New Connections - Department of Taoiseach

UpdateThe Irish National Disability Authority IT Accessibility Guidelines were launched inJune 2002. Included are guidelines for accessible products and services, includingdescriptions of high level accessibility goals and the difficulties faced by users;prioritised guidelines for each technology; motivation and justification for eachguideline and guidance on design techniques and testing methods. Guidelines areavailable for the following technologies:• Web: Websites, Online Applications, Online Forms.• Public Access Terminals: ATMs, Information kiosks, Ticket vending machines,Information displays, Card readers.• Telecoms: Fixed line phones, mobile phones, IVR Systems• Application Software : Windows, Macintosh, Unix, Linux, JavaSince June 2002, the Guidelines, which are available as a website, have been promotedin a number of IT publications. A brochure highlighting the website and a promotionalvideo have been distributed to key stakeholders throughout the public service.Additional work is being undertaken to illustrate and enhance the website which iscurrently text-based only.(7.8.2) Compliance with Accessibility GuidelinesJELR• To identify or provide examples of tools or methods that may be used to assist indetermination of compliance with accessibility guidelinesUpdateThe National Disability Authority has begun developing a system for a compliancesymbol and a means of auditing compliance with the accessibility guidelines.(7.9) Centre of Excellence in Universal DesignJELR• Establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Universal Design with a remit to includethe promotion of design for all principles in electronic and ICT-based products,services and systemsUpdateThe establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Universal Design is expected to beprovided for under the proposed Disability Bill. Following a Government decision on26/02/2002, further consultations on the Bill are currently in progress. It is nowproposed to bring the amended Bill through the Oireachtas in 2003.57