As a graduate student of the University of Texas at Austin, I received my first introduction to web accessibility from Dr. Slatin and others who worked with him. I have looked to the Institute for high quality information and leadership on accessibility as I have started on my own path in sharing this important information with others. Research-based practices, instead of hearsay and extrapolations from single users, are so important especially as new technologies appear on the scene. Please preserve the Institute.
As another web accessibility specialist working within the Higher Education community, I can only echo the support and encouragement that others have shown towards maintaining this important Web Accessibility resource. At a time when web accessibility is actually starting to maintain a serious foothold within the larger development community, it is important that authoritative voices remain, and that unbiased, researched guidance is afforded all developers seeking to do the right thing. The legacy of Dr. Slatin and his contributions to this field of study *IS* the Institute, and it would be a sad day indeed to see that history lost.
I fully support this petition.
I was fortunate to attend the University of Texas at Austin from 1990 to 1993, although I did not receive my degree from the school. I currently work as a web developer in Dayton OH, and the work of the Accessibility Institute helps lead the way in making the web accessible to all individuals. Please consider keeping the institute open, both for the practical reason of continuing its work and as a honor to this great individual.
I support this petition. Please do not abandon focused efforts to gain accessibility to the world for the disabled via the Accessibility Institute. UT is better than that!
As a UT graduate, and former resident of Austin for 12 years, I strongly support this petition. John Slatin started my career in accessibility when I visited the Accessibility Institute testing lab almost a decade ago. Through John and Kay's influence, the Accessibility Institute and Knowbility helped start me and countless others on the road to helping thousands make accessible products and websites enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. The Accessibility Institute's influence for the greater good cannot be overstated. Please reconsider its closing.
I support this petition and am prepared to serve in any way possible to both continue the legacy of my friend John Slatin and ensure that we never foget that good design is universal and accessible design.
Accessibility and Universal design have made a difference for thousands of Americans. Having a top notch learning institute support this is critical to the aging population. Please keep the accessibility program open at the U of Texas.
Accessibility, like web technologies, is really in its infancy. The UT Accessibility Institute has long been at the forefront of accessibility issues. To close the Institute now would be a disservice to the community and the University of Texas.
Dr. Slatin was a mentor to countless people in his field, and we are all in his debt.
Anybody who's been to SXSW knows Austin is home to a vibrant accessibility community, and the UT and people like John are responsible for cultivating it. As painful as the loss of John has been to the field of accessibility, it would be especially sad to also lose his institute, all within the same year. We need the work of the Accessibility Institute to continue, in order to benefit a constituency which faces greater and more complex challenges to access than ever before.
I firmly support this petition.
In support of this petition, I wish to emphasize the great contribution the Institute has made in furthering the adoption of accessible web standards for an already underserved population who often have mobility restrictions and increasingly depend on the internet to fulfill basic needs (food shopping, arranging transportation, communication, etc.). Closing the institute would clearly be a disservice to everyone who has benefitted from the institute's achievements. One can only foresee an increasing need to further this work in the future, as new technologies are adopted, and internet-based tools reach ever further into the facets our personal and professional lives.
This is a golden opportunity for UT to build something even greater and integrate it into applicable departments. Please step up and step out for accessibility--you need the assistance to -- to comply with your system-wide accessibility policy.I support this petition.
As a webmaster for a major publication, I support this petition. Web media will only become more significant, and with it accessibility studies must continue. People in my field have come to know UT as a knowledge center, and as a Texan I would be quite saddened if that changed.
If the University supports non-discrimination measures in hiring and employment; i.e., not discriminating on the basis of disabilities, doesn't it follow that the University would support research to enable differently-abled people to be able to access the University's resources?
I support this petition fully. As a blind person who is daily impacted by accessibility concerns, it is important to me and millions of others that such instrumental work and research continue.
I support this petition. Accessibility is important. Let's continue the legacy of our friend John Slatin by continuing the work he helped start. Please do not close down the Accessibility R&D program at UT.
I support this petition. I am a University of Texas graduate and a Web Developer that champions accessibility in every project that I do. Accessibility research is necessary to continue to improve access to everyone. With the aging of our society, this topic only becomes more important. The University of Texas should maintain it's program to continue to be at the forefront of this issue and to help mold the future improvements in accessibility for all.
I support this petition. The decision to close would seem backward right now, since accessibility is more recognized as a concern now than in the past.
As a UT graduate, it is important to me that the university uphold this vital cause! I also have personal interests in accessibility, it effects virtually everything I do!I support this petition.
I support this petition. As a graduate of Texas A&M, it is difficult for me to support almost anything at UT, but the work of this group is too important on a worldwide scale. I must support this petition.
I support this petition fully. Dr. Slatin's work must continue, and the University of Texas is the right place for it. Show the world that we Texans have "The Right Stuff" and keep the Institute open.
