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*** ITTATC has reached the end of its 5-year grant, so (as of 5/15/06) this website is no longer being updated. Please be advised that the information on this site may be out of date. ***
May 1, 2004
ACCESS E and IT NEWS |
May 1, 2004 (Vol 4, Issue 7)
In This Issue:
- IBM Web Adaptation Technology Workshop
- Acquiring Technology: What Every Federal Employee Needs to Know About Section 508
- Show and Tell on Accessible Telecommunications in Education and Government: Bridging the Gaps
- GSA and HHS Launch Usability University
- Tools for Life: A 21st Century Look at Assistive Technology and Services
- Building Careers in Design
FCC TELECOMMUNICATIONS/REGULATIONS
- Solutions Summit on Disability Access Issues Associated with Internet-Protocol Based Communications Services
- Requests for Exemption from FCC's Closed Captioning Rules
- State Grants for Election Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities
- 2004 Applications for Community Technology Centers Program
- Vacancies Available at the National Institutes of Health
- Access Board Elects New Chair and Officers
- 2004 Progress Report on the New Freedom Initiative
- Report from the Interagency Working Group on Assistive Technology Mobility Devices
- Department of Labor Releases Free E-Learning Application
- Verizon Expands Special Support for Costumers with Disabilities
- Seeing Eye Computer Aids Blind
- New software solution that transforms PDF files into HTML and XML
- Fable Vision Unveiled First Digital "Talking Book" Title Made Accessible with Daisy 2.02 Technology
- Webcast: Town Meeting on Training First Responders to Address Needs of Persons with Disabilities
- HAVA Election Assistance Commission Holds First Public Meeting
| UPCOMING EVENTS |
1. IBM WEB ADAPTATION TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOP
A workshop demonstrating web software which makes websites more accessible to people with disabilities will be held on May 6, 2004 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the PACER Center in Bloomington, MN. This workshop offers a hands-on demonstration of Web software that dynamically manipulates web content to make websites more accessible to individuals with disabilities. The software tool was developed by IBM and is being piloted by PACER Simon Technology Center.
In this workshop, co-sponsored by IBM, participants will learn how to use the Web Adaptation Technology developed by IBM. The software dynamically manipulates Web content to make websites more accessible to a wide range of users. The workshop offers:
- Information about Web accessibility issues for people with disabilities.
- Explanation of the key features of IBM's Web Adaptation software, such as reducing visual clutter.
- Hands-on opportunities to try the software
The next workshop will be held on May 6, 2004 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the PACER Center in Bloomington, Minnesota. To register for the workshop, call PACER at (952) 838-9000 or (952) 838-0190 (TTY), or access: http://www.pacer.org/workshops/index.htm and under "Workshops," click on the link to Simon Technology Centers.
PACER Center is a Minnesota-based training and information center for families of children and youth with all disabilities: physical, mental, learning, and emotional. PACER provides publications, workshops, and other resources to help families make decisions about education, vocational training, employment, and other services for their child or young adult with disabilities.
2. ACQUIRING TECHNOLOGY: WHAT EVERY FEDERAL EMPLOYEE NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT SECTION 508
The General Services Administration (GSA) is sponsoring free training for federal employees on how to manage procurements to ensure Section 508 compliance. This half-day event will empower participants to make informed, legal purchasing decisions. This class will be held at the Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Building in Atlanta, GA (region 4) on May 13, 2004.
Participants will learn:
- How Section 508 affects procurement activities.
- Developing compliant requirements for procurement.
- Tools, techniques and resources for conducting market research.
Who should attend: Anyone who purchases electronic and information technology including Federal managers, supervisors and contracting officials as well as Section 508 Coordinators and agency training personnel.
To register, access: http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=AcqTech. For more information contact Helen Chamberlain at 202-219-2348, or helen.chamberlain@gsa.gov.
