Center for Accessible Technology Announces 2009 California Digital Inclusion Award Winners
Berkely Mayor Tom Bates speaks at the California Digital Inclusion Celebration.
Marc Sutton spends a lot of time working with technology. "I'm definitely a techie," he says with a smile. "I'm not using technology every hour, but definitely every day. I'm online a lot."
Lots of people claim an affinity with technology, but for Sutton, 45, it's what gives him the ability to work. Blind since birth, Sutton says that computer technology "has been the difference between me working and me being unable to participate."
Marc Sutton demonstrates using JAWS to navigate the web.
By using JAWS, a screen reader program that "reads" what is on his computer screen aloud in a synthesized voice, Sutton can read and write documents, send emails, look things up on the Internet, and keep abreast of what is happening in the world. He often uses his skills in technology to consult with companies and organizations on how to make their websites more accessible to people with disabilities.
"People with disabilities don't need websites that are created specially for them," he says, "But there are certain considerations that web designers need to take into account when making a website, that will make it usable by people with a range of disabilities."
Guy Thomas agrees. Thomas, 51, is a quadriplegic who uses an electric wheelchair and has limited use of his hands. Yet, by using a variety of assistive technologies, he can use the computer like his non-disabled peers.
"For me, it's all about ease of use," he says. "A big problem for people with mobility limitations is the number of clicks it takes to get around the site, and how the navigation fields are set up. A little awareness in this area means the difference between a site that I can use, and one that I can't."
Guy Thomas demonstrates using a mouth stick with a standard keyboard.
Thomas uses a variety of technologies to operate his computer. When writing, he starts by using Dragon Naturally Speaking, a program that enables him to speak what he wants to write, and the computer puts the word he says in the document. Thomas also uses a mouth stick to press keys on his standard computer keyboard, and an infrared control to use an on-screen keyboard and mouse.
"I can pretty much do anything on the computer that a person who doesn't have a disability can do" he says, "It just takes me a little longer."
Both Sutton and Thomas demonstrated their use of technology at the California Digital Inclusion Awards, an event held in Berkeley on November 19th. The Center for Accessible Technology worked with several companies on improving accessibility of their websites, and the awards ceremony highlighted three companies that are "doing it right".
"Websites are the virtual 'front door' of most businesses today," said Dmitri Belser, Executive Director of the Center for Accessible Technology. "Making websites accessible is a logical step in the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society, including the digital revolution."
For a screen reader user like Sutton, this is critical. "There are many easy things website designers can do to make sites that are usable by all people" he said. "I don't think anyone designs websites that are inaccessible purposely – they just need to have an awareness of the issues."
"The most interesting part is, by looking at accessibility issues in designing websites, you end up with a website that is more user friendly for ALL people" adds Thomas. "There is a great overlap between 'accessibility' and 'usability'. Making an accessible site makes a site that is better for everyone."
The California Digital Inclusion Program is continuing in 2010. Participating organizations receive no-cost technical assistance in making their websites more accessible and have the opportunity to earn a California Digital Inclusion Award. View deatils about the 2010 program.