscellaneous Web Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/misc.html
Navigation Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/navigation.html
PHP Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/php.html
Sites & Blogs Listing.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/sites.html
Standards, Guidelines & Pattern Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/standards.html
Tool Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/tools.html
Typography Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/type.html
Usability Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/usability.html
WebWaste & Sustainability Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/webwaste.html
XML Information.
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/xml.html
[Section two ends.]
++END NOTES.
+ SUBSCRIPTION INFO.
WEB DESIGN UPDATE is available by subscription. For information on how
to subscribe and unsubscribe please visit:
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/webdesign/webdev_listserv.html
The Web Design Reference Site also has a RSS 2.0 feed for site updates.
+ TEXT EMAIL NEWSLETTER (TEN).
As a navigation aid for screen readers we do our best to conform to
the accessible Text Email Newsletter (TEN) guidelines. Please let me
know if there is anything else we can do to make navigation easier.
For TEN guideline information please visit:
http://www.headstar.com/ten
+ SIGN OFF.
Until next time,
Laura L. Carlson
Information Technology Systems and Services
University of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, MN U.S.A. 55812-3009
mailto:lcar...@d.umn.edu
[Issue ends.]
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