3. SHOW AND TELL ON ACCESSIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS IN EDUCATION AND GOVERNMENT: BRIDGING THE GAPS
What: "Show and Tell on Accessible Telecommunications in Education and Government: Bridging the Gaps"
As telecommunications services and technologies evolve and converge with information technology in the 21st century, individuals with disabilities might gain - or lose. Come learn about the accessibility barriers and solutions for telecommunications systems in educational and governmental environments. This FREE half-day session will include presenters from the U.S. Access Board (http://www.access-board.gov/), the Information Technology Technical Assistance and Training Center (http://www.ittatc.org/) and Avaya, Inc. (http://www1.avaya.com/enterprise/508/)
Topics include:
1. The significance, myths and misconceptions of the problems for you and your institution.
2. Accessibility standards.
3. The business case for accessible telecommunications - why it matters to you and to your organization.
4. Strategies and lessons learned for successful telecommunications, financial and resource management.
5. Technology solutions in action.
Where: [Final location pending.] The seminar will be held in the greater Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area.
When: June 2004 [Final date pending]
Who Should Attend: Telecommunications administrators, IT administrators, business managers, VPs and managers of finance and budget, Chief Information/Technology Officers, Disability Support Services, ADA Coordinators, Human Resources and Special Education personnel and other interested parties at public and private education entities (e.g., K-12, postsecondary, proprietary schools) AND at local, state and federal government agencies.
For more information: Contact Lori Markland, Maryland Technology Assistance Program's Project for Accessible Information Technology in Education on (800) 832-4827 (V/TTY), [INSERT EMAIL HERE] or Gil Shamir, University Legal Services Assistive Technology Program for the District of Columbia at (202) 547-0198 ext. 121 or GShamir@uls-dc.com.
4. GSA AND HHS LAUNCH USABILITY UNIVERSITY
The U.S. General Services Administration's (GSA) Office of Electronic Government and Technology and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are sponsoring a new, comprehensive usability-training program called Usability University. Usability University will offer federal staff and federal contractors a variety of user experience training opportunities including free seminars and in-depth courses at nominal rates. The purpose of this initiative is to share, promote, and demonstrate usability policies, methods, research, and best practices to improve the usability of federal websites and other communication technologies.
These seminars and courses are designed to provide current, hands-on, practical training for web developers, editors, content managers, marketing staff, and others. Space is limited and registration is required. To view the full schedule of training available now through July 2004, access Usability University Seminar Services at http://www.usability.gov/usabilityuniversity/seminar.html and Usability University Training and Professional Development Program at http://www.usability.gov/usabilityuniversity/training.html.
5. TOOLS FOR LIFE: A 21ST CENTURY LOOK AT ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES
Tools For Life 2004, an Expo and Conference showcasing products and services for persons with disabilities, will be held at the Blaisdell Exhibition Center in Honolulu, Hawaii on July 9 -10, 2004. Learn, see, and experience the latest in assistive technology to maximize independence.
For additional information, access: http://www.assistguide.com/toolsforlife/.
6. BUILDING CAREERS IN DESIGN
A new online course, 'Building Careers in Design' is being deployed designed especially for vocational and career counselors. The course will benefit counselors by enabling them to better serve the employment needs of people with disabilities through the development of quality careers in a range of design fields. This 6-week 30 CRC credit course begins June 21 and is offered through the Interwork Institute of San Diego State University, in cooperation with Adaptive Environments, Boston, MA. Daniel Hunter, ASLA, is the course instructor and Jacklyn Butcher, CRP, is course facilitator. The course fee is $175. For more information, see www.careersindesign.org.
The course had a very successful pilot in cooperation with the VR agencies in California, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Oregon. Counselors applauded the in-depth content, access to successful designers with disabilities, and easy to use online resources that enabled them to assess interests and develop well-documented IPEs. The course was developed through a contract with the RSA National Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center and is part of 'Building Careers in Design,' a web-based technical assistance project that includes extensive web resources for consumers, counselors, human resource personnel, and families.
