News and Events

Terrill Thompson: Are Your Digital Communications Accessible?

Click here to open a PDF flyer [image]Most of us create digital communications every day—Word documents, e-mail messages, PDFs. And today, lots of people create websites and post videos online. Most formats can be accessible to everyone, but that doesn’t happen automatically. We must make a conscious effort to make them accessible to everyone.

On April 14, 2016, technology accessibility specialist Terrill Thompson from the University of Washington’s DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology) program will present “Are Your Digital Communications Accessible?” at a free public event at Seattle City Hall (600 4th Avenue, between James & Cherry Streets in downtown Seattle). The presentation takes place from 1:00–3:00 p.m. in the Bertha Knight Landes Room, near the 5th Avenue entrance.

Thompson will explore accessibility of common digital media, including problems and easy-to-implement solutions, as well as web accessibility standards and their applicability to the current legal landscape. He has over 20 years experience in the IT accessibility field and works to promote information technology accessibility throughout the university and around the world.

For City Hall access information, click here. CART captioning will be provided at the meeting. Handheld amplified receivers and headsets will also be available. To request an additional accommodation, e-mail info@environmentsforall.org.

This event is co-sponsored by the Seattle Commission for People with disAbilities; Seattle Public Library LEAP (Library Equal Access Program); a11ySea—a Seattle Area Accessibility & Inclusive Design MeetUp group; the Healthy Aging Partnership; and the City of Seattle’s departments of Human Services, Information Technology, and Neighborhoods. The venue is hosted by the Office of the Seattle City Clerk, Legislative Department and the program is coordinated by the Northwest Universal Design Council, which promotes incorporation of Universal Design principles, products, and processes in the built environment so that all people can “live actively by design,” regardless of age or ability.