Topic 1: SkipTo.js, a Modern Way to Implement the “Bypass Blocks” Accessibility Requirement

Providing a mechanism to bypass blocks of content has been an accessibility requirement from the early days of the web. Little has changed regarding the techniques used to satisfy the requirement over the past 20 years, while much has changed in the technologies of the web. SkipTo is a major advancement in implementing the “bypass blocks” requirement using existing document structural elements. Version 3.0 is a complete rewrite of the SkipTo code and a significant update to the user experience.

Come learn how to make your website more accessible to keyboard users and help everyone learn more about accessibility!

Topic 2: Focus management for onload confirmation dialogs

As it's becoming more common for many sites to automatically display a confirmation dialog on page load (especially with Cookie Notices), it's important to consider how to handle the browser's focus once that dialog is dismissed. We'll discuss the pros and cons of a few possible approaches.

We’re always looking for websites and topics to discuss! Email us any time and we’ll add your site/topic to the agenda for an upcoming meeting.

Chris Lehman and Vance Martin will join us to discuss their work on making accessible Performance Metrics dashboards for the Board of Trustees. In consultation with Vance Martin, Chris enhanced embedded Tableau dashboards with the goal of moving from accommodation to true accessibility, with a special emphasis on the experience of screen reader users. Join us to learn about Chris' journey to more accessible dashboards!

Feel free to bring any web projects that need to be evaluated from an accessibility perspective or topics that are on your mind! (As always, please send us URLs for web sites/applications in advance so we can be  prepared to discuss any issues or questions.)

We’re always looking for websites and topics to discuss! Email us any time and we’ll add your site/topic to the agenda for an upcoming meeting.

Melissa Waller is working with a team of colleagues from various colleges and departments across campus to create a new Illinois theme template for PIE (Publish.Illinois.Edu). They would love to have us look at the version they’ve created so far, which they’re in the process of soft launching. There are lots of upgrades and fixes to come, and they welcome input on the theme to include in those future updates!

We’re always looking for websites and topics to discuss! Email us any time and we’ll add your site/topic to the agenda for an upcoming meeting.

Tim Offenstein has spent the past several months working with the Rokwire team to develop 2 mobile apps: the Illinois app and the Safer Illinois app. He will talk about the lessons learned from that experience and, along with Hadi Rangin, demonstrate testing techniques in the mobile environment.

This is Tim's final EWH before he retires later this month. Join us to wish him a fond farewell!

We’re always looking for websites and topics to discuss! Email us any time and we’ll add your site/topic to the agenda for an upcoming meeting.