June 1, 2003 (Vol 3, Issue, 8)

In This Issue:

UPCOMING EVENTS

1. E-Gov 2003
2. RESNA 26th International Conference
3. Acquiring Technology: What Every Federal Employee Needs to Know About Section 508
4. Section 508 Standards Courses

PAST EVENTS

1. ITTATC and RESNA TA 2 Part Information Series on the Help America Vote Act (HAVA): Full Participation in the Electoral Process for Persons with Disabilities

ARTICLES

1. HiSoftware Company Receives Product Endorsement from ACB

FCC TELECOMMUNICATIONS/REGULATIONS

1. New FCC Rules to Ensure Participation of Persons with Disabilities
2. Notice of Certification of State TRS
3. New TRS Order

FOR YOUR ACTION

1. NEC Foundation Focus on Technology
2. Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic

RESOURCES

1. On the ITTATC Website: Overview of State Accessibility Laws, Policies, Standards and Other Resources
2. PBS and ARTHUR: Understanding Disabilities
3. orbiTouch Keyless Keyboard
4. "Know Your Users: Web Accessibility from the User's Prospective."

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

1. E-GOV 2003
June 9-12, 2003
Washington, D.C.

Information Technology for Improving Government.

The E-Gov 2003 Conference and Exposition, presented with Federal Computer Week, offers attendees a complete educational experience, with multiple venues designed to address diverse learning experiences. E-Gov 2003 provides a unique forum for government and industry professionals to discuss strategies, explore new technologies, and identify solutions for today's public sector challenges. A variety of sessions allow attendees to network, collaborate, and actively learn from expert faculty and peers.

For conference schedule, exhibitor and registration information access the URL: http://www.e-gov.com.

2. RESNA 26TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
Technology & Disability: Research, Design, Practice and Policy
June 19-23, 2003
Hyatt Regency
Atlanta, GA

The RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America) 26th International Conference is for people interested in technology and disability. The conference program is organized into three tracks:

• Practice and Service Delivery
• Research and Development
• Public Policy

3. ACQUIRING TECHNOLOGY: WHAT EVERY FEDERAL EMPLOYEE NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT SECTION 508

The General Services Administration (GSA) is taking their procurement training on the road to select cities. Acquiring Technology: What Every Federal Employee Needs to Know About Section 508 is a free training on how to manage procurements to ensure compliance. It is being offered in coordination with the Federal Executive Board. Trainings were offered in Washington, D.C. and California in May with additional sessions to follow in Chicago, IL (June 5th), Denver, CO (date to be determined) and Atlanta, GA (date to be determined).

The 508 Universe serves as a central hub for GSA's section 508 training and information resources. One can access each of the topic-specific courses that address 508 implementation as well as explore Web links and a glossary of 508-related terms. A first time visitor to the site will be asked to set up a username and password. No additional information is required in the registration process; no identifying or personal data is requested. The username is used to track progress in the courses so that participants can leave courses unfinished and return to complete them online at a later time. This eliminates any possible security risk of using cookies, and no files are written to a visitor's computer.

For more information and to register, access: http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=AcqTech.

4. SECTION 508 STANDARDS COURSES

The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) has sponsored the development of a series of interactive web-based courses on different sections of the 508 standards. The courses supplement previously released material and provide advanced guidance on how products can conform to the standards. Recently, three new courses were completed that cover requirements for:

• software applications and operating systems;
• desktop and portable computers; and
• self contained, closed products, such as information kiosks, and calculators.

 

PAST EVENTS

1. ITTATC and RESNA TA Two-Part Information Series on the Help America Vote Act (HAVA): Full Participation in the Electoral Process for Persons with Disabilities

The Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America's Technical Assistance Project (RESNA TA) and the Information Technology Technical Assistance and Training Center (ITTATC) hosted a two-part series on the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), which featured an audio conference on May 7th and a web cast on May 13th. The purpose of this series was to educate multiple stakeholders at a state level on the current status of the implementation of HAVA; in particular, in reference to the accessibility challenges. ITTATC and RESNA TA have received positive feedback on both the timeliness and the usefulness of the information shared by the speakers.

To view the transcript and archived web cast, as well as to view HAVA Resources and Guidance, you can access the ITTATC website at: http://www.ittatc.org/training/hava_resources.php and the RESNA TA website at: http://www.resna.org/taproject/index.html and click on the link to either Session 1 or Session 2.

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ARTICLES

1. HISOFTWARE COMPANY RECEIVES PRODUCT ENDORSEMENT FROM ACB

HiSoftware Company, Inc., of Concord, NH, recently announced that their solutions Cynthia Says™ and AccVerify Cynthia Says™ were recommended by the American Council of the Blind (ACB) because of their scalability, cost effectiveness, and usefulness to website testing.

