There are a number of available resources and tools to assist with Common Look and Feel for the Internet (CLF) 2.0 and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.
WET Version 2.2 (v2.2) Released!
The Web Experience Toolkit (WET) is a collection of tools and solutions that enable web developers to create and maintain innovative Websites that are accessible, usable, and interoperable. WET is led by TBS and collaboratively developed and maintained by Government of Canada (GC) departments and external Web communities.
WET is comprised of a core framework, themes, and modular features. Furthermore, WET conforms to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0) AA and leverages both HTML5 and the Accessible Rich Internet Applications (WAI-ARIA) to further enhance accessibility. WET is available in HTML5 and XHTML 1.0 Strict versions.
Version 2.2 has been released with 53 features (16 new and 37 updated). The following benefits apply to each of these features:
- Conforms to WCAG 2.0 AA
- Progressive enhancement approach
- Supports Firefox, Opera, Safari, Chrome, and IE 6+
Standard on Web Accessibility Released
The Standard on Web Accessibility came into effect on August 1, 2011 and will be implemented in three phases over a two-year period.
The Standard on Web Accessibility is accompanied by a guidance document to facilitate implementation by July 31, 2013. The supporting guidance provides useful direction to senior departmental officials, who are responsible for supporting deputy heads in adhering to the requirements of the Standard on Web Accessibility. Additional information on specific deliverables, tools, solutions and upcoming reporting requirements is also provided through the Web Experience Toolkit (WET).
Departments should start converting existing content immediately according to the implementation plan in the Standard, giving priority to core web pages and important information and services for individuals and businesses, including rights and benefits. All new web pages published post-October 1, 2011, must immediately conform to the Standard on Web Accessibility.
The Secretariat is planning to release a separate Standard on Web Usability shortly. The implementation schedule will follow a similar two-year period as the Standard on Web Accessibility.
In the interim, departments should continue to clean up their Web presences, removing redundant, outdated and trivial content in preparation for both of these standards. In this regard, consideration should be given to archiving websites that are no longer relevant, and the consolidation of websites should be explored.
By applying the Standard on Web Accessibility, the Government will be making its online information and services increasingly accessible to all Canadians.
Source: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca and http://globalaccessibilitynews.com
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