The recent CHORUS Forum on Supporting Accessibility served as a pivotal platform for discussions around the imperative of making scholarly communications more inclusive. Scholars and industry experts convened to explore ways to enhance accessibility in academic content, considering the broader implications of equitable access in the realm of scientific knowledge.
The forum gained particular significance in the context of the U.S. Office of Science and Technology Policy’s (OSTP’s) 2022 public access mandate, which underscores the importance of ensuring equal access to all publicly funded research. Panelists at the CHORUS Forum delved into the multifaceted challenges surrounding accessibility, offering insights and perspectives on this critical issue.
Bill Kasdorf, Principal of Kasdorf & Associates, LLC, and a prominent accessibility advocate, moderated the session, acknowledging the increasing attention the industry is giving to accessibility. He highlighted that embedding accessibility standards into universal systems like HTML, ePub, and CSS is contributing to a positive trend, although the issue is far from being completely resolved. Kasdorf emphasized that accessibility should not be viewed as a binary concept, considering the diverse array of disabilities that impact individuals' content consumption.
Stacy Scott, Accessibility Officer at Taylor and Francis, shared her personal experiences as a visually impaired student and the challenges she faced with inaccessible digital content. Scott expressed optimism about the progress being made, citing initiatives like Bookshare, which provides accessible digital content for individuals with disabilities. She acknowledged the impact of web standards such as the Marrakesh Treaty, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, the Bennet X Global EU Certified Accessible Program, and the European Accessibility Act.
The discussion turned to the importance of alt text, hidden descriptions accompanying images or diagrams in web layouts. This was highlighted as a crucial aspect of accessibility, making content not only accessible but also discoverable. Alt text examples and guidance were provided, reinforcing the significance of inclusive experiences for all.
Kathryn Miller, Publishing Services Librarian at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), shared insights from a library and governmental perspective. Miller emphasized the necessity of making scholarly content accessible from the authorship stage, involving authors in the process. NIST employs various outreach methods and tools, including detailed information on its website, weekly posts on Microsoft Teams, publishing requirements, and training on accessibility topics.
Jamie Axelrod, Director of Disability Resources at Northern Arizona University (NAU), discussed the importance of creating accessible content from the outset to avoid the substantial effort required to rectify accessibility issues later. Axelrod emphasized the importance of considering users' familiarity with accessibility tools and highlighted tools like Ally, which aids in understanding and converting files into more accessible formats.
The panel concluded with a Q&A session, addressing topics such as alt text guidelines, the need for tools for reviewers and editors, and ensuring equitable access to research outputs. The participants underscored the varied meanings of "accessibility" and its pivotal role in ensuring scientific knowledge is accessible to all.
The forum emphasized that accessibility is not just about gaining access to open works but also encompasses the tools through which that access is provided. The commitment to accessibility remains at the core of ensuring science is available and practicable for everyone.
A recording of the event and all presentations can be found on the event page.
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