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*** ITTATC has reached the end of its 5-year grant, so (as of 5/15/06) this website is no longer being updated. Please be advised that the information on this site may be out of date. ***
March 1, 2003
ACCESS E and IT NEWS |
March 1, 2003 (Vol 3, Issue 5)
****This is our first anniversary issue.****
ITTATC sincerely appreciates the interest of so many in our newsletter and we hope you will continue to encourage others to subscribe.
In this issue, we are introducing a slightly different format to reduce the page length of the document. You will find we have provided more of a summary of content and a link for you to read the entire story from the originating site. As always, we are very interested in your feedback. Please take a moment to let us know what you think by going to: http://www.ittatc.org/contact/mailform.php
ITTATC is keenly aware of the inconvenience experienced by many of you when our list server software malfunctioned several weeks ago. We sincerely apologize and thank all those who informed us of the problem. We have new software that has been thoroughly tested with other lists and we have delayed sending this issue out until we were sure we would have good results. If you have any further concerns, please let us know.
*****
In This Issue:
- GSA March 2003 Assistive Technology Month Long Exhibit
- 18th Annual CSUN Conference
- Achieving Accessibility and Website Compliance
- CHI 2003
- NASCIO Midyear Conference
- FOSE Expo and GCN Management Conference @ FOSE
- FAQ's on the ITTATC Expert Network Community
FCC TELECOMMUNICATIONS/REGULATIONS
- First Formal Cell Phone Access Complaint Filed with FCC
- FCC Adopts New Rules for Network Unbundling Obligations of Incumbent Local Phone Carriers
- FCC Delivers Mixed Vote on Competition
- NCD Policy Briefs on ADA Decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court
- Fully Accessible Natural Language Search Solution Targets Disabled Internet Users Searching Federal Web Sites
- Interagency Working Group on Assistive Technology Mobility Devices Created
- Promising New Technology for use by People with Hearing Loss
- EASI Honors First Graduating Class to earn Accessible Information Technology Certificate
- Accessible Education Through Assistive Technology
- UCP Unveils Accessible Computers for People With Disabilities in Gettysburg
- FCC Notice of TRS Applications for State Certification Accepted
- Wireless RERC conducts first survey needs of consumer with disabilities
- ITTATC Expert Network FAQs
- Federal Rulemaking Website Launched
- GSA Releases its Accessible Electronic Forms Solution
- WGBH/MIT Collaboration Yields Expanded Access Guidelines
- New Website to Gather Comments About Disability Research Needs
- Fact Sheet: Telephone Access for People with Speech Disabilities "STS Relay Service"
- Pulse Data and Benetech Announce BrailleNote/Bookshare.org Collaboration
- Blackboard Accessibility Update
- Speak and Listen to the Web
| UPCOMING EVENTS |
1. GSA MARCH 2003 ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY MONTH-LONG EXHIBIT
March 3-31st
For the month of March 2003 the General Services Administration (GSA), CITA, Assistive Technology Showcase will showcase the imageRUNNER 5000i and Remote User Interface (Remote UI), a combination accessible copier, printer, and scanner from Canon.
Come to the U.S. General Services Administration, 1800 F Street, NW, Room 1216, Washington, DC 20405, March 3 to March 31, 2003, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to see this exhibit.
This event is open to both Government and private sector employees. Come in any time within the month during the scheduled hours and see a demonstration of how this Product can be used by persons with disabilities. A Canon representative will be present at GSA on March 3rd and 17th.
Access the URL to obtain further details about this month's featured technology: http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=135
2. 18TH ANNUAL CSUN CONFERENCE: TECHNOLOGY AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES March 17-22
Hilton Los Angeles Airport and Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotels
Los Angeles, California
The California State University at Northridge Center On Disabilities (Center at CSUN) hosts the longest running and largest annual university sponsored conference on technology and persons with disabilities. This annual conference serves as a major training venue for professionals around the world involved in the field of disability and technology. For information about this year's conference access: Contact: Center on Disabilities, California State University-Northridge at Tel: 818-885-2578, ltm@csun.edu. See website at: www.csun.edu/cod/.
3. ACHIEVING ACCESSIBILITY AND WEBSITE COMPLIANCE
Online Seminar
March 6, 2003
Watchfire announces free online seminars in March 2003 on how to make your website accessible and conform to 508 standards. For more information and to register, access the URL at https://www.watchfire.com/news/watchfireseminars.asp
4. CHI 2003
April 5-10
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The annual CHI (Computer Human Interaction) conference is the leading international forum for the exchange of ideas and information about computer-human interaction (CHI), also known as human-computer interaction (HCI). CHI 2003 presents 36 tutorials on topics ranging from Usability, Web design, New Technologies and Accessibility. These courses available at CHI 2003 represent the leading edge of current practice and research in Human-Computer Interaction. They have been designed to appeal to researchers, practitioners, newcomers and regulars. For information on curriculum, registration and other details, check the URL: www.chi2003.org.
