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Path Home > Press Room > Newsletter Index

IT Accessibility Review

Volume 1, Number 12

TecAccess in the News

TecAccess Wins Wells Fargo Award

Celebrating the continued success of women business owners nationwide, Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners® (NAWBO®) recognized Debra Ruh, President and founder of TecAccess, LLC as a ´trailblazing´ woman entrepreneur at the sixth-annual NAWBO/Wells Fargo Trailblazer Award celebration in Atlanta, GA, on June 1, 2007, during an exciting week of events at NAWBO´s 2007 Women´s Business Conference.

The Trailblazer Award recipients were selected from a nationwide pool of applicants based on their companies´ business performance, innovation, growth, and personal service to the community. Together with NAWBO, Joy Ott, regional president for Wells Fargo Bank in Montana and national spokesperson for its Women´s Business Services program, presented the Trailblazer Awards.

"The diverse talent and leadership demonstrated by the Trailblazer Award recipients is inspiring and extends far beyond the walls of their businesses. They are leaders not only in business, but also in their communities. This is why we salute and recognize the contributions of women entrepreneurs nationwide," said Ott. "This year´s winners truly personify what it means to be a ´trailblazer´ and we applaud and thank them for their continued innovation and success."

Founded by Debra Ruh in 2001, TecAccess, LLC provides compliance and accessibility solutions to corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions. Inspired by her daughter, who was born with Down syndrome, Debra recognized that employment opportunities for people with disabilities were rare. Determined to make a difference, Debra utilized her knowledge of information technology and founded TecAccess, which employs a diverse team, many of whom are people with disabilities. Drawing upon the unique experiences of its employees, TecAccess implements and develops creative and accessible IT solutions and ensures that federal agencies comply with Section 508 requirements by developing an infrastructure that is accessible to people with disabilities.

>"Receiving such an award among my most valued peers and colleagues is truly humbling," Ruh said to an audience of over 1,000 business leaders during her acceptance speech. "This award is for all of us, and I plan to share it with each and every one of you over the year ahead because as a group of talented women business owners, it is ours together, it belongs to all of us. "Ruh also noted, "I have been very fortunate to work alongside the very best leaders in technology at TecAccess, leaders who just also happen to have disabilities. Over the year ahead, I look forward to working with this team to serve as an inspiration for all." During her speech, Ruh also outlined the TecAccess team´s dedication to using the recognition and support from both Wells Fargo and NAWBO to identify and assist three target areas:

Our nation´s heroes
TecAccess is partnering with government and industry throughout the country to form VetAccess, as evidenced by a very successful program currently in Virginia, known as DVETs, which trains disabled veterans in the technology field and places them in solid position in IT.

Our aging population
TecAccess continues to work with the mature audience, assuring that they have the assistive technology needed, so they too can participate in the world of technology, even as they age.

The international community
TecAccess looks forward to continuing to form relationships with the international community, as evidenced by recent partnership throughout Africa, where services for people with disabilities and assistive technology is just beginning to be explored.

In closing, Ruh explained, "I´d like to once again thank you the entire room, women business leaders as a whole for the hope and inspiration that you have given me to follow my dreams and I hope in some small way I can return the favor and do the same for you."

The other impressive business leaders who joined Debra Ruh as Trailblazer Award recipients included:

Lucy Voves, President and founder of Church Classics & Diplomaframe.com; and Christine Wallace, President and founder of Gracewinds Perinatal Services.

"These unique businesses reinforce the innovation and trailblazing spirit we see so much of in women entrepreneurs," said Carol Kuc, NAWBO president and president/CEO of Complete Conference Coordinators, Inc. in Naperville, Ill. "NAWBO is honored, along with our partner Wells Fargo, to recognize and celebrate their success as they truly uphold and embody the spirit of this award."

Wells Fargo established the Women´s Business Services program in 1995 to build relationships with women business owners and increase access to capital and financial services. Since the program´s inception, Wells Fargo has lent more than $28 billion nationwide to women business owners.

