Web Accessibility
University Marketing and Communications Web Resources > Web Accessibility > Agencies Related to Web Accessibility
III. Agencies Related to Web Accessibility
CITA: Center for Information Technology Accommodation
"CITA, in the U.S. General Services Administration's Office of Governmentwide Policy, has been charged with the task of educating Federal employees and building the infrastructure necessary to support Section 508 implementation."
W3C: World Wide Web Consortium
"The World Wide Web Consortium was created in October 1994 to lead the World Wide Web to its full potential by developing common protocols that promote its evolution and ensure its interoperability. W3C has around 500 Member organizations from all over the world and has earned international recognition for its contributions to the growth of the Web."
"The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect."
-- Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide WebW3C formed WAI, the Web Accessibility Initiative. "WAI, in coordination with organizations around the world, pursues accessibility of the Web through five primary areas of work: technology, guidelines, tools, education and outreach, and research and development."
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Working Group (WCAG WG) published the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 in May 1999 as a part of the initiative. The guidelines include a prioritized set of checkpoints, the WCAG checkpoints.
CAST: Center for Applied Special Technology
"Founded in 1984 as the Center for Applied Special Technology, CAST is an educational, not-for-profit organization that uses technology to expand opportunities for all people, including those with disabilities."
CAST operates Bobby Worldwide, which is an online tool for checking web page accessibility.
WDG: Web Design Group
"The Web Design Group was formed to promote the use of valid and creative HTML documents. The WDG officially has no preference for browser type, screen resolution, HTML publishing tool or any other means by which HTML may be incorrectly manipulated. The WDG's sole interest is in promoting the creation of Non-browser Specific, Non-resolution Specific, Creative and Informative sites that are Accessible to ALL users worldwide."
AWARE: Accessible Web Authoring Resources and Education
"The AWARE Center was launched in April 1999 as part of the HTML Writers Guild's annual Web Accessibility Month, a special focus on the importance of designing for universal accessibility. The Center is supported by the Guild's staff and volunteers, and is designed as a resource for all web authors."
Trace Center
"The Trace Research & Development Center is a part of the College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Founded in 1971, Trace has been a pioneer in the field of technology and disability.
"Trace Center Mission Statement:
"To prevent the barriers and capitalize on the opportunities presented by current and emerging information and telecommunication technologies, in order to create a world that is as accessible and usable as possible for as many people as possible.
"The Trace Center is currently working on ways to make standard information technologies and telecommunications systems more accessible and usable by people with disabilities."
NCAM: National Center for Accessible Media
"The CPB/WGBH National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) is a research and development facility dedicated to the issues of media and information technology for people with disabilities in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.
"NCAM's mission is: to expand access to present and future media for people with disabilities; to explore how existing access technologies may benefit other populations; to represent its constituents in industry, policy and legislative circles; and to provide access to educational and media technologies for special needs students."
NCAM provides a Resource Center for Developers of Rich Media.