The project intent is to encourage people with disabilities into careers in the design fields, including architecture, landscape design, web design, urban design, and industrial design. Design fields are often overlooked as career options for people with disabilities. A printable flyer that you can use is available online at: www.careersindesign.org/flyer . For more information contact Kristin Schneider at 617-695-1225 ex 35 or mail to:
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| FCC TELECOMMUNICATIONS/REGULATIONS |
1. SOLUTIONS SOMMIT ON DISABILITY ACCESS ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH INTERNET-PROTOCOL BASED COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES
On Friday, May 7, 2004, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Internet Policy Working Group (IPWG) will hold the second in a series of "Solutions Summits" at which government and industry leaders will discuss creative ways to address policy issues that arise as communications services move to Internet-based platforms. The meeting will focus on the ability of persons with disabilities to access services increasingly based upon IP (Internet Protocol) technologies. Participants will include members of the disability community, industry representatives, and FCC staff.
The event, which is open to the public, will be held at FCC headquarters, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, D.C. starting at 9:00 am and ending at 1:00 pm. To view the agenda, as well as other pertinent information relative to the Solutions Summit, access: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-04-1051A1.doc.
The Solutions Summit will be webcast live and also archived for later viewing. Access to and additional information concerning the webcast is available at http://www.fcc.gov/realaudio/. Open captioning will be provided for the webcast.
Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. The pre-registration form is located at: http://www.fcc.gov/voip/. To pre-register by April 30, 2004, complete the form and send to Kelly Jones at Kelly.Jones@fcc.gov, or fax it to 202-418-2345. You can also contact Kelly Jones for more information on the Solutions Summit via her e-mail address or by phone at (202) 418-7078 (voice), (202) 418- 7172 (TTY).
2. REQUESTS FOR EXEMPTION FROM FCC'S CLOSED CAPTIONING RULES
The following eight petitions have been submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for waiver of closed captioning requirements. The FCC has issued opinions and orders on two of the proceedings. The comment period remains open on the other six proceedings. These petitions can be accessed individually or on the FCC's Disability Issues Headlines page at: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/headlines.html.
a. Bob Dillow Promotions, Inc.
A FCC Opinion and Order, adopted on April 19th and released on April 23rd, addresses a petition filed by Bob Dillow Promotions Inc., producer of the television program Fishin' with Bob Dillow aired on The Outdoor Channel. Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc. (TDI) filed an opposition to the petition for exemption.
Bob Dillow Promotions, Inc., submitted a petition for exemption requesting a waiver from compliance with the captioning requirements. According to the FCC, Dillow's petition fails to disclose information regarding its finances and assets, gross or net proceeds, or possible sponsorships solicited for assisting in captioning. The FCC states that because Dillow provided no documentation from which its financial condition can be assessed, the FCC finds it is impossible to determine whether Dillow has sufficient justification supporting an exemption from the closed captioning requirements. The FCC, therefore, denied Dillow's petition. This decision is without prejudice to Dillow bringing a future petition for exemption that adequately documents that compliance with the FCC rules will impose an undue burden.
To read the Memorandum of Opinion and Order, access: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-04-1069A1.doc.
b. Hunting and Outdoor Adventures & Fishing and Outdoor Adventures
A FCC Opinion and Order, adopted on April 12th and released on April 15th, addresses a petition filed by Keith Warren, producer of the television programs Hunting and Outdoor Adventures and Fishing and Outdoor Adventures aired on The Outdoor Channel. Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc. ("TDI") filed an opposition to the petition for exemption.
Hunting and Outdoor Adventures and Fishing and Outdoor Adventures submitted a brief petition for exemption requesting a waiver from compliance with the captioning requirements. According to the FCC, Outdoor Adventures' petition fails to disclose information regarding its finances and assets, gross or net proceeds, price quotes from various captioning sources, or possible sponsorships solicited for assisting in captioning. The FCC states that because Outdoor Adventures provided no documentation from which its financial condition can be assessed, the FCC finds it impossible to determine whether Outdoor Adventures has sufficient justification supporting an exemption from the closed captioning requirements. The FCC, therefore, denied Outdoor Adventures petition. This decision is without prejudice to Outdoor Adventures bringing a future petition for exemption that adequately documents that compliance with our rules will impose an undue burden.
