Seminar to tackle issue of accessibility in web design
http://www.sheffcol.ac.uk/maps/
As using the web becomes as common as using a phone, the need to make web sites inclusive to all potential users is vital. This is the message behind the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB)-sponsored seminar 'Making the internet accessible to all' being held at Sheffield Hallam University on 30th November 2000.
The seminar is aimed at web-designers, people commissioning web-content and people with strategic responsibility for web-sites. The main thrust behind the seminar is that designers need to consider all groups of society when designing the look and feel of a web site. It will help attendees to understand why web-accessibility matters and what fundamentals designers and web site-owners need to consider when creating or commissioning web sites.
Organised by Sheffield College and co-sponsored by Sheffield Hallam University, MAPS (Multimedia Advanced Producer Support), Sheffield Network Users' Forum, Ufi Ltd, CITINET and the OTIS project, the key speaker will be Julie Howell of RNIB.
Julie is RNIB's Accessible Internet Campaign Officer and an influential and effective advocate for accessible web-design. She is closely involved in the World Wide Web Consortium's 'Web Accessibility Initiative' and has been involved in advising the Government on its web design policy (see Notes to editors).
Julie said, "People with disabilities have so much to gain from equal access to the Internet. Web sites that are coded in accordance with internationally recognised guidelines can be used by people with all kinds of disability, as well as people in 'hands free, eyes busy' situations. Inaccessible Web sites aren't just bad practice, they may be unlawful. Web designers have a vital role to play in ensuring that everyone can use the Internet."
Following Julie's presentation, the seminar will include ample scope for open debate and discussion; and a buffet and refreshments will be available immediately before the seminar, which will start at 6.30pm. People interested in attending the seminar should register at http://www.sheffcol.ac.uk/maps/or phone (0114) 2211700.
Seb Schmoller