5. NASCIO MIDYEAR CONFERENCE
Succeeding in a Changing Environment
April 6-8, 2003
Pittsburgh, PA
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) represents State Chief Information Officers and information resource executives and managers from the 50 states, six U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. Conference topics include State IT Funding and Budget; Seamless Government; Homeland Security Technologies; The Role of the CIO-Chief Information Officer; To view the preliminary agenda and to register access the URL at: http://www.nascio.org
6. FOSE EXPO AND GCN MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE @ FOSE
April 8-10, 2003
At the NEW Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
FOSE 2003 is the largest information technology exposition serving the government marketplace. Now in its 27th year, FOSE hosts over 400 exhibitors showcasing the newest and most exciting integrated IT products and services. FOSE draws thousands of high-level attendees from the military, civilian, state and local agencies, along with suppliers to government, corporate, education, and healthcare buyers. Experience a high-tech tradeshow set in a NEW high-tech atmosphere. For agenda, exhibitor and registration information access the URL: http://www.fose.com
7. FAQ's on ITTATC EXPERT NETWORK OPPORTUNITY
ITTATC is inviting trainers and technical people to join a network to assist with the creation and distribution of high quality assistance and training. We distributed an invitation by e-mail on Feb 14 and have had a number of inquiries. We would like to take this opportunity to provide answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions about this invitation.
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| PAST EVENTS |
1. ACCESSIBILITY FORUM
February 24-26
Cupertino, CA
The Accessibility Forum was hosted by Apple Computers IN Cupertino, CA. The three-day conference included presentations on interoperability, an overview of 508 activities in the states, and an overview of federal procurement requirements relating to section 508. Participants included GSA, Department of Justice, Apple Computer, and Sun Microsystems, among others. Mimi Kessler, Project Director for ITTATC gave a presentation on the activities of the project on Tuesday afternoon.
The Forum was webcast in real time, and may be seen in the Forum archives at the URL below. http://accessibilityforum.org/meetings/feb2003/announcement.html
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| FCC TELECOMMUNICATIONS/REGULATIONS |
1. FIRST FORMAL CELL PHONE ACCESS COMPLAINT FILED WITH FCC
February 21, 2003
The first formal complaint under Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act has been filed by Dr. Bonnie O'Day, a blind resident of Alexandria, VA. The complaint filed by Dr. O'Day against Audiovox Communications Corporation and Verizon Wireless, Inc. alleges that both companies have failed to make their wireless telephones and services accessible to people who are blind and visually impaired.
Dr. O'Day's filing is the first formal complaint to be submitted to the FCC to enforce the rights provided under Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. This provision requires that telecommunications equipment and services be accessible to and usable by people with disabilities, if readily achievable.
"My complaint started out as an informal complaint which I filed with the FCC in June of 2001," explains O'Day. "When I began shopping for a cellular phone in December of 2000, I went from store to store looking for a phone that would meet my needs. I finally settled on the Audiovox CDM9500 as 'the best of the worst.' But I found that many features of the phone were very difficult to use because most of the information I needed even for minimal access to the phone's features, such as caller ID and one-touch dialing, was delivered via a visual display which is totally inaccessible to me as a person who cannot read the phone's screen."
After contacting both Audiovox and Verizon Wireless, and receiving no remedies for her situation, Dr. O'Day contacted the American Council of the Blind (ACB). ACB is supporting her in pursuing a remedy for this situation on her behalf as well as for the millions of blind and visually impaired people in the USA who contend with similar difficulties every day.
The formal complaint filed with the Federal Communications Commission alleges that the defendants have failed to identify barriers to accessibility and usability as part of their product design and development processes. Further, it is alleged that the defendants have failed and refused to provide access to product and service information and related documentation in a way that equivalent information is provided to sighted customers. The complaint asks Audiovox and Verizon Wireless to make at least one accessible wireless telephone device in all price categories available for consumer purchase by June 30, 2003.
For the full text of the FCC statement on this proceeding, see www.fcc.gov. For the full text of the ACB Press Release, see http://www.acb.org/press030221.html .
2. FCC ADOPTS NEW RULES FOR NETWORK UNBUNDLING OBLIGATIONS OF INCUMBENT LOCAL PHONE CARRIERS
February 20, 2003
On February 20th, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted rules concerning incumbent local exchange carriers' (incumbent LECs) obligations to make elements of their networks available on an unbundled basis to new entrants. The new framework provides incentives for carriers to invest in broadband network facilities, brings the benefits of competitive alternatives to all consumers, and provides for a significant state role in implementing these rules. These actions resolve various local phone competition and broadband competition issues and address a May 2002 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia which overturned the FCC's previous Unbundled Network Elements (UNE) rules. For the full text of the announcement, see http://www.fcc.gov.