To read the Memorandum of Opinion and Order, access: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-04-928A1.doc.
c. Quail Valley Church
On April 6, 2004, Quail Valley Church filed a petition for exemption from the closed captioning requirements, pursuant to Section 79.1 of the FCC's rules, 47 C.F.R. § 79.1. Petitioner claims that compliance would impose an undue burden, as defined in Section 79.1(f) of the FCC's rules, 47 C.F.R. § 79.1(f). Comments and oppositions are due within 30 days from the date of this public notice. Please place the case identifier, CSR 6295, on all filings.
To read the FCC Public Notice, access: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-04-931A1.doc. To read Quail Valley's Request for Exemption, access: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/csr6295.txt.
d. Healing Miracles Ministries
On April 6, 2004, Healing Miracles Ministries filed a petition for exemption from the closed captioning requirements, pursuant to Section 79.1 of the FCC's rules, 47 C.F.R. § 79.1. Petitioner claims that compliance would impose an undue burden, as defined in Section 79.1(f) of the FCC's rules, 47 C.F.R. § 79.1(f). Comments and oppositions are due within 30 days from the date of this public notice. Please place the case identifier, CSR 6297, on all filings.
To read the FCC Public Notice, access: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-04-951A1.doc. To read Healing Miracles Request for Exemption, access: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/csr6297.txt.
e. Maranatha Fellowship Church
On April 6, 2004, Maranatha Fellowship Church filed a petition for exemption from the closed captioning requirements, pursuant to Section 79.1 of the FCC's rules, 47 C.F.R. § 79.1. Petitioner claims that compliance would impose an undue burden, as defined in Section 79.1(f) of the FCC's rules, 47 C.F.R. § 79.1(f). Comments and oppositions are due within 30 days from the date of this public notice. Please place the case identifier, CSR 6308, on all filings.
To read the FCC Public Notice, access: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-04-952A1.doc. To read Maranatha's Request for Exemption, access: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/csr-6308.pdf.
f. VCG Communications
On April 6, 2004, Valleau Consulting Group, Inc. (VCG) filed a petition for exemption from the closed captioning requirements, pursuant to Section 79.1 of the FCC's rules, 47 C.F.R. § 79.1. Petitioner claims that compliance would impose an undue burden, as defined in Section 79.1(f) of the FCC's rules, 47 C.F.R. § 79.1(f). Comments and oppositions are due within 30 days from the date of this public notice. Please place the case identifier, CSR 6309, on all filings.
To read the FCC Public Notice, access: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-04-953A1.doc. To read VCG's Request for Exemption, access: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/csr-6309.pdf.
g. New Life Team
On April 5, 2004, New Life Team filed a petition for exemption from the closed captioning requirements, pursuant to Section 79.1 of the FCC's rules, 47 C.F.R. § 79.1. Petitioner claims that compliance would impose an undue burden, as defined in Section 79.1(f) of the FCC's rules, 47 C.F.R. § 79.1(f). Comments and oppositions are due within 30 days from the date of this public notice. Please place the case identifier, CSR 6294, on all filings.
To read the FCC Public Notice, access: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-04-929A1.pdf. To read New Life Team's Request for Exemption, access: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/csr6293.txt.
h. Dr. Jack Ditty
On April 5, 2004, Dr. Jack Ditty has filed a petition for exemption from the closed captioning requirements, pursuant to Section 79.1 of the FCC's rules, 47 C.F.R. § 79.1. Petitioner claims that compliance would impose an undue burden, as defined in Section 79.1(f) of the FCC's rules, 47 C.F.R. § 79.1(f). Comments and oppositions are due within 30 days from the date of this public notice. Please place the case identifier, CSR 6293, on all filings.
