The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) at the Library of Congress recently rolled out an updated website at https://www.loc.gov/nls. Several years ago, Artemis Consulting was awarded a multi-year contract to provide direct development support, in which they leveraged existing library technologies and methodologies, to build a fully accessible content management system-based website.
NLS had several important reasons for updating the website, including the desire to attract younger visitors and others who are trying to reach NLS on mobile devices, as well as to maximize usability for those with low vision by updating the site with contrast tools and font-size adjustments.
Given the NLS mission to serve individuals who are blind, have reduced vision, and have other physical disabilities that prevent them from reading regular print, accessibility was the most important factor for the public-facing website. The updated NLS website is constructed to provide NLS’ customers with an easy-to-navigate online experience. The site provides important information about NLS’ services in a more visually accessible and appealing manner than the previous site. One key feature of the revised site is that the WordPress administration modules are also developed on a platform that is accessible for those playing an administrative role.
In addition, the modernized site now meets WCAG 2.0 specifications, a rigorous international standard requiring websites be built to higher accessibility specifications to support the access needs of a growing population of reduced-vision individuals. Websites for all federal agencies have been mandated to be built to these specifications as of January 18, 2017. The U.S. Access Board published a final rule updating accessibility requirements for information and communication technology (ICT) covered by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 255 of the Communications Act.
About Artemis Consulting, Inc.
Artemis Consulting, is a woman-owned IT Services and Management Consulting firm in the Washington D.C. metro area. Artemis has earned multiple awards for several consecutive years, including the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies, the Virginia’s Fantastic 50 Fastest Growing Companies, the Entrepreneur 360’s List of Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America, as well as being a Great Place to Work-Certified company. Since 1999, they have been designing and developing software and integrating systems that help drive digital transformation efforts for clients. We utilize DevSecOps, along with microservices, for scalability, security and reliability. Artemis performs Agile Scrum, KanBan and SAFe development for its clients. Artemis is skilled in the modernization of legacy systems by creating open source and COTS applications and running them natively in the cloud. In the public sector, they have a variety of Government-wide and IDIQ contracts as a Prime Contractor. The company prides itself on a team-oriented talent base which works collaboratively with clients and believes in being socially responsible in its local communities by donating time, expertise and financial support.
Media Contact
Priya Dewsbury
Artemis Consulting Inc.
703-286-7997
priya.dewsbury@artemisconsultinginc.com