Technology
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Technology web wizards
The Adaptive Technology Service is becoming well known here and overseas for web-accessibility training.
Recently the team has run training sessions for the Auckland Usability Professionals Association, students at the University of Auckland and, in collaboration with Squiz Ltd, IT staff at Westpac in Wellington.
Neil Jarvis, adaptive technology manager, has also given a presentation to a web-design conference on Australia's Gold Coast, organised by Squiz Australia. "I went to share what it's like to use adaptive technology on well-designed versus poorly-designed sites. Judging by the number of delegates that came to me with questions afterwards, it appears our message about making websites accessible is gaining traction," he says.
Other adaptive technology news bites
- Auckland and Manukau City Library services have contracted the Foundation to review and advise them on how to improve member access to their IT facilities.
- The 18th class of the Auckland 10-week Adaptive Technology course has graduated, with seven more students successfully completing 300 hours of tuition.
- The Foundation can now offer members ZOOMS magnification software to run alongside TALKS screen-reader software on Vodafone's compatible mobile phones. Our thanks to Vodafone and Nuance!
Members develop winning website
In another website success story, teenage members Dylan Neale and Mary Fisher, along with their sighted friend William Leith, won the best Secondary Team category in the TVNZ NetGuide Schools Web Challenge. With over 5000 entries from around NZ, the aim was to help students improve their Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills. Entrants were encouraged to design a website on any topic in their curriculum that would educate other students on the chosen theme. Dylan, Mary and William chose the Otago Gold Rush. Visit their winning website at www.tvnznetguidewebchallenge.co.nz/goldcharge3/index.html
For information about the Adaptive Technology Service, please phone 0800 24 33 33 and speak with your local consultant.