To read the FCC Public Notice, access: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-04-930A1.doc. To read Dr. Jack Ditty's Request for Exemption, access: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/csr6293.txt.
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| FOR YOUR ACTION/INFORMATION |
1. STATE GRANTS FOR ELECTION ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
The April 19th edition of the Federal Register included a notice from the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families announcing the availability of Fiscal Year 2004 funds under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), Public Law (Pub. L.) 107-252, title II subtitle D, part 2, section 261, Payments to States and Units of Local Governments to Assure Access for Individuals with Disabilities.
HAVA contains several provisions that will enable an applicant to establish, expand, and improve access to and participation by individuals with the full range of disabilities (e.g., visual impairments including blindness, hearing impairments including deafness, the full range of mobility impairments including gross and fine motor impairments, emotional impairments, and intellectual impairments) in the election process. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number for this announcement is: 93.617.
On January 23, 2004, in Pub. L. 108-199, Congress appropriated $10,000,000 for payments to States for Federal fiscal year 2004, of which $9,941,000 is available. Payment amounts to States and Territories will be based on the relative size of the voting age population (i.e., number of individuals 18 years of age or older as reported in the 2000 U.S. Census) of those States and Territories requesting payment, with the exception that no State or Territory applying for funds shall receive a payment of less than $100,000. The announcement in the Federal Register (see URL below) includes information on the amount reserved for each State and Territory, assuming all 55 States and Territories submit applications. If fewer than 55 States and Territories submit applications, those
States and Territories applying for payment will receive a proportionately higher amount than that listed on Table I. Any payment distributed shall remain available until expended. In order to receive a payment, a State must meet all of the requirements listed in part II of this notice (see URL).
The closing date for receipt of all applications is 30 days from date of publication in the Federal Register. For more information, including use of allotments, application requirements and additional information, access the Federal Register notice at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-8789.htm.
2. 2004 APPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTERS PROGRAM
The April 16th edition of the Federal Register included a notice from the Department of Education, Office of Vocational and Adult Education inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year 2004 for novice and non-novice applicants for the Community Technology Centers (CTC) Program.
As authorized by Title V, Part D, Subpart 11, Sections 5511-13 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), the purpose of the CTC program is to assist eligible applicants to create or expand community technology centers that provide disadvantaged residents of economically distressed urban and rural communities with access to information technology and related training.
The estimated available amount of funds is $10,000,000 and the estimated number of awards is between 18-25. Applications are due on June 1, 2004.
To read the Federal Register announcement, which includes the funding opportunity description, eligibility information, and application and submission information, access: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-8660.htm.
3. VACANCIES AVAILABLE AT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is currently recruiting to fill multiple full-time vacancies for the newly created Division of Extramural Activities Support for Grants Clerks and Extramural Support Assistants (GS-303-4/5/6). The duties and responsibilities of the positions include:
- Receives, reviews for completeness, routes, and stores grant applications and research and development contract proposals.
- Provides logistical support and coordination for scientific conferences, workshops, and site visits, as well as board, Council, and other advisory group meetings.
- Manages data in the IMPAC II system and in other databases.
The vacancies have been posted on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website (See Careers QuickHire) at: https://jobs.quickhire.com/scripts/hhs.exe/runjobinfo?aOrg=1&aJob=1760&Username=~BROWSE~&ORGIMG=qh.gif.
See the instructions near the bottom of the announcement to apply, as well as the requirements for submitting necessary documents. The announcement is open until May 3, 2004, and applications MUST be received by that date in order to be considered.
4. ACCESS BOARD ELECTS NEW CHAIR AND OFFICERS
[Taken from the March/April 2004 issue of Access Currents, Volume 10, No. 2]
The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance (Access) Board elected Emil H. Frankel chairman at its March meeting. Frankel is Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy of the U.S. Department of Transportation, a position he was appointed to by the president in 2002. A former commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation, he has served as a speaker, panelist, and moderator on a wide range of transportation topics including Intelligent Transportation Systems technologies, intercity rail services, transportation planning and management, and transportation and air quality.
