Accessible Technical Architecture
A Strategic Approach to Accessibility
By the far the most effective way to make an accessible environment is to build accessibility from the ground up. Just as it is easier to build physical wheelchair ramps while the cement is wet, "e-ramps" are being designed and incorporated into the federated architecture of the Government On-Line initiative while it is being developed.
Frequently, corporate IM/IT systems inadvertently create barriers to persons with disabilities, preventing them from being as productive as they could be as employees. If and when this becomes apparent, the problem is often treated with isolated "band-aid" accommodations that give little thought to the organization as a whole or effective long term human resource management.
We at E-Ramp Inc. believe technology barriers can be overcome more efficiently and effectively by using a three-tier approach to creating accommodated technical environments.
- Tier 1: Assistive technology
- Tier 2: Technological environment
- Tier 3: Content/information
All stakeholders need to be involved in building an accessible environment, including human resources, procurement, information technology, management and co-workers.