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NSF PA/M 97-33 - October 17, 1997
Expert to Address Web Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities
Information technology plays an increasingly important role in our
lives through its impact on work, commerce, scientific and engineering
research, education and social interaction. Technology developed for
the "typical" user, however, may inadvertantly create barriers for people with
disabilities. The World Wide Web currently presents many
such barriers.
The World Wide Web Consortium was created in 1994 to develop common
protocols that enhance the interoperability and promote the evolution
of the World Wide Web. The consortium is announcing the formation of the
International Program Office for the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI).
Its mission is to address the accessibility of the web.
Judy Brewer, recently appointed director of the new WAI International
Program Office, will discuss the activities of the initiative and address
the impact of accessible design as well as marketing benefits for non-disabled
technology users.
The WAI, funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the
Department of Education's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research, represents a unique partnership of industry, US and European
governments and disability organizations working cooperatively to shape
the information technology in our lives.
- Who: Judy Brewer, Director, International Program Office
Web Accessibility Initiative, World Wide Web Consortium
- What: Morning Newsmaker
- When: 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 22
- Where: National Press Club -
Zenger Room
14th & F Streets, N.W., Washington, D.C.
For more information contact:
Beth Gaston, (703) 306-1070/egaston@nsf.gov
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