Each year the Board selects a new chair, alternating between a public member and a Federal member. Frankel succeeds Jan Tuck, a public member from Santa Clarita, California, who was elected vice chair. In addition, the Board re-elected public members Ken Schoonover and Soy Williams head of the Board's Planning and Budget Committee and its Technical Programs Committee, respectively.
The Board is structured to function as a coordinating body among Federal agencies and to directly represent the public. Half its members are representatives from most of the Federal departments. The other half is comprised of members of the public appointed by the president to four-year terms, a majority of whom must have a disability.
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| ARTICLES/PUBLICATIONS |
1. 2004 PROGRESS REPORT ON THE NEW FREEDOM INITIATIVE
Announced in February 2001, the New Freedom Initiative is President George W. Bush's bold plan to tear down the remaining barriers to full integration into American life that many of this Nation's 54 million citizens with disabilities still face. This Progress Report highlights accomplishments under the New Freedom Initiative since the issuance of the May 2002 Progress Report. The executive summary to the report shares the following findings regarding access through technology.
"To promote the development and dissemination of technology for individuals with disabilities, the President has:
- Secured $120 million over three fiscal years (FY 2002 through FY 2004) to promote the development of assistive and universally designed technology and to fund alternative financing programs, such as low-interest, long-term loans to put technology into the hands of more people with disabilities;
- Created a working group of Federal agencies that developed strategies for improving access to assistive technology mobility devices (i.e., wheelchairs and scooters);
- Established DisabilityInfo.gov, a web portal providing information about the array of Federal programs that affect people with disabilities; and
- Promoted full implementation of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which requires that electronic and information technology purchased, maintained, and used by the Federal government be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
Inspired by the vision of the New Freedom Initiative, agencies did the following to further promote access to technology for people with disabilities:
- Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans announced an eight-point plan to promote the development of assistive and universally designed technology nationally and internationally.
- The Department of Defense significantly expanded its Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP), which now provides assistive technology for employees with disabilities in 58 agencies."
To download the PDF version of New Freedom Initiative: The 2004 Progress Report and/or to link to the table of contents, access: http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/newfreedom/toc-2004.html.
2. REPORT FROM THE INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP ON ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY MOBILITY DEVICES
On February 12, 2003, President Bush issued an Executive Memorandum challenging federal agencies to increase educational and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities by improving their access to ATMDs (assistive technology mobility devices). A report dated August 2003 and issued by the Interagency Working Group (IWG) that was established under the Executive Memorandum is available that describes their activities and responses.
To view a copy of the report, and to learn more about the Interagency Working Group and the Executive Memorandum, access: http://www.icdr.us/ATMD_Report/IWG.htm.
3. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELEASES FREE E-LEARNING APPLICATION
[Taken from the March 24, 2004 issue of Government Computer News]
The Department of Labor is offering agencies a free version of an application to build multimedia training sessions, which it created along with Development InfoStructure, an IT consulting firm. The application, EZ Reusable Objects (EZRO), will let agencies build web-based e-learning courses. EZRO, which complies with Section 508 access requirements, is an example of the resource-sharing model of how companies, agencies and the open-source software community can collaborate and build apps.
Development InfoStructure began making EZRO available in January under a Gnu General Public License, which allows free distribution. To download the application, access the InfoStructure website at: http://ezro.devis.com/. To read the full article in Government Computer News, access: http://gcn.com/vol1_no1/daily-updates/25392-1.html.
4. VERIZON EXPANDS SPECIAL SUPPORT FOR CUSTOMERS WITH DISABILITIES
Continuing its mission to provide the greatest range of communication capabilities to customers with disabilities, on April 12th, Verizon announced the expansion of its Marlboro Center for Customers with Disabilities to support customers in three more states: Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The Marlboro Center, which opened in 1992, already provides service in eight states and Washington, D.C., to residential customers who have hearing, vision, mobility, speech or cognitive disabilities. The states are: Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. In addition, the company opened a second center last year in Oxnard, Calif. The two centers now serve customers in 28 states. Support for customers in Hawaii will be added in the future.