3. FCC DELIVERS MIXED VOTE ON COMPETITION
By Jonathan Krim, Washington Post Staff Writer
February 21, 2003
Below are excerpts from the article.
On Thursday, February 20, a deeply divided Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to preserve regulations that govern local telephone competition but swept away similar rules for high-speed Internet connections that represent the nation's telecommunications future. In a culmination to a year-long industry debate, the commission split 3 to 2, with shifting majorities, on a series of votes that demonstrated sharply different visions for how to best help a business sector battling a vicious downturn while preserving choices and low prices for consumers. In the end, the commission handed the former Bell telephone companies a significant victory by ending requirements that they lease to competitors at regulated rates new or upgraded networks for high-speed, or broadband, Internet access.
Consumer groups and the panel's two Democrats blasted the decision. They said it would extinguish competitors who could not possibly afford to replicate the Bells' networks, raise prices and leave the phone companies positioned to be monopolies again when it comes to Internet access. "We are playing fast and loose with the country's broadband future," said Democratic commissioner Michael J. Copps. "Today we may be choking off competition. . . . Consumers and the Internet itself may well suffer." To read the full text of the article, see http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A37942-2003Feb20.html
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| ARTICLES/PUBLICATIONS |
1. NCD POLICY BRIEFS ON ADA DECISIONS OF THE U.S. SUPREME COURT
The National Council on Disability (NCD) released two policy briefs analyzing and responding to certain untenable aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court-"The Impact of the Supreme Court's ADA Decisions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities" (February 25, 2003) and "The Americans with Disabilities Act: The Implications of the Supreme Court's ADA Decision in Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama v. Garrett" (February 26, 2002).
The first policy brief, "The Impact of the Supreme Court's ADA Decisions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities," explores the impact the Supreme Court's decisions have had on people with disabilities. It reviews court decisions, as well as anecdotal evidence, and demonstrates that the Court's restrictive reading of the ADA has undermined Congress' goal of eradicating discrimination on the basis of disability. The second policy brief, "The Americans with Disabilities Act: The Implications of the Supreme Court's ADA Decision in Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama v. Garrett," looks specifically at the Garrett decision and how it continued the Court's agenda for curtailing Congressional power to enact civil rights legislation. It also looks at how the Court's reasoning called into question the factual underpinnings of the ADA and the history of discrimination against people with disabilities.
To access these publications go to: http://www.ncd.gov/, click on the link to "Newsroom," and then click on the link to "Publications."
2. FULLY ACCESSIBLE NATURAL LANGUAGE SEARCH SOLUTION TARGETS DISABLED INTERNET USERS SEARCHING FEDERAL WEB SITES
Yahoo Finance News
February 24, 2003
Accessible Knowledgebase Enriches Search Capabilities Of Existing Government Online Disability Resources
On February 24, 2003, Agassa Net Technologies, Inc., an established industry leader in providing IT/Web accessibility solutions to government agencies, announced the deployment of a new, fully accessible natural language search portal to multiple online federal government web sites. The purpose of the search portal is to respond to the difficulties faced by people with disabilities accessing online government resources.
Visitors to the Information Technology Technical Assistance & Training Center's (ITTATC) website at http://www.ittatc.org can now tap into this powerful new search tool, powered by iPhrase Technologies, Inc., the leading provider of self-service search and navigation software for mission critical applications.
The new Accessible Technology Knowledgebase (ATKB) incorporates information contained in the following disability-focused websites: DisabilityInfo.gov - http://www.disabilityinfo.gov; Section508.gov - http://www.section508.gov; AssistiveTech.net - http://www.assistivetech.net; ITTATC.org - http://www.ittatc.org; and AccessIT - http://www.washington.edu/accessit/.
Mimi Kessler, project director for the ITTATC project at the Georgia Institute of Technology, notes, "People around the country want information about how the promise of information technology and telecommunications can be made available to people with disabilities, and what is required to meet the U.S. Access Board's Electronic & Information Technology accessibility standards (Section 508). Before now, you would have to be aware these websites are available online, and search each site individually to get the breadth and depth offered by this advanced search solution. We look forward to adding more Web sites related to electronic and information technology accessibility in the future."
Agassa assembled a coalition of industry-leading technology and consulting companies to develop and deliver the new search capability for ITTATC. Partners in the ATKB project include Agassa Net Technologies, iPhrase Technologies, IDEAL Group, NCR Corporation, and ITTATC.
To read the full article access the URL at http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030224/flm006_1.html. See also Boston Globe: http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/055/business/iPhrase_behind_government_initiative_to_help_disabled+.shtml
3. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP ON ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY MOBILITY DEVICES CREATED
In an Executive Memorandum issued and dated February 12, 2003, the President directed the Secretaries of Education; Health and Human Services; Labor; and the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration to create an Interagency Working Group on Assistive Technology Mobility Devices.
