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June 1997 |
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June 1997 |
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The Cutting Edge Of Public Access Technologies
Making Public Information In Maryland Accessible To Everyone,
By: David Poehlman and Francie Gilman
The Electronic Curb Cuts Program:
As the state of Maryland develops an electronic information system of web sites, kiosks and workstations to serve the needs of its citizens, the Maryland Technology Assistance Program, (MD TAP) is helping to ensure that accessibility is built in.
Through a grant from the state's Information Technology Investment Fund (ITIF), a specially designed seminar is being delivered across the state to agency personnel responsible for public access information technology. There is also a web page (the URL is http://www.clark.net/pub/poehlman/maryland.html) containing information used in the seminar and which will remain after the project has been completed.
Governor Glendening has said "as society moves forward in the era of technology, we must work very hard to ensure access for all our citizens." Maryland is a leader among states in the number of agencies on the web, and more recently agencies have begun to develop multimedia touchscreen kiosks as a new way to provide information outreach.
This project, "Electronic Curb Cuts: The Cutting Edge Of Public Access Technologies," provides public access project staff with awareness of legal and policy issues and the technical criteria that are essential to ensuring access for individuals who have limitations which impair their ability to use ordinary input devices or output devices or for whom there are other constraints.
Governor's Office for Individuals with Disabilities Maryland Technology Assistance Program (Md Tap) AnnouncesThe Electronic Curb Cuts Seminars:
Seminars in April, May, and June, 1997 for Information Technology Professionals
Maryland state agencies are moving quickly toward using an exciting array of information technologies to deliver information and services directly to the public. Most agencies already have Web sites, and several are contemplating kiosk systems and public access workstations for walk-in convenience. As agency staff plan and develop these projects, they should be aware of the legal necessity for equal access, as well as the technical criteria (some of it free and very simple) that can allow equal access to people who are deaf or who are hard of hearing, those who are blind or who have low vision, and those who are motorically limited.
As Governor Glendening said in a recent letter, "as society moves forward in the era of technology, we must work very hard to ensure access for all our citizens." Access to state information and services is mandated through the Americans with Disabilities Act. Maryland's Web pages should be usable by the blind. Kiosks should be accessible by people in wheelchairs and by people who are hard of hearing. Public access workstations should feature adaptive technologies so that people who have limited range of motion can use them. In fact, EACH of these systems should be usable by ANYONE!
The purpose of these seminars is to provide public access project staff with awareness of legal and policy issues and the technical criteria that are essential to ensuring that Maryland delivers barrier-free public access information technologies. This will be accomplished through:
- Two-hour seminars delivered at several locations throughout the state in April, May, and June, 1997 with demonstrations of accessible technologies;
- A Web site specifically designed for public access project staff, with examples, resources, and technical criteria; and
- Information and assistance available by phone, e-mail, and fax.
Free! Free! NO COST Free! Free!
Seminar Dates And Locations
APRIL April 30 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. Baltimore MAY May 12 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. Annapolis May 21 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Annapolis May 29 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. Eastern Shore (Salisbury) JUNE June 3 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. Western MD June 11 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Baltimore June 16 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Annapolis TO REGISTER: Call 800-832-4827, Maryland TAPWho Should Attend:
Public Information Officers and information technology professionals responsible for all stages of design and delivery. Includes project staff working on Web pages, kiosks, and public access workstations.
PLEASE: State employees only.
For More Information:
Contact --
- Francie Gilman at 301/608-9021 or e-mail: gilman@clark.net
- David Poehlman 301/949-7599 or e-mail: poehlman@clark.net
The Electronic Curb Cuts Web Site
Now there is a place on the Web to assist Maryland state agencies to provide all citizens of the state and beyond with accessible Web sites, kiosks, and public access workstations. It provides information to guide procurement, planning, and design of electronic public access systems.
http://www.clark.net/pub/poehlman/maryland.html
The site includes:
- Exemplary models of accessibility,
- Policy and legislation resources, and
- Guidelines on developing accessible Web sites, kiosks and other public information systems.
Also available are: a page of tools for testing and developing systems, a schedule of the Electronic Curb Cuts seminars (April - June, 1997), and contacts for further information.
Please visit often for refreshment and exploration!
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