Specially trained service representatives staff the centers from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, educating customers on ways Verizon's products and services can make communicating easier for people with disabilities. Representatives recommend solutions that involve basic and optional telephone services, directory assistance exemptions, discounts for customers who use text telephones, and phone bills in large print or Braille.
To read the full Press Release, access: http://uk.us.biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040412/nym132_1.html. More information about Verizon's portfolio of products and services for customers with disabilities is available at www.verizon.com/disabilities.
5. SEEING EYE COMPUTER GUIDES BLIND
[Taken from March 30, 2004 issue of Wired News]
Helen Keller once said that what a blind person needs is not a teacher but another self. Researchers are developing a system that aims to provide something close -- a computerized "seeing" assistant that will help people who are blind read books, access web pages, recognize faces and navigate unfamiliar rooms. The portable version of the system, called Tyflos -- Greek for blind -- consists of a tiny camera mounted on a pair of glasses, a laptop carried in a backpack, a headset and a microphone. Designed by researchers at Wright State University, Tyflos converts the images recorded by the camera into verbal messages conveyed to the user.
To read the Wired News article, access: http://www.wired.com/news/gizmos/0,1452,62810,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_3.
6. NEW SOFTWARE SOLUTION THAT TRANSFORMS PDF FILES INTO HTML AND XML
On April 22nd, Deque Systems Inc. announced the beta release of Deque Undoc for PDF(R), a new software solution that transforms Portable Document Format (PDF) files into HTML and XML. The new solution provides an easy-to-use interface that automates single file and bulk transformation of PDF content into HTML and XML. Deque Undoc for PDF empowers users and organizations by ensuring that existing business documents are prepared and formatted for repurposing into word processor and document layout tools, loadable into web portals, customer relationship management and records management solutions.
Deque Undoc for PDF is the first product in Deque's content standards management line. This product line complements the existing Deque Ramp product line. The Deque Undoc and Ramp product lines are designed to encourage process workflow to streamline efforts at managing content for accessibility.
Deque is the technology leader in web accessibility and content standards management. Deque is the market leader in cross-platform solutions, equally supporting Microsoft Windows 2000(R), Microsoft Windows XP(R), Apple Macintosh OS X(R), Linux, and Unix(R). For more information about Deque, visit www.deque.com. To read the full news release, access: http://www.deque.com/newsevents/PR-Undoc.htm.
7. FABLEVISION UNVEILED FIRST DIGITAL "TALKING BOOK" TITLE MADE ACCESSIBLE WITH DAISY 2.02 TECHNOLOGY
The Boston-based educational media developer and publisher FableVision unveiled its first digital "talking book" title made accessible with DAISY 2.02 technology (Digital Accessible Information System).
Released in collaboration with the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), a not-for profit education research and development organization, children's book author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds wrote and illustrated The City Garden for free as a way to support the growing DAISY movement. According to Reynolds, "DAISY is a platform we believe in - with a powerful new way to "hear" what you are reading with a real human voice and we want to help promote its widespread adoption." The City Garden can be read by any DAISY 2.02 reader including CAST's newly released eReader 3.0™.
CAST's eReader 3.0, is the first text-to-speech tool to use both synthetic speech and human recorded voice to navigate a wide range of digital educational content and provides critically needed reading supports for young readers with print based disabilities. CAST has partnered with FableVision to help accelerate DASIY 2.02 content development for blind, visually-impaired, and struggling readers. The CAST eReader was originally developed in 1995 and is now used by over 80,000 students and adults to support reading of word processing, HTML and DAISY 2.02 documents.
To learn more about and download the CAST eReader and The City Garden, access: http://www.cast.org/eReader.