The purpose of this working group is to identify existing Federal programs and resources that are designed to assist people with disabilities to obtain the assistive technology mobility devices they need for obtaining an education, and seeking and maintaining employment. The Working Group will also consider ways to maximize and disseminate information about using Federal student loan programs for students with disabilities to help them obtain the assistive technology devices and services they need to pursue higher and technical/vocational educational goals. The working group will be led by the Department of Education.
This memorandum continues the work of the President's New Freedom Initiative, which promotes the President's desire to promote access to assistive technology for people with disabilities. By having access to assistive technology, all people with disabilities will have access to programs and services that promote the opportunity for them to live independently and lead productive lives.
To view the full text of the President's executive memorandum, access: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/02/20030212-12.html
4. PROMISING NEW TECHONOLOGY FOR USE BY PEOPLE WITH HEARING LOSS.
Giving a Helping Hand, by Peter Barnes, Tech Live Washington, DC Bureau Chief
A researcher at George Washington University in Washington, DC has developed new technology for use by people who are deaf or hard of hearing. the device is a special glove which can translate sign language into text or synthesized speech.
Jose Hernandez Rebollar's right arm is covered with wires and nodules. There's a small, flat black box on his forearm. They're all connected to the glove he's wearing, which is also wired. The whole apparatus, in turn, is connected to a laptop computer. When he raises his arm and points to his forehead, a mechanical, synthetic voice, says, "smart... smart." The movement is American Sign Language for "smart."
Rebollar is a researcher at George Washington University in Washington, DC. He has developed promising new technology for the deaf and hearing impaired. It's a special type of glove that's covered with sensors and can translate sign language into text and even synthesized speech.
The glove uses sensors to detect the positions of fingers on a hand and the positions of the hand and arm in relation to the body. The black box is a microcontroller attached to the forearm that collects the signals and feeds them into software in a laptop computer. "[It detects] in real time the components of the movement I'm doing, and then that goes into a decision tree," Rebollar says. "So you get to know where your starting position is, where your final position is, and detect the movement in the middle."
The glove is still a work in progress. It correctly translates easy words nearly 100 percent of the time. But as for hard, complicated words, …[the success rate is] 60 percent, 70 percent," Rebollar says.
Rebollar doesn't expect the device to be manufactured and sold commercially anytime soon, especially since it isn't always accurate and is still slower than other forms of electronic and synthetic communication for the hearing impaired, such as handheld devices that they can spell on. But he believes his glove could someday be useful for the hearing impaired in medical and emergency care applications, such as in communicating with firemen in a house fire or communicating with doctors and nurses in a hospital. He also says that military researchers are interested in using his system for nonverbal communications on the battlefield. To read the full article, access: http://www.techtv.com/news/scitech/story/0,24195,3418431,00.html
5. EASI HONORS FIRST GRADUATING CLASS TO EARN ACCESSIBLE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATE
Equal Access to Software and Information (EASI), a recognized international leader in the accessible distance learning arena, is proud to announce its first graduating class to earn a certificate in accessible information technology.
EASI's graduating class represents many distinguished institutions as well as several countries. Founded in 1987, EASI offers a wide range of online courses designed to assist students in mastering the complexities of making information technology accessible for persons with disabilities. The courses are ideal for administrators, teachers, librarians, rehab consultants, computer support staff, ADA compliance officers, Disabled student services staff, and rehabilitation service providers. EASI is partnering with the University of Southern Maine to provide a certificate in accessible information technology delivered entirely online. The following courses represent a partial list of courses which can be taken individually for 3 continuing education units or a package of five courses to earn a certificate.
- Barrier-free Information technology
- Beginners Barrier-free Web Design
- Advanced Barrier-free Web Design
- Learning Disabilities and Information Technology
- Accessible Internet Multimedia
- Business Benefits of Accessible Information Technology
To read the full article, access: http://www.rit.edu/~easi
6. ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION THROUGH ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
February 18, 2003
Source: T.H.E. Journal
The Accessible Classroom Project has been recently initiated by the National Education Association along with the Mid-Atlantic Regional Technology in Education Consortium (MAR*TEC), along with other interested parties to develop a user-friendly website where visitors can access information on the use, acquisition and maintenance of assistive devices and services.
Advances in technology have had a direct impact on the individual student's educational process. Schools report that technology is having a positive effect on children's learning and their perception of themselves as learners, which is why children with disabilities benefit from the use of assistive technology. The implementation of assistive technology is dependent on the knowledge, skill and inventiveness of the teachers who use what they have learned from higher education, their teaching experiences, and their attendance at continuing education programs and in-service classes.
There is an ever-increasing population of students who desire a full education and need technology to assist them in achieving their goals. The education community at large must be committed to assist these students, and teachers must be better prepared to use available assistive technology resources. Also, a basic understanding of assistive technology in preservice education should be part of all teacher preparation programs.
