Normal   0       false   false   false                 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4                     st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }            /* Style Definitions */  table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;}     Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has the potential both to enhance access for people with disabilities and to contribute to creating barriers.    What we now call the digital divide actually began long before the introduction of computers – barriers have existed and still exist today with telephones, television, the Internet and other information technology. It is important to remember that people with disabilities have many different accessibility needs and that there are different ways to make technology accessible and that new accessibility needs emerge as technology changes. This paper looks at the state of accessibility policy in the U.S. in several technology infrastructures that may provide some lessons and directions for increasing inclusive information and communication technologies worldwide. For instance, if the many provisions involving technology in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities are to have real and substantive meaning, policy and implementation at the infrastructure level must occur.

[image of a message that reads: Hi, I’m [name omitted], an English professor and medievalist. I’m proposing
 a special session for the International Congress on Medieval Studies
(Kalamazoo) on developing inclusive courses in medieval studies. I’m
sort of assuming that you (or y'all) behind this awesome Tumblr are
academic-y types and I’m wondering if you ever attend Kalamazoo and if
so, if you’d be interested in being part of a session. If you’re
interested, could you possibly email me? Thanks!]

What GAO Found The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) is primarily used by older adults with visual disabilities...

Over the summer, a group of renowned disability studies scholars issued guidelines that authors and publishers can use to ensure their books and mater

The SFWA Accessibility Checklist is provided for the use of conventions and other gatherings who want to ensure that their event is fully accessible by all attendees. Questions and feedback about the list should be directed to office@sfwa.org Event Committee Resources There is a member of the committee or event staff with working knowledge of accessibility […]

Movie trailer with audio description for folks with visual disabilities.

As new IT services are added and supported across the university, others are discontinued and retired. Our goal is to provide the best, up-to-date IT tools and resources possible—with minimal duplication and at the lowest overall cost to campus.   If you are looking for help replacing the functionality of a discontinued service or simply have questions, please contact the Help Desk. Continue Reading Discontinued Services

Great overview of the individual and societal impact of lack of accessibility.

How to make a web page that utterly fails at accessibility.

Some examples of screen-reading.

Editor’s note: This is a guest post by Sarah Kennedy, and a continuation of the discussion about the Access/ibility in Digital Publishing seminar at WVU this past July. Read Melanie’s f…

Good source of accessibility teaching materials.