HiSoftware Company launched Cynthia Says™ in March of 2003, in cooperation with the International Center for Disability Resources on the Internet (http://www.icdri.org/), and the Internet Society Disability and Special Needs Chapter (http://www.isocdisab.org/). Cynthia Says™ provides testing of websites for compliance with Section 508 and W3C web accessibility standards. The portal bases testing service tests websites and reports accessibility issues immediately through simple and easy-to-understand web browser based reports. To read the full press release from HiSoftware, access: http://www.hisoftware.com/press/acb.htm. To read the related ACB press release, access: http://www.hisoftware.com/press/acbOrig.htm.

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FCC TELECOMMUNICATIONS/REGULATIONS

1. NEW FCC RULES TO ENSURE PARTICIPATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

On April 28th, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) amended rules to ensure that persons with disabilities are able to participate fully in FCC programs and activities became effective.

The rules were adopted in an Order (FCC 03-48) on March 4th and published in the Federal Register (68 Fed Reg 22315) on April 28th. You can read the rules by accessing the Federal Register at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-10284.htm. . The amended rules include adoption of the Section 504 Programs & Activities Accessibility Handbook, which is a clear and comprehensive collection of guidelines, information, and procedures to ensure that the FCC is accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Handbook will be particularly helpful for planning events so that persons with disabilities will be able to fully participate. The FCC has long been committed to fostering an attitude of inclusion and a commitment to access in all FCC programs and activities. The Handbook is available to the public for viewing and downloading on the FCC's website at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/section_504.html. It is also available in PDF, HTML, text, and electronic downloadable Braille.

2. NOTICE OF CERTIFICATION OF STATE TRS

The FCC gave Notice that the applications have been granted for certification of the state Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS) programs in 43 states.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will provide further Public Notice of the certification of the remaining applications for certification once final review of those states submissions has been completed. On the basis of the state applications, the FCC has determined that:

• The TRS program of the states meet or exceed all operational, technical, and functional minimum standards contained in section 64.604 of the FCC's rules;
• The TRS programs of the listed states make available adequate procedures and remedies for enforcing the requirements of the state program; and
• The TRS programs of the listed states in no way conflict with federal law.
  

3. NEW TRS ORDER

On May 15th, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously approved new rules improving Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS).

These new rules require that interstate and intrastate providers offer new types of TRS calls, including two-line voice carry over (VCO) and two-line hearing carry over (HCO). Two-line VCO, which is typically used by persons who are hard of hearing or late-deafened but have clear speech abilities, enables the person with a disability to speak directly to the other party on one line, without the assistance of a CA (Communications Assistants=TRS operators), and read what the other party is saying via a second line connected to the two-line VCO user's TTY. The CA hears and types the other party's words for the two-line VCO user to read. TRS users report that two-line VCO calls are more natural and efficient because the conversation moves more quickly than a one-line VCO call and allows for interruptions. Two-line HCO, most commonly used by persons who are able to hear but have impaired speech, works similarly to two-line VCO, except that one line is being used for hearing (the CA does not type the words of the other party) and the other line is used by the two-line HCO user to transmit text on the TTY, which is then read to the other party by the CA.

The FCC Order is accompanied by a further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that seeks additional input on technological advancements that may further the goal of functionally equivalent telecommunications services for persons with hearing and speech disabilities. The Order is expected to be released shortly.

Access the FCC website (http://www.fcc.gov/) for more information.

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FOR YOUR ACTION

1. NEC FOUNDATION FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY

The NEC Foundation of America has announced that, beginning this year, its sole focus will be on technology for people with disabilities.

Deadline: September 1st and March 1st, annually

The new, exclusive focus on technology for people with disabilities replaces the dual focus on science and technology education, principally at the secondary level, that the foundation featured in its first dozen years of existence. Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations in support of the development, application, and use of technology by and for people with disabilities. All proposals should demonstrate national reach and impact.

For grant application guidelines and application procedures, see the NEC Foundation website, RFP Link at: http://www.necfoundation.org. For additional RFPs, which focus on people with disabilities, access: http://www.fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_disabled.jhtml.

2. RECORDING FOR THE BLIND & DYSLEXIC

The nonprofit organization, Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D http://www.rfbd.org/), is conducting a monthly series of short surveys to determine reader preferences regarding its AudioPlus (tm) digital books in order to provide better service to its members. Users or current active members of RFB&D's digital books are asked to complete a short online/e-mail survey once per month.

For more information, please send an e-mail to Karen Le Morvan at klemorvan@rfbd.org.

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RESOURCES

1. ON THE ITTATC WEBSITE: OVERVIEW OF STATE ACCESSIBILITY LAWS, POLICIES, STANDARDS AND OTHER RESOURCES

The Information Technology Technical Assistance Center and Training Center (ITTATC) recently increased online resources for states needing information about accessibility issues.