Parties involved in the Accessible Classroom Project include the National Education Association and Mid-Atlantic Regional Technology in Education Consortium (MAR*TEC) at Temple University with many interested parties, including: the Baltimore County Public Schools, the Charp-Wiggins Fund, The Johns Hopkins University Technology for Educators Program, Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and Verizon. Its main objective is to provide a well-organized plethora of resources to educators, families and communities about factors that affect decision-making at the school and community levels.
The project is to result in a "user-friendly" website where visitors can access information regarding the acquisition, use and maintenance of assistive devices and services. This website also offers recommendations for training those with a need for assistive technology solutions, such as educators, school personnel, parents, consumers and other stakeholders. This project partnership will collect research and disseminate information nationwide to assure that the learning needs of children with disabilities are met. In addition, the site has the potential of being a gateway to those who wish never to be left behind. Access the URL to read the full article: http://www.distance-educator.com/dnews/?name=News&file=article&sid=8505
7. UCP UNVEILS ACCESSIBLE COMPUTERS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN GETTYSBURG
February 10, 2003
Source: Yahoo Finance and UCP of Central Pennsylvania
United Cerebral Palsy of Central Pennsylvania announced that it is installing Internet workstations accessible to the disabled in dozens of public libraries across the region. The PCs will be networked into a local demonstration lab, allowing disabled to receive specially tailored IT training. The initiative, officially known as the Accessible Internet Workstation and Infrastructure Technology Project, is funded by the US Department of Commerce's Technology Opportunities Program (TOP). UCP received approximately $344,000 for the initiative. To read the full article, access: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030210/phm053_1.html
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| FOR YOUR ACTION |
1. FCC NOTICE OF TRS APPLICATIONS FOR STATE CERTIFICATION ACCEPTED
February 24, 2003
Notice for Public Comments
Comments Due: April 1, 2003
Reply Comments Due: April 21, 2003
Notice is hereby given that the states listed below have applied to the Commission for renewal of the certification of their State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) program pursuant to Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 47 U.S.C. § 225 and the Commission's rules, 47 CFR §64.601-605. Current state certifications expire July 25, 2003. Applications for certification, covering the five year period of July 26, 2003 to July 25, 2008, must demonstrate that the state TRS program complies with the ADA and the Commission's rules for the provision of TRS.
***File No: TRS-17-02
Public Utility Commission of Texas
State of Texas
***File No: TRS-61-02
U.S. Virgin Islands Public Utilities Commission
U.S. Virgin Islands
This notice seeks public comment on the above-referenced applications for TRS certification. Copies of applications for certification are available for public inspection and copying during regular business hours at the FCC Reference Information Center, Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW, Room CY-A257, Washington, DC 20554. The applications for certification are also available on the Commission's web site at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/trs_by_state.html. They may also be purchased from the Commission's duplicating contractor, Qualex International, Portals II, 44512th Street, SW, Room CY-B402, Washington, DC 20554, telephone (202) 863-2893, facsimile (202) 863-2898, or via e-mail qualexint@aol.com.
To read the full press release, access one of the URLs listed BELOW.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-03-494A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-03-494A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-03-494A1.txt
For further information regarding this Public Notice, contact Erica Myers, Federal Communications Commission, Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, Disability Rights Office (202) 418-2429 (voice), (202) 418-0464 (TTY), or e-mail emyers@fcc.gov.
2. WIRELESS RERC CONDUCTS FIRST SURVEY NEEDS OF CONSUMER WITH DISABILITIES
The Wireless Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (Wireless RERC) at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta Georgia is conducting a survey on the use of mobile communications products by consumers with disabilities.
Please assist the Wireless RERC by taking a short survey on your use of mobile communications products. Your responses to this survey will drive the RERC's research efforts in the area of wireless communications for persons with disabilities. The survey can be accessed at http://www.wirelessrerc.gatech.edu/
3. ITTATC EXPERT NETWORK FAQs
On February 14, ITTATC sent an invitation to a list of accessibility professionals to invite them to join the ITTATC Technical Assistance and/or Training Networks. Since then, many have contacted us about their interest, but we are still waiting to hear from everyone. Below are the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) we have received with the answers. If you are interested in participating, please contact Liz Dillion-Marable at liz.dillionmarable@ittatc.org or by calling toll free(TTY) 866-948-8282
Expert Training Network Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A. Who is ITTATC inviting to join the Expert Training Network?
Trainers should have experience with one or more of the following audiences: industry (consumer electronics, information technology, and telecommunications), state government officials, and/or people with disabilities. Trainers in the Expert Network are listed on the ITTATC website (www.ittatc.org) and they can receive support and materials from ITTATC. In addition, network trainers can apply for incentive payments. Those interested in participating should attend an Expert Network Orientation session to learn more about the opportunity and the logistics of participation.
