News and Events

Terrill Thompson: Are Your Digital Communications Accessible? II

On April 14, 2016, technology accessibility specialist Terrill Thompson from the University of Washington’s DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology) program presented “Are Your Digital Communications Accessible?” at a free public event in the Bertha Knight Landes Room at Seattle City Hall. See original post here.

One hundred twelve people attended. Backgrounds varied from local government program staff to web developers who focus on user experience. Some of the ways that computer users at every level of ability can make digital communications (e.g., Word documents, e-mail messages, and PDFs) accessible using text style-set formatting tools. PDFs can be edited for accessibility in Adobe Acrobat Pro. Web accessibility is enhanced by applying the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 AA (considered the standard under ADA Title II and Section 508) and ARIA tools. For explanations and links to online resources, see Thompson’s Powerpoint presentation, now available in the Northwest Universal Design Council meeting archives and on Thompson’s webpage.

Audience members expressed their appreciation for ASL interpretation, CART captioning, assisted listening headsets, and special seating at this event.

This event was 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 was coordinated by the Northwest Universal Design Council.

The Seattle Channel videotaped the event and expects to make it available online for future reference.