About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $486 billion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through more than 6,000 stores and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and internationally. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is the only bank in the U.S., and one of only two banks worldwide, to have the highest credit rating from both Moody´s Investors Service, "Aaa," and Standard & Poor´s Ratings Services, "AAA."

Providing financial products and services to more than 1.5 million businesses with annual sales up to $20 million in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, Wells Fargo is America´s #1 lender to small businesses in total dollar volume according to the most recent CRA data (2005).

The second largest national SBA lender in dollars, Wells Fargo is an SBA Preferred Lender in 28 states and the District of Columbia, and originated 4,937 loans for $578 million in 2006. Its diverse business services programs provide outreach and education to women, African American, Latino, and Asian business owners about financial services. Since 1995, Wells Fargo has loaned more than $30 billion to women and diverse business owners. For more information, please visit www.wellsfargo.com/biz.

About NAWBO
Founded in 1975, NAWBO propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide. Thirty years later, NAWBO is still the only organization that solely represents the interest of women entrepreneurs in all industries. The organization´s mission is to strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of its members and promote economic development; to create innovative and effective change in the business culture; to build strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliations; and to transform public policy and influence opinion makers. Visit www.nawbo.org for more information.

TecAccess Receives Virginia Growth Company Honor

TecAccess, a leading provider of accessibility and workforce solutions, has been named among the Greater Richmond´s Companies To Watch, an award sponsored and delivered by the Venture Forum and Troutman Sanders. The prestigious honor will be presented at the Virginia Capital Day Conference reception on October 3 at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond.

Virginia´s Growth Companies To Watch is a program to recognize promising growth companies in the Commonwealth which reflect the high quality of private company investing opportunities for venture, private equity and mezzanine investors:

"These companies are great examples of the healthy entrepreneurial environment in the Commonwealth of Virginia," said Virginia Capital Day Conference Chairman T. Dean Madison. "Conference attendees will have the opportunity to network with these entrepreneurs and help us celebrate their emerging success."

Those companies selected from the greater Richmond area will also be recognized as Greater Richmond´s Companies To Watch, an award sponsored and delivered by the Venture Forum and Troutman Sanders.

In addition to the Virginia Growth Companies program, the Virginia Capital Day Conference will feature keynote addresses from Patrick O. Gottschalk, Secretary of Commerce and Trade for the Commonwealth of Virginia; nationally recognized political analyst Dr. Larry J. Sabato, Director of the University of Virginia´s Center for Politics, and J. Alfred Broaddus, Jr., Retired President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. In addition, the ACG Richmond Private Equity Marketplace and a panel featuring limited partner perspectives on the state of the alternative investment landscape.

More details and registration information for the 2007 Virginia Capital Day Conference can be found at www.acg.org/richmond.

Senior Vice President Featured in Boomer Life Magazine

TecAccess, the most awarded provider of accessibility and workforce solutions, and its Senior Vice President of Veterans Programs, have been featured in Boomer Life Magazine for groundbreaking efforts to train and employ disabled veterans.

Our veterans have served the cause of freedom in war and in peace, at home and abroad, says Dennis Stone, a retired Lieutenant Colonel. The newly launched Disabled Veterans (DVET) program is featured prominently in Boomer Life Magazine, as Stone details the company´s efforts to ensure that veterans receive the support, job training, and recognition they have earned through such service and sacrifice.

The DVET program is truly a one-of-a-kind initiative that is driven by a dynamic partnership between the Department of Veteran Services, Department of Rehabilitative Services, Virginia Employment Commission and TecAccess, explains Stone, who says that he hopes the increased exposure from recent media coverage will serve as a reminder to organizations that hiring disabled veterans will positively impact businesses due to the fact that veterans have proven to be loyal, self-motivated, intelligent, and hardworking.

