In preparation for the 30th Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference, Media Access Australia published Q&A: The Drivers and Case for Document Accessibility. The interview-style article covers the major access issues associated with online documents, and the business case for making electronic documents accessible to as wide an audience as practical.

The California State University, Northridge (CSUN), Center on Disabilities (COD) puts on the Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference to provide an inclusive setting for researchers, practitioners, exhibitors, end users, speakers and other participants to share knowledge and best practices in the field of assistive technology. Nicknamed in honor of the University, the CSUN Conference is renowned as a forum that showcases cutting edge technology and practical solutions to remove the barriers that prevent the full participation of persons with disabilities in educational, workplace and social settings. The conference is the largest of its kind in the world.

The 30th conference will be held in San Diego from March 2, 2015, to March 7, 2015, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel.

IDPD 2014: The Promise of Technology

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is an annual observation promoted by the United Nations to raise awareness of disability issues and the gains to be derived from the greater integration of persons with disabilities into  political, social, economic, and cultural life.

Each year the IDPD focuses on a different issue. The theme for 2014 is “The Promise of Technology”.  Assistive technology (AT) promotes greater independence by enabling people with disabilities to perform tasks that they would otherwise unable to accomplish. AT includes screen readers that interpret a document displayed on a computer screen and re-present it to the user, for example using automated text-to-speech.

Properly structured electronic documents, such as those that are PDF/UA (Universal Accessibility) compliant, optimize the reading experience of AT users.

Expect – Employ – Empower

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a nationwide campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and honors the many contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.

NDEAM is led by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, but its true benefit derives from the many observances held at the grassroots level across the nation. Employers of all sizes and in all industries are encouraged to participate in NDEAM.

This year’s theme – “Expect – Employ – Empower” encapsulates the spirit of NDEAM in three powerful words. Advancing disability employment is about much more than just hiring. It is about creating and maintaining a continuum of inclusion.

For details see http://globalaccessibilityawarenessday.org/: “On May 15, we invite you to participate in Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). The purpose of the day is to get people talking, thinking and learning about digital (web, software, mobile, etc.) accessibility and users with different disabilities.”

I have just a minor quibble with the above quote – I would have left “dis” off the last word. Electronic accessibility is really about optimizing the user experience for everyone.

GAAD is being recognized at events all around the world. You can also participate in GAAD at any time by taking a few minutes to experience accessibility first-hand.