Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Libraries: Able Access: Web Accessibility Assessments 2021

The South Carolina State Library is offering Website Accessibility Assessments through the Able Access Project, available to public libraries in South Carolina. These assessments will help ensure that the library websites are accessible to all members of the public, including those with disabilities, and that legal standards for website accessibility are followed. There will be up to four recipients, which will be determined based on completeness of the project application, demonstrated need, and project readiness.

A project application, if accepted, will result in a website accessibility assessment provided by Able South Carolina.  Web testers with disabilities, screen reader users, and IT professionals will test the following web pages:

• Home Page
• Contact Us Form OR Subscribe Form whichever has more fields
• Events Calendar
  • Individual Event Listing
• Locations Landing Page (if applicable)
  • Individual Location Page (if applicable)
• About Page (maybe landing or sub-page)
• 1 Hosted Document
• 2 Additional Pages featuring diverse content recommended by the library

Able South Carolina will produce a comprehensive report identifying any areas that fail to meet WCAG 2.0 Standards and provide recommendations to correct each issue. 

Able South Carolina will also provide a 1-hour virtual training recommended for library leadership and staff who are involved in decisions related to the website, social media, or virtual services.

This project does not include funding for website improvements. The South Carolina State Library will provide consultative support and encourages libraries to address any issues that the assessments identify.

Applications are due April 1, 2021 Project recipient announcements will be made by April 15, 2021.  Assessments will be completed by June 1, 2021.

SUPPORT PROVIDED BY THE STATE LIBRARY

For one-on-one assistance writing the application, contact Wendy Coplen, Grants Administrator.  Contact Caroline Smith, Inclusive Services Consultant, with any additional questions.