B. Will trainers in the Network be compensated?
ITTATC provides incentive payments to trainers in the Expert Training Network. Trainers apply for the incentive by doing the following: 1) use ITTATC materials in their presentations and trainings, 2) deliver presentations and trainings related to E&IT accessibility, and 3) provide information on the event and feedback. Trainers that decide to participate in the Expert Network will find that the opportunity lies primarily in establishing a continuing relationship with clients. The incentive payment is designed to help defray costs, but trainers' primary compensation will continue to be their customary fee for the training they provide. Details about incentive payments will be covered at the Expert Network Orientation sessions.
C. Who will the Expert Network trainers train?
Many organizations want to insure that the products or services they create or obtain are accessible to people with disabilities. These organizations request training to assist in achieving this goal. ITTATC matches these requests for training with listed Network trainers. These requests come from industry professionals, state government personnel, people from large and small businesses, people that work in non-profits, and persons with disabilities and their social and provider networks. Expert Network Trainers will be matched with people that want training.
D. Where will training take place?
Training will take place primarily on-site in a variety of settings. One type is at a business, organization or agency. Other "open enrollment" opportunities may be held at hotels or in association with meetings or conventions where many entities are represented. Trainers have an opportunity to advance any additional services they want to offer the client, but the training associated with ITTATC is more likely to be on a one-time basis.
E. How will ITTATC connect Network Trainers with requests for training?
ITTATC will provide a list of trainers to groups requesting training, and the trainers also will be posted on our web site. Trainers who are participating in our Network will be identified. Trainers wanting to join the Network will be asked to provide some information about their training expertise. This information will be made available to those requesting training. It is up to the organization retaining the trainer to select the trainer that best meets their needs.
F. How will training evaluation be handled and what is the intent of evaluation?
Like other quality organizations, ITTATC engages in a process of continuous quality improvement. Trainers that join the Expert Network are expected to participate in this process. The feedback from evaluations is essential to improve materials. ITTATC provides additional incentive payments for trainers that use these post-training evaluation forms. Details about using these forms will be covered at the Expert Network Orientation sessions.
Expert Technical Assistance (TA) Network Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A. Who is ITTATC inviting to join the Expert TA Network?
ITTATC is interested in attracting a diverse group of accessibility experts to the TA network. We welcome collaboration with consultants, trainers, industry representatives, government officials, academics, and experts in the consumer community, all of whom can provide valuable contributions to the network based on their unique perspectives.
B. What do you mean by technical assistance?
Depending on the situation, ITTATC's technical assistance may involve a personalized response to a specific in-depth question, discussion of accessibility issues surrounding an important decision, referrals to others with specialized expertise, or delivery of products, such as, reports, brochures, or training materials, that address topics of interest to a broad range of ITTATC's customers. The ultimate goal of ITTATC's technical assistance is to provide its customers with information that they can apply as they work towards achieving E&IT accessibility.
C. How can I be involved in the TA network?
Network members may serve as an aid to ITTATC's technical assistance staff when addressing complex inquiries; as a contributor to our TA knowledgebase; and/or as a consultant wishing to offer services to businesses or the public on a fee-for-service basis. As a network member, you can choose your level of involvement in the network.
D. Will I receive any compensation?
Unlike the training network, TA network members are not directly compensated for participating in the network. Your opportunities for paid engagements, however, may increase through participation in the network. Specifically, you will be able to publicize your accessibility expertise via the ITTATC website; to expand your skills and opportunities by networking with other accessibility professionals; and to increase market demand for TA by helping the marketplace to recognize what they do not know about the accessibility of consumer electronics, information technology, and telecommunications.
In addition, ITTATC will be offering orientation sessions several times over the next few months. The first of these is offered in conjunction with the CSUN conference, where we will have several offerings:
*** On Saturday, March 22nd at 8am, we are giving a presentation about the training program at the Hilton in Century A/B.
***On Saturday, March 22nd from 5 pm - 7pm (place TBD), we are offering an orientation session on the Network to familiarize potential participants with ITTATC, the Network, and our current materials and activities.
If you would like to attend this orientation, please contact Liz Dillon-Marable at 404-894-9087 or liz.dillonmarable@ittatc.org as soon as possible.
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| RESOURCES |
1. FEDERAL RULEMAKING WEBSITE LAUNCHED
As part of a continuing effort to bring access to the rulemaking process to the people, the Bush administration has unveiled a new Website . The new site is designed to make it easy for anyone to find the status of every federal regulation open for public comment, read the proposed regulation, and file a comment on it to make their views heard. Access the URL at: http://www.regulations.gov/.
2. GSA RELEASES ITS ACCESSIBLE ELECTRONIC FORMS SOLUTION
The General Services Administration (GSA) has made 160 of the most used GSA, Standard and Optional federal forms available as "talking forms" for the visually impaired on their website. The impetus for this change came about several years ago when GSA became aware of a contracting officer in one of its regional offices who was quickly losing his vision and had a critical need for a number of GSA and Standard Forms in order to continue performing his contracting duties. At about the same time, GSA was becoming aware of Section 508 requirements to make electronic information available for the visually impaired.