Keynote Address in Tunisia

TecAccess LLC, the most awarded provider of accessibility solutions, has signed a scientific and technical partnership agreement with the Tunisian Association for the Development of Digital Technologies and Human Resources (ATTR), represented by its President, Professor Slaheddine Gherissi.

This highly anticipated partnership comes on the heels of a keynote address delivered at the 1st International Conference on Information and Communication Technology & Accessibility, in Hammamet, Tunisia, delivered by Dana Marlowe, Senior Vice President of Business Development at TecAccess.

Dana Marlowe´s presentation, entitled Accessible Technology: New Directions, New Possibilities, highlighted the state-of-the-art technologies, theoretical concepts, best practice examples, and innovative applications of Information and Communication Technologies and accessibility. Her informative presentation, which was broadcast daily in the Tunisian media, was also featured in a variety of Arabic and French media outlets. In attendance were over 300 accessibility experts, from 30 different countries, including the Minister of Technology and the Head of the Department of State of Tunisia.

Sharing the keynote podium with Marlowe was Shadi Abou-Zahra, Web Accessibility Specialist from the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative, Austria, who discussed Web Accessibility - It´s Not Magic, it´s Art; Dr. Kinshuk, Professor and Director, School of Computing and Information Systems, Athabasca University, Canada, who addressed Opening Web-Based Learning to a Larger Student Community; and Dominique Burger, Association BrailleNet, France, who discussed Make it Accessible, They Say.

"The 1st International Conference on Information and Communication Technology & Accessibility was an incredible time to share experiences and best practice examples," explains Dana Marlowe. "One of the most beneficial components of the event was the networking among different countries, institutions, organizations, and companies. Everyone was truly committed to expanding the accessibility and IT learning and developments throughout our industry and community."

In addition to being asked to deliver the closing ceremony at the international event, Marlowe met with the President of the largest university in Tunisia, Manouba University, as well as with members of The Tunisan Association for the Development of Digital Technologies and Human Resources. Collaborating with other key international leaders in accessibility, Marlowe worked diligently to sign the partnership agreement with the Tunisian Association for the Development of Digital Technologies and Human Resources (ATTR).

The partnership between ATTR and TecAccess highlights both organizations dedication to the development and use of new technologies and the internet as an essential means to promote the integration of persons with disabilities in the information and communication society. In addition, this intercontinental collaboration signals a common mission to combine private and government entities in Tunisia and in the USA in an effort to promote methodologies and evaluation techniques leading to the conformity of web sites to the recommendations of accessibility of W3C, WAI, and Section 508.

Dana Marlowe, along with Debra Ruh, President and Founder of TecAccess, are currently leading a team of professional speakers and accessibility leaders at TecAccess who continue to travel the globe in 2007 to promote the business and societal impacts of technology that reaches everyone, regardless of age or ability level.

TecAccess Founder Selected As Top-Idea Maven

Debra Ruh, Founder and President of TecAccess, a leading provider of accessibility and workforce solutions, has been selected from among hundreds of submissions to be featured in the 2008 Woman´s Advantage Calendar. The calendar will provide advice for women business owners from influential leaders across the US and Canada.

Mary Cantando, Growth Expert of The Woman´s Advantage, today announced that Debra Ruh´s advice garnered from years of success at TecAccess will be included in the calendar which is to be released this month.

"Debra´s quote was selected because it was powerful yet easy to understand. Her idea is relevant to almost every woman in business today," says Cantando. "Women business owners and those who dream of starting a business will learn so much from the advice provided by Debra Ruh, and the other successful women quoted in the calendar."

The Woman´s Advantage 2008 Calendar, scheduled for release this fall, will provide sound bites of advice on key business issues including: organization, promotion, sales, and human resources.

TecAccess Wins Northrop Grumann Award

TecAccess LLC, an award-winning provider of an international suite of accessibility solutions, has won Northrop Grumman´s Community Support Award at the Greater Richmond Technology Council 7th Annual Awards Gala.

