Citation
(1998), "The @ccessability Web site: access to online services for the disabled in Australia", Asian Libraries, Vol. 7 No. 12. https://doi.org/10.1108/al.1998.17307lab.009
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited
The @ccessability Web site: access to online services for the disabled in Australia
The @ccessability Web site: access to online services for the disabled in Australia
Information provided by Kirsty Williamson and Solveiga Saule
In May 1998 Vicnet (State Library of Victoria) in cooperation with the Telecommunications Needs Research Group (TNRG), in the School of Information Management and Systems, Monash University, began to develop the @ccessability Web site and database for the National Office of the Information Economy (NOIE). NOIE wanted a Web site which would support the applicants to the federal government's @ccessability fund. The fund will provide three million dollars over two years for innovative projects which will improve access to online services for people with disabilities. Another purpose is to provide a resource for individuals and organisations interested in online accessibility issues related to people with disabilities. This is unique and innovative in that it is an "active" online database, as distinct from the other "passive" Australian and overseas Web sites.
The Web site/database was launched on 15 June 1998, by the Federal Minister for Communications and the Arts, Senator Richard Alston, at the State Library of Victoria.
Key features of the Web site:
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The Web site/database complies with HTML 3.2 and HTML 4 standards for accessible format on the World Wide Web the site is fully accessible and navigable by vision impaired users of screen readers, or those who use keystrokes and other devices to navigate the Web.
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The primary focus for the Web site/database is to provide information on Australian research, products, programmes, services, and government initiatives and policies relevant to information and communication technology access for people with various disabilities.
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Sight, motor, intellectual, and hearing disabilities are included. While the emphasis is on Australian items, there is also ample coverage of international material.
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Access to items on the database is by topic and/or keyword. A small number of topics have been chosen: user needs, research, programmes, products and services, standards and guidelines, case studies, policies and legislation, training and "other".
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Topic and keyword search options allow active use of the database. It is thus possible to find a wide variety of information on accessibility issues. Once the material is found, further links are also available to related sites and data.
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Not only does the database maintain up-to-date information on research, products and services, it provides links to key individuals and organisations worldwide. These links cover diverse areas such as robotics, assisting and adaptive technologies, Web page design and training/education.
The TNRG will continue to update and expand the Web site/database in cooperation with Vicnet, and users are encouraged to provide the project with information regarding new research, "best practice" projects, products and services, to add to the database. The Web site can be found at http://accessability.noie.gov.au