An important feature for GSA's new accessible electronic forms, which came about after research into vendors and cost, and discussions with their software provider regarding incorporating these capabilities within existing software solutions, is the quick and easy form preparation. GSA reports that it can take one of its existing screen-fillable forms and adapt it for the visually impaired in less than an hour. If the form is revised, GSA can replace the image behind the form and make the needed scripting changes in minutes. If it's a new form or a major revision, no costly programming is required to make it available on the web very quickly, regardless of the design format of the form. For additional information see: http://www.gsa.gov/forms. You may also contact the GSA directly:
GSA Contacts:
Jan Wendler, GSA 770-390-9696 (jan.wendler@gsa.gov)
Don Jodrie, GSA 202-501-2944 (jan.wendler@gsa.gov)
Vendor Contact, Accessible FormNet (tm) software:
Kim Lasher, Intercon Associates 585-244-1250 (jan.wendler@gsa.gov)
3. WGBH/MIT COLLABORATION YIELDS EXPANDED ACCESS GUIDELINES
WGBH's National Center for Accessible Media Publishes Updated and Expanded Guidelines for Making Software and Web Sites Accessible; Print and On-line Versions Available Free of Charge
The original guidelines, published in 2000, represented an ambitious initiative to capture access challenges and solutions and present them in a format specifically designed to educate and assist software developers. The current set of guidelines, "Making Educational Software and Web Sites Accessible: Design Guidelines Including Math and Science Solutions," builds on the original document, and offers further lessons learned from a four-year collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) called Access to PIVoT (Physics Interactive Video Tutor).
With funding from the National Science Foundation (http://www.nsf.gov/) and the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF, http://www.meaf.org/), NCAM and MIT's staff added accessibility enhancements to PIVoT, a sophisticated and comprehensive on-line physics resource. Along the way, tools and strategies for making less-daunting subject matter accessible emerged, and are now available in the new publication.
"NCAM has just released these long-awaited guidelines, and they are well worth the wait. Curriculum developers and designers of on-line educational materials will greatly benefit from the information contained in these guidelines. While accessible software and websites help meet the needs of deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind and visually impaired users, these guidelines effectively advance the theory that non-disabled users always gain from accessibility enhancements. While this information is crucial for students and faculty in higher education, they will benefit K-12 at one end and working professionals at the other end." Norm Coombs, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Rochester Institute of Technology
In the guidelines, readers will find:
- a basic understanding of the needs of users with different disabilities.
- a summary of various approaches to serve users with different disabilities.
- specific solutions for designing more accessible software.
- guidelines with specific checkpoints and detailed techniques for implementation.
- extensive information on making multimedia presentations accessible to students who are deaf or blind
- examples of writing image descriptions for blind students
- solutions for making forms and databases accessible
- information on making electronic and on-line textbooks accessible.
4. NEW WEBSITE TO GATHER COMMENTS ABOUT DISABILITY RESEARCH NEEDS
A new Web site has been developed by the government's Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR) to gather comments and recommendations on research needs for Americans with disabilities. The committee, chaired by Steven James Tingus, director of the Education Department's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), produced the site to help ensure that federal research efforts meet the needs of the disability community.
Upon opening the home page, the reader is directed to the ICDR link, where readers may complete an online comment form to offer their ideas about access to technology, education, employment, community life, health care and other needs.
The ICDR Web site will serve as a catalyst for information sharing and be a source for recommendations to the president and Congress on policy and priorities related to disability and rehabilitation research. The site will also increase awareness of federal disability research activities and make new research outcomes more available to the public. Congress recognized the importance of coordination among federal agencies in the area of disability and rehabilitation research by establishing the ICDR in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Access the website at: http://www.icdr.us/.
5. FACT SHEET: TELEPHONE ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH SPEECH DISABILITIES "STS RELAY SERVICE"
STS "speech to speech" relay service is now available throughout the US by dialing 711.
If you have a speech disability and live in the USA (including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands), you can now use a new, free telephone service 24 hours a day. This service, called Speech to Speech (STS), provides communication assistants (CAs) for people with difficulty being understood by the public on the telephone. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Washington DC regulates relay service: STS is a form of relay service. STS is provided through the TTY relay in each state. Unlike TTY, STS enables people with speech disabilities to communicate by voice through a CA as many people with speech disabilities have difficulty typing.
People with speech disabilities can dial toll free to reach a patient, trained CA who is familiar with many speech patterns and has excellent language recognition skills. This CA makes telephone calls for them and repeats their words exactly in a 3-way calling environment. Every month users make about 6,000 calls nationally. STS is the only way for many people to telephone others not accustomed to their speech.