Northrop Grumman´s Community Support Award is presented on an annual basis to technology-based organization or corporate divisions whose community involvement has enhanced the Greater Richmond community and added to their company´s and the region´s quality of life.

"We not only pride ourselves on our own innovative efforts to train, recruit, and hire people with disabilities to lead the accessibility movement, but we also take pride in the success stories of our clients all of which have realized that creating a game plan for making technology accessible is good for business, increases market share, and taps a new and growing customer base," explained company founder and president, Debra Ruh. "To be honored by Northrop Grumman, and to celebrate our innovations with other leaders in the technology arena is a testament to the steps we´re taking as an industry to educate the world on the many positive benefits of accessible and more user-friendly technology."

This prestigious award is in conjunction with the Greater Richmond Technology Council´s annual gala, which brings together businesses and organizations working together to ensure the continued growth of Central Virginia´s dynamic technology-based economy. The Council includes both Technology and Associate members dedicated to the development of an infrastructure that supports the growth of existing technology industries and identifies the Greater Richmond region as a location of choice for new and emerging technology companies.

TecAccess is proud to promote the success of assistive technologies and the growth of the accessible technology sector in not only the Central Virginia economy, but throughout the world, as evidenced by recent presentations before the European Union as well as in Tunisia.

TecAccess in Peru

TecAccess, the most awarded provider of accessibility solutions, along with disability employment programs and target marketing, continues to expand its international reach. Fresh off of speaking engagements in Africa, Dana Marlowe, Senior Vice President of Business Development at TecAccess, recently visited Peru to further promote the consultancy´s worldwide accessibility practices.

"Bringing our accessibility initiatives to Peru provided a wonderful opportunity for TecAccess and Peruvian accessibility leaders to share best practices in our mutual efforts to improve accessibility of information and electronic technology," explains Marlowe, who will soon depart for a similar mission in Granada, Spain.

While strategizing in Peru with leaders in private industry and government, Marlowe met with Mr. Gildo Vila Nunonca, Director of the MECVIDA program in Cusco, along with Dr. Ruth Bustamante Usnayi, attorney with MECVIDA. In Lima, Marlowe also had an opportunity to meet with Mr. Guillermo Cesar Vega Espejo, General Director for Persons with Disabilities, and Mr. Luis Miguel del Aguila Umeres, a leading consultant on international issues on disability, along with other colleagues in an effort to improve both organizations´ worldwide push for disability employment along with accessibility and usability of technology for all.

Working towards a greater understanding of initiatives in their respective countries, Marlowe and the Peruvian accessibility and disability leaders addressed topics ranging from employment for people with disabilities, the Peruvian and American accessibility legislation (such as Section 508, ADA, Peruvian laws 27050, and 28164), and the global and national perspectives on disability rights. In addition, the collaboration allowed for an opportunity for both countries to further explore training programs for people with disabilities and how to change attitudes from a social perspective.

"In the ever changing landscape of today´s technology--we all must find ways to make technology accessible to the growing population of citizens with disabilities, as well as the mature audience," says Marlowe. "We have found at TecAccess that the best way to promote this message is by relying upon the advice and expertise of the very individuals for whom ADA, Section 508, and other accessibility legislation were designed. As such, many of our accessibility experts at TecAccess have disabilities and possess the inherent capability of realistically evaluating accessibility compliance. In addition, these talented associates prove each day that people with disabilities are a powerful and talented workforce. This is the message that we hope to spread on an international scale."

Marlowe and TecAccess plan to continue engaging in an extensive speaking circuit that will see representatives from the accessibility firm traveling the globe. For a listing of future speaking engagements, or to arrange for a member of TecAccess to visit your organization, visit TecAccess´ speakers bureau page.

TecAccess Takes Home Outstanding Achievement Honors

TecAccess LLC, an award-winning provider of an international suite of accessibility solutions, has won the "Outstanding Achievement Award" by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD). The awards ceremony will be held March 26, 2007, at the Library of Virginia, in Richmond, VA.