The table, "Overview of State Accessibility Laws, Policies, Standards and Other Resources," provides an overview of the states that have published online their laws, policies, standards or guidelines, and other resources related to accessibility of websites, application development, IT procurement, and public hardware (i.e., the core areas). To view this new resource, access: http://www.ittatc.org/laws/stateLawAtGlance.php.

The ITTATC table was featured as a new online resource for accessibility in the May 13th edition of Government Technology. The following is an excerpt from this article. "According to Deborah Buck, Director of State IT Accessibility Initiatives for ITTATC, saying "[The] online overview offers state officials and advocates for IT accessibility a snapshot of the 50 states' laws, policies and standards. There are numerous links to relevant resources in areas affected by the implementation of policies such as federal Section 508 regulations, which have been adopted by several states, and also to W3C standards. Accessibility to technology for persons with disabilities includes application development, website design, IT procurement and other topics." To read the full article, access: http://www.govtech.net/news/news.phtml?docid=2003.05.13-50962.

To learn more about ITTATC State IT Accessibility Initiatives and resources, access: http://www.ittatc.org/laws/state.php?sectionID=1&subsectionID=3.

2. PBS AND ARTHUR: UNDERSTANDING DISABILITIES

Much of the attention in the media surrounding kids with disabilities focuses on the kids themselves and the challenges they face with the world around them. But what about the kids that don't have disabilities? How can children better understand others who may seem different at first, but really are more like them than they realize? The ARTHUR Web team at WGBH is creating a series of new interactive games that help kids explore this issue. In the first game "About Face," which is now live on the ARTHUR website, Arthur tells a story, and kids help Pal choose the facial expression that best describes how certain ARTHUR characters would feel in given situations. The game is designed to enforce the idea that facial expressions communicate information. The concept is especially important when communicating with people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

"About Face" is one of four new features that are being added to the ARTHUR website over the spring and summer as part of ARTHUR's season-long focus on communication differences. "The season focus on communication differences is an extension of some of the original goals of the series," says WGBH executive producer Carol Greenwald. "Since its 1996 premiere, it has been a priority that ARTHUR be accessible to all children. In addition, we have always strived to help children have positive attitudes and to accept and include others, in spite of their differences. The new Web features are a fun way to help kids do this."

Look for these features at http://pbskids.org/arthur/ over the spring and summer.

• About Face: LIVE NOW!
  http://pbskids.org/arthur/games/aboutface
  
• You've Got Braille: Launching May 2003
  (as of the writing of the newsletter, the game was not yet live on the site).
  Kids can create coded Braille messages to keep or pass on to friends.
  
• Fern, The Effective Detective: Launching June 2003.
  In this feature, kids will hone their observation skills and learn the benefits of using descriptive language, both of which are important, especially when communicating with someone who is blind or visually impaired.
  
• Sign Design: Launching July 2003.
  This feature will give kids the tools to learn some basic finger spelling and signing skills through demonstration and application.

3. ORBITOUCH KEYLESS KEYBOARD

[In an effort to inform our readers about new products, which improve access to EIT for people with disabilities, we will periodically list different technologies. Sharing this information does not constitute an endorsement by ITTATC.}

Keybowl, Inc. has eliminated the use of keys altogether by developing a keyless keyboard--orbiTouch.

The orbiTouch is the first ergonomically designed, fully functional keyless keyboard with an integrated mouse. The patented design eliminates finger motion and significantly reduces wrist motion -- two major causes of typing discomfort and pain. On the orbiTouch keyless keyboard, two dome-shaped handles replace the standard keyboard. A user slides each dome in one of eight directions. The movements create one keystroke, producing a letter or number or activating functions like Alt and Control and the spacebar.

Pushing down on the handle at the right turns the keyboard into a mouse; once the cursor is in the correct position, the other handle can be moved in one of three directions to mimic mouse buttons. To learn more about orbiTouch, access: http://www.keybowl.com/kb/index?page=orbitouch.

Keybowl, Inc. started in 1994 with the mission of developing new technologies and products for the emerging ergonomic and disability keyboard markets. To learn more about the company, access: http://www.keybowl.com.

4. "Know Your Users: Web Accessibility from the User's Prospective."

A 27 minute video created by Fresno State features computer users with disabilities discussing and demonstrating the tools they use to access the Web -- Dragon Naturally Speaking, WindowEyes, Zoom Text, JAWS, and a refreshable Braille display -- as well as the common problems these users with disabilities encounter when they try to access different Web pages. The video may be ordered from http://www.fresnostate.edu/webaccess/video/order.htm.

A video clip with excerpts of the video is also available at http://www.fresnostate.edu/webaccess/users/default.html (requires RealPlayer).

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