Many STS users have Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, ALS, multiple sclerosis, or muscular dystrophy. Other users stutter or have had a laryngectomy. STS also helps some speech synthesizer users, users of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC.) AAC users may ask the STS CA set up the call, negotiate the menu, introduce the call explaining AAC and then go into the background. This enables AAC users to communicate independently once the other party is on the line. In Minnesota and Texas, Deaf Voice Carryover (VCO) Relay users with slurred speech can combine VCO with STS to facilitate communication.
Bob Segalman, Ph.D. has cerebral palsy and developed the concept of STS. Now it makes telephone use much easier for him. To try out STS, report problems or get more information: Call 800-854-7784 and ask for Dr. Bob Segalman (direct 916-263-8689). You may also visit the STS website: http://www.stsnews.com/ or contact Katherine Keller at listserve@stsnews.com to place you on the STS List Serve.
Bob is gathering support letters to insure that every state implements an STS Outreach Service to tell people with speech disabilities about STS. If you're willing to sign a support letter, please e-mail Bob at: bsegalma@dor.ca.gov and indicate which state you live in and request a draft.
For a list of U.S. Speech-to-Speech access numbers go to: http://www.stsnews.com/RelayNews/STSDialUpTelnumbers.html You can also access STS by dialing 711 and asking for Speech to Speech. If the communications assistant can not assist you with an STS call, please let Bob know by e-mail stating your name, date and time of call, location, and telephone number.
6. PULSE DATA AND BENETECH ANNOUNCE BRAILLENOTE/BOOKSHARE.ORG COLLABORATION
February 25, 2003
Pulse Data International, the world's leading manufacturer of products designed for people who are blind and visually impaired, and Benetech, the Silicon Valley technology non-profit formerly known as Arkenstone, announced a formal collaboration integrating Benetech's Bookshare.org initiative with Pulse Data's BrailleNote family of products. Bookshare.org is a subscription service that provides an extensive online library of accessible digital books to U.S. residents with severe visual, reading and mobility disabilities. The BrailleNote Family is the first suite of Personal Data (Assistants designed for persons who are blind. Since last September, the Windows-CE based KeyWeb Internet Browser has been integrated into the entire range of BrailleNote products.
This collaboration allows BrailleNote users with a Bookshare.org subscription to browse the Bookshare.org website using the BrailleNote, select one of the 12,000 books already available from this site and download it directly to the device. The user can then press enter on the downloaded book, and will be prompted for his Bookshare.org user name and password. The BrailleNote will then seamlessly unpack the downloaded book to the BrailleNote's bookreader to be read off-line. This unpacking scheme preserves the book's copyright protection.
In celebration of the partnership, Pulse Data HumanWare is offering a $100 discount to all Bookshare.org subscribers who purchase a BrailleNote or a VoiceNote, while Benetech is offering new Bookshare.org members who purchase a new BrailleNote/VoiceNote or upgrade $25 off the purchase of an annual subscription to Bookshare.org's rapidly growing collection of accessible digital books.
To read the full article access the URL at: http://www.pulsedata.co.nz/about/news/news250203.asp.
7. BLACKBOARD ACCESSIBILITY UPDATE
Blackboard has recently launched a major new release: Blackboard Learning and Community Portal Systems (Release 6). This product was designed to meet the Section 508 standards. The product is currently in the process of being tested by a third party that specializes in accessibility testing.
One of the major improvements in Release 6 is the rewrite of the Virtual Classroom tool that was used in Blackboard 5.x. In Blackboard 5.x, the tool was provided by a third party, Tutornet, and was not accessible. For Release 6, the Collaboration Tools were completely rewritten using the Java accessibility APIs. For example, the software provides "hot keys" and alt tags that can be read by assistive technology, to make it easier for screen reader users to interact with the software. This means that Release 6 now provides a Lightweight Chat tool that is fully accessible. For more information access: http://access.blackboard.com
8. SPEAK AND LISTEN TO THE WEB
VoiceWebStudio.com Everything you need for speech-enabled accessibility
The new speech development suite for creating speech-enabled websites is now available. Whether you're a developer, designer, producer, or content manager, experience how the new Voice Web Studio™ development tool enables you to add speech as another mode of interaction with accessibility sites, increase your customer's productivity, and reduce the need for end-user screen reading software. Voice Web Studio is completely integrated with Dreamweaver MX to play audio and text-to-speech, organize speech dialogs, and add speech recognition to Web content that will engage the end-user in a variety of accessible scenarios.
A Voice Web application provides built-in assistive technology that includes speech recognition and text-to-speech capabilities directly within the user interface for spoken output, input, or both. Speech is a natural enhancement for your Web site that provides another mode of information input alongside the keyboard, mouse, and stylus. With Voice Web Studio for Dreamweaver MX, you can enable your users to talk to your Web applications and for your applications to return with Section 508/ADA compliant visual and/or audio results.
To learn more about the product and how to order it access the URL at: http://www.voicewebsolutions.net/
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