"The Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes exemplary service on behalf of people with disabilities that has had a lasting and significant impact on their quality of life and improved the disability services system," explains Tom Driscoll, of VBPD. "It calls attention to new approaches and best practices that produce greater opportunities for self-determination, independence, productivity, and inclusion for people with disabilities in all facets of community life."

TecAccess, the recipient of the 2006 Outstanding Achievement Award, and its founder Debra Ruh are recognized locally, nationally, and internationally as leaders in the development and implementation of information technology accessibility for people with disabilities and the elderly. In addition, the international leader in accessibility is known for unique training opportunities and employment of individuals with disabilities, including a soon to be released disabled veterans training program named VETAccess.

As a rapidly growing business, TecAccess now leads the world in Section 508 compliance guidelines used by the federal government, and has assisted with IT needs for public and private clients from Canon USA, HP, and Freddie Mac to the European Union and emerging countries throughout Africa.

"Most of TecAccess´ diverse and skilled workforce is comprised of individuals with a wide range of physical, sensory, cognitive, and other disabilities who bring the realism and practicality of their own experiences to the challenges of accessibility," says award organizers at VBPD. To best support and develop their abilities, TecAccess emphasizes flexibility and accommodation in the workplace and employer-employee relationships.

"Through their business and advocacy activities, Debra Ruh and her colleagues at TecAccess strive to stimulate creativity and encourage others to expand opportunities for individuality, freedom, and autonomy," concludes VBPD.

The organization also cites numerous awards as well as testimonials -- ranging from Virginia´s senior Senator John Warner to federal and state agencies, as well as local and national business employers and IT providers - all of which testify to TecAccess´ success in achieving accessibility goals and milestones.

Enterprising Women Award

Debra Ruh, founder and president of TecAccess has won the 2007 Enterprising Women Advocacy Award, an annual tribute to North America´s top women entrepreneurs from Enterprising Women magazine.

Debra Ruh, a long time advocate for people with disabilities, started TecAccess nearly 6 years ago with the vision of hiring people with disabilities to become the world´s leading accessibility experts in electronic and information technology accessibility. Today, the award-winning consulting firm employs over 60 accessibility experts, many of whom have disabilities. Emerging as the global leader in all forms of accessibility consulting, Ruh´s associates specialize in compliance, accessible E&IT, Section 508, and Section 254 solutions. Her trendsetting company assists clients in government, education, and the private sector to realize a positive return on investment while gaining greater market share through accessibility efforts.

"This award is not just a win for me," explains Debra Ruh, "but for everyone who realizes the endless possibilities in taking accessibility seriously. From attracting new customers, such as people with disabilities and Baby Boomers, to making your products and services easy for everyone to use accessibility initiatives are becoming the cornerstone of any business or government agency. I applaud Enterprising Women Magazine for recognizing this growing trend that now affects all sectors."

The award will be presented during a three-day tribute held at Disney´s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. on Feb. 22-24. This is the 5th anniversary of The Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration. Enterprising Women will also induct one outstanding woman into the Enterprising Women Hall of Fame and present four Enterprising Women Advocacy Awards. The Walt Disney World Company is the premiere event sponsor, with UPS and Wachovia Bank serving as platinum event sponsors.

"The Enterprising Women of the Year Award celebration brings together the nation´s finest women entrepreneurs to recognize their accomplishments and celebrate their outstanding achievements," said Monica Smiley, publisher and CEO of Enterprising Women magazine. "The award recipients are influential, powerful women with high-growth businesses who are leaders in their communities and have given back to mentor other women entrepreneurs."

Other recipients of the 2007 Enterprising Women Advocacy Award include Judge Glenda Hatchett, star of the nationally syndicated television series Judge Hatchett; Sue Kozel, president of SK Visions, Cream Ridge, NJ; and Susan Letso, founder of the Connecticut Center for Child Development, Milford, CT.


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