IT Accessibility Review
Volume 1, Number 11
TecAccess in the News
TecAccess to Host IDEAS 2006 Conference
TecAccess is honored to produce IDEAS 2006 in conjunction with PostNewsweek Tech Media. Interagency Disability Educational Awareness Showcase (IDEAS) is an educational conference and technology showcase focused on Sections 501, 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act: specifically targeting the critical Education, Policy and Technology initiatives facing the government community.
"This year´s exciting conference will kickoff on November 13, 2006, and will offer an expanded format that will conclude on November 14th," explains Lois Rude, Chief Knowledge Officer at TecAccess.
Rude, who has been influential in the organizing of IDEAS for years, explains that the 2006 event will be held at the New Washington Convention Center, and will feature both industry and government leading experts in addition to an impressive line-up of soon to be announced keynote speakers.
Examples of the many breakout sessions include "Section 508 Standards - Back to Basics" by David Baquis, Accessibility Specialist, U.S. Access Board. This session will address the information needs of those new to section 508 issues and provide a valuable refresher for the most experienced expert. Issues covered during this session will include: What is considered electronic and information technology? What is covered by Section 508? What provisions or exemptions apply in a variety of situations?
Other breakout sessions will feature "State of Section 508," an informative look at how the Commonwealth of Virginia has recently adopted the Virginia Information Technology Accessibility Standard, which is based on the existing Federal Section 508 Standards. Developed by the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA), the standard provides state agencies and schools with accessibility requirements for the procurement, development or maintenance of any electronic and information technology products and services. This session, which will be moderated by TecAccess founder Debra Ruh, will discuss how the Commonwealth is implementing these standards, as well provide an overview of the efforts taking place in other states. Panelists will include Deborah Buck, Executive Director of the Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) and Eric Perkins, Virginia Information Technologies Agency.
Rude says that these are but a few examples of the wide array of high caliber presentations that are currently in the works, all of which will focus on different testing approaches to determine Section 508 compliance for websites and E&IT applications. IDEAS 2006 will also offer a stunning technology showcase. Best of all, there is no charge for government and industry to attend IDEAS 2006.
To learn more about the IDEAS exhibition and conferences, visit IDEAS 508 at: www.ideas508.com.
To register to attend this FREE, one-of-a-kind event, please visit : http://www.tecaccess.net/ideas06/.
Please contact TecAccess to discuss a number of exciting ways to exhibit at this year's popular event by visiting: http://tecaccess.net/content/pressroom/pressreleases/2006/ideas-tecaccess.shtml.
New Conference Reporting Program Announced
This November´s Interagency Disability Educational Awareness Showcase (IDEAS) is the premier event focused on partnering industry and education with government to meet the requirements under Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. IDEAS 2006 will also feature the latest information on many important areas, including the much anticipated Section 508 Policy Update/Refresh session.
So how can you benefit from the upcoming IDEAS 508 annual conference without spending a dime on expenses?
With TecAccess´ new Conference Reporting program, we can be your eyes and ears at selected conference sessions. We will attend the sessions specifically relevant to your interests and design a customized program that meets your information needs. Our post-conference reports cover all of the major trends and issues discussed at each individual session. We also bring back answers to your specific accessibility questions, and collect information such as presentation handouts, exhibitor literature, and all other helpful conference materials.
The 2006 IDEAS conference is undisputedly the year´s most important event. For less than $300.00, TecAccess will be your "Onsite Reporting Advisor," allowing your organization to view the proceedings from the eyes of an expert, and save you money at the same time.
Services & Pricing Options:
Session Proceedings Report:
TecAccess will attend up to three sessions of your choice and provide you with a customized report for each session attended. If you are unsure about which sessions are best for your needs, we will be happy to provide recommendations. $125.00 per session report or SAVE 20% and request three session reports for only $300.00!
Executive Report of the Conference:
This report will encompass all major issues, trends and highlights of the conference and provide you with the information you and your organization need to make cost effective decisions about products and services as they relate to accessibility and the law. $150.00.
If you know you should be there - but just can´t find the budget or the time - consider TecAccess4 Conference Reporting program. Please call 804-749-8646 to discuss this exciting new program with an Accessibility Consultant!
TecAccess Employee Highlighted in Audacity Magazine
TecAccess LLC, is proud to announce that Ed Ziegler, Senior Accessibility Consultant, has been nominated for the "Most Audacious" award by Audacity Magazine.
Ziegler, who has worked with TecAccess since its inception, is featured in the September 2006 issue of Audacity Magazine (www.audacitymagazine.com), "the #1 online lifestyle magazine for people with physical disabilities."
Ziegler, who recently represented TecAccess on two television appearances on NBC4 and CBS6, is no stranger to such achievements. As a graduate of Partner´s in Policy Making, an innovative advocacy organization that provides competency based leadership training programs for adults with disabilities, Ziegler is now a popular inspirational speaker, addressing the topics of accessibility and assistive technology.
As part of TecAccess´ growing team of accessibility experts, Ed Ziegler is solidifying TecAccess as the premier provider of a full suite of consulting, training, auditing, and testing services.
Widely recognized for expertise in worldwide accessibility solutions, Ziegler works alongside a diverse and skilled team of professionals many of whom have disabilities. TecAccess´ proven track record in government, private industry, and education proves that this uniquely positions the company to realistically evaluate compliance, accessibility, and usability from the perspective of people with disabilities.
TecAccess Appears on Digital Spin, Best Practices Highlighted
On September 20, 2006, TecAccess was featured on The Digital Spin, a weekly public radio broadcast from WEAA 88.9 FM in Baltimore, Maryland.
Digital Spin, hosted by National Public Radio Technology Consultant Mario Armstrong, is heard live throughout the Mid Atlantic region each Wednesday at 7PM. Debra Ruh, founder of TecAccess, was interviewed in an hour-long segment as part of the "Pushing to the Top" series, in which three individuals who made their digital dreams come true were highlighted.
"Need I say more about why we would love to have Ms. Ruh on the program," said Digital Spin producer, Gwendolyn Richards, prior to the taping which has since received rave reviews. "We are looking for the challenges she faced along the way, both personal and professional, as well as the blessings we all need to look for," explained Richards.
Debra Ruh´s interview was broadcast live at 7:15 on NPR affiliate, WEAA 88.9 FM, in Baltimore and DC. As part of the interview, Ruh highlighted the best practices displayed by leaders in the accessibility movement currently taking place around the world.
IBM, for example, was featured for its IBM Human Ability and Accessibility Center, and its leadership role in the accessibility arena. IBM routinely helps its clients provide Web and portal sites that can reach a larger percentage of the population based on various accessibility compliance regulations, such as the Federal Section 508 law and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI).
In addition, the Digital Spin interview discussed best practices examples demonstrated by Hewlett Packard, and its commitment to developing products, services and information that are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities and age-related limitations. Ruh explains that HP´s commitment supports their "Total Customer Experience" objectives, which ensures that the benefits of technology are available to all.
"We share our success story, by sharing the success stories and best practices of other accessibility leaders," explains Ruh.
For more information regarding the TecAccess interview, please visit The Digital Spin at: http://marioa.squarespace.com/weaa-guests_topics/.
