Project Title:
Comprehensive Website Redesign and Accessibility Integration for Disability Hub MN
Industry:
Nonprofit - Disability Services
Technologies and Tools:
Umbraco CMS, Able Player, Various Web Form Integrations
Client:
Disability Hub MN (“the Hub”) is a free, statewide resource network for people with disabilities and their supporters. The Hub provides a centralized platform to help individuals solve problems, navigate systems, and plan for their futures by offering information on various topics, including housing, jobs, and financial management. Accessibility is a critical component of the Hub, as many of its users rely on accommodations like screen readers and keyboard navigation.
Challenges:
Navigating Minnesota's various programs and services can be complex and overwhelming for individuals with disabilities. The existing Disability Hub MN website needed a comprehensive redesign to enhance usability, accessibility, and functionality. Key challenges included:
- A need for a user-friendly and accessible platform.
- Integration of multiple data systems for tracking website activity and user interactions.
- Ensuring the website accommodates various assistive technologies used by the target audience.
Solution:
Disability Hub MN collaborated with Emergent Software and LN Design Co. to develop a modern, accessible website using Umbraco CMS, chosen for its compatibility with the Hub team's content management experience and ease of integrating accessibility features. The new site serves as a one-stop shop for resources, offering both high-level information and direct links to services across Minnesota.
Key features of the solution included:
Platform Selection and Integration: Umbraco CMS was selected to provide a flexible, accessible content management platform, allowing for the seamless addition of accessibility features critical to the Hub’s audience.
Accessibility Enhancements: The project team incorporated extensive accessibility features, including:
- An accessibility JavaScript-based player called Able Player for text-based video descriptions, closed captions, and video transcripts.
- Keyboard navigation and screen-reader optimizations across all site elements.
- A high-contrast color palette to support visually impaired users.
Custom Integrations: To ensure seamless user experiences, various integrations bridged the gap between existing data systems, allowing user information to flow back into the Hub’s records and enabling single sign-on capabilities across partner sites.
WCAG Accessibility: A third-party Minneapolis-based accessibility consulting firm was engaged to provide expert guidance on WCAG Accessibility compliance, bringing real-world usability feedback from individuals with disabilities. This collaboration ensured that accessibility was not only a compliance requirement but an integral part of the user experience from the start of the project.
Results:
After almost a year of development, the new Disability Hub MN website launched successfully, offering a highly accessible and user-friendly experience. The site has been positively received by both the team and users, enhancing the Hub's ability to serve Minnesotans with disabilities. Emergent Software gained valuable insights into accessibility best practices, reinforcing the importance of inclusive design.
Technologies Used