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| PAST EVENTS |
1. WEBCAST: TOWN MEETING ON TRAINING FIRST RESPONDERS TO ADDRESS NEEDS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
On Friday, April 30th, TVWorldwide.com's, HomelandDefenseTV channel (www.homelanddefensetv.com) aired a live webcast of a town meeting on the needs of persons with disabilities in emergency situations and strategies for protecting such individuals -- including the establishment of a curriculum to train first responders.
The webcast featured presentations and discussion by a panel of experts. The Homeland Defense TV channel was recently launched in partnership with Homeland Defense Journal, Homeland Defense Radio and The University of Findlay's Center for Terrorism Preparedness. The webcast also provided insight concerning the readiness of the Department of Homeland Security, as well as other state and federal agencies, in ensuring the safety of persons with disabilities.
The webcast, which originated from the studios of TV Worldwide in Chantilly, Virginia, included the following invited guests: Daniel Sutherland, Officer for Civil Rights & Civil Liberties at the Department of Homeland Security, Eric L. Qualkenbush, Director of the University of Findlay's Center for Terrorism Preparedness, Michael L. Webber, Adjunct Instructor and Consultant at the University of Findlay's Center for Terrorism Preparedness, and Bill Brobst, Adjunct Instructor at University of Findlay's School of Environmental and Emergency Management. John Williams, a renowned columnist on disability issues and Ms. Elizabeth Davis, consultant to the National Organization on Disability for emergency preparedness initiatives also served on the panel, which was hosted by Dave Gardy, CEO of TV Worldwide.
The webcast will be archived in fully accessible format using the captioned video streaming of TVWorldwide.com's "webcapting" SM process and will be made available as an archived file for one full year at HomelandDefenseTV.com (www.homelanddefensetv.com) and at AT508.com (www.at508.com).
2. HAVA ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION HOLDS FIRST PUBLIC MEETING
In addition to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002 also addresses access to polling places. Under the law [HAVA], every precinct in the country must have at least one voting machine or system used in Federal elections that is accessible to persons with disabilities, including those with vision impairments, by January 1, 2006. Access is required so that persons with disabilities have the same opportunity for participation, including privacy and independence, afforded other voters. The act also establishes requirements that will allow voters to verify and correct their selections before casting a ballot and that will remove language barriers.
The law establishes an independent entity, the Election Assistance Commission, to implement these and other reforms. The new Commission, which held its first meeting on March 23, will oversee the development of standards for voting systems which are to include provisions for accessibility. The Commission will also be responsible for testing and certifying voting equipment, conducting studies on voting system improvements, and administering various grant programs funded by the law. The standards are to be developed through several advisory bodies, including a Board of Advisors and a Technical Guidelines Development Committee. The Access Board, which has been named to both the advisory board and the guidelines committee, will be represented by public Board members James Elekes and James "J.R." Harding.
At its recent meeting, the Commission received reports on the status of these entities and the work completed to date on new voting system standards. The commissioners also discussed publication of state plans for complying with the act in the Federal Register the following day and a timetable for distributing grant monies to states. The Commission intends to hold a hearing on electronic voting within 45 days. The Commission will complete its organization and relocation and set up a website in coming months. For further information, contact the Commission at (202) 694-1095.
To learn more about HAVA 2002 and the Commission, access: http://www.fec.gov/hava/hava.htm.
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| RESOURCES |
1. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT PUBLISHES ADA CHECKLIST FOR POLLING PLACES
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state and local governments must ensure access to their programs and services, including voting. The U.S. Department of Justice, which regulates and enforces these requirements, has issued an accessibility checklist for polling places. This new publication is designed to help local jurisdictions in selecting sites for polling places through an evaluation of architectural accessibility. With the checklist, users can identify barriers to access and determine how best to address them. Based on the ADA's design requirements for buildings and facilities, the checklist covers access to parking, passenger drop-off areas, sidewalks, and entrances so that all areas and elements used by voters are accessible.
The checklist can be downloaded from the Department's website at www.ada.gov/votingck.htm. Print copies can be ordered through its ADA information line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383.
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