Content author: Office of Accessibility 

What year! A common expression when reflecting each January. But it rings true again for 2024, especially in the realm of digital accessibility. Two important standard updates impacted Minnesota government agencies and how they will provide accessible digital content to Minnesota residents:  

• The State of Minnesota’s Digital Accessibility Standard update (enacted July 1, 2024) 
• The US Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II rule (announced April 2024) 

Because of these important changes, we tailored our monthly newsletter content to these updates and their impacts. And have compiled the list for reference. Grab your favorite beverage and get ready to dive in!  

And as you review these again, or read them for the first time, bookmark the articles for future reference. Then make sure to sign up to receive future newsletters with even more digital accessibility content sent to your inbox each month. 

• February Topic: Update to State Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 
• June Topic (1): GAAD Recap: Minnesota’s Commitment to UX, CX, HCD, & A11y section   
• June Topic (2): Update to State of Minnesota’s Course for eLearning Accessible Word Document Training 
• October Topic (1): Using Built-In Software Accessibility Checkers – Part 1: Microsoft Word 
• October Topic (2): Using Built-In Software Accessibility Checkers – Part 2: Adobe Acrobat Pro 
• November Topic: Update to ADA’s Title II  

Collection of OoA 'WCAG 2.1 - Improving Digital Accessibility' Articles

As you review these again, or read them for the first time, bookmark the articles for future reference. Then make sure to sign up to receive future newsletters with even more digital accessibility content sent to your inbox each month.

• 1.3.4 Orientation (AA) - 5 Very Simple Steps You Can Take for Accessibility Improvement
• 1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose (AA) - WCAG 2.1 Makes Maps Easier to Use
• 1.4.10 Reflow (AA) - We have three articles on this criterion:
  • Oh Snap! Startling Discoveries When You Reflow Your PDF
  • Easy Read that will Demystify Tables, Reflow, and Magnification
  • Understanding WCAG 2.1’s Success Criteria 1.4.10 Reflow
• 1.4.11 Non-Text Contrast (AA) - We have two articles on this criterion:
  • More Attractive, Engaging, Accessible: How to Use Color with Intention
  • How to Improve Non-text Contrast: Color Schemes and Interface Components
• 1.4.12 Text Spacing (AA) - WCAG 2.1 Makes Maps Easier to Use
• 1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus (AA) - We have two articles on this criterion:
  • Data Visualization with WCAG 2.1: Content on Hover or Focus, and Pointer Gestures
  • WCAG 2.1 – Improving Digital Accessibility of Web Applications: 1.4.13 and 4.1.3
• 2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts (A) - WCAG 2.1 Developer Tips: Character Key Shortcuts and Label in Name
• 2.5.1 Pointer Gestures (A) - Data Visualization with WCAG 2.1: Content on Hover or Focus, and Pointer Gestures
• 2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation (A) - WCAG 2.1's Success Criteria for Pointer Cancellation: What is a Click?
• 2.5.3 Label in Name (A) - WCAG 2.1 Developer Tips: Character Key Shortcuts and Label in Name
• 2.5.4 Motion Actuation (A) - WCAG 2.1's Success Criteria for Motion Actuation: Don't rely on sensors
• 4.1.3 Status Messages (AA) - WCAG 2.1 – Improving Digital Accessibility of Web Applications: 1.4.13 and 4.1.3

Have an accessibility topic you’d like us to cover? Email us!