I support this petition. We need more voices for accessibility, not fewer. There are still too many inaccessible sites out there - including my own college!
I support this petition. Accessibility isn't just about disability and aging. It's about giving access to information to the greatest number of people. Without accessibility to technology society loses.
I support this petition as accessibility to and availability of information is one of the key factors of knowledge in the next century. Only with the research of institutes like that disabled people will be enabled to access society. It’s really important.
The Accessibility Institute and its work are too important not be allowed to continue. Their efforts benefit everybody who makes or uses the web, not just people with disabilities.
The work and research of the Accessibility Institute helps businesses and organizations nearby in Austin and around the world throw their virtual doors open and include those who are so often excluded. As technology becomes more pervasive and as our society ages, this research becomes more important. I urge you to think long-term, and see how the continued work of the AI will positively affect society for years to come.
I support this petition. Not only because it is important that the UT continues to endorse this matter, but also as a tribute to Mr. Slatin's amazing contribution for the disabled community all those years. Please.
I support this petition. The AI has promoted research and service for those who need better accessibility - and it could be any of us at any time. Pleae continue this important work at UT.
The Accessibility Institute is what all academic labs should be: making solid contributions to the literature, supporting the development of graduate students, and being a leading member of the local and global community.
But most importantly, accessibility is a key area that still much to be discovered. Only through empirical methods, such as those exemplified by the Institute, will we better the lives of all Texans, including those with disabilities.
We have used the work of the UT Accessibility Institute in developing our Web site. Closure of the institute is a giant step backward. I cannot believe UT wants to take such a step. What a loss.
I support this petition. I support the legacy of Dr. Slatin and the impact that his work had on countless lives and will continue to have in the far reaching future! This initiative is one that sets the bar and The University of Texas helps make Central Texas the HUB of the wheel of Accesibility for the WORLD!
As a UT Austin alum, web agency owner, Austin Free-Net, I support this petition. I would be interested and help with any effort to get the Accessibility Institute back on track at UT.
I support this petition. As baby boomers continue to age, the percentage of people over 65 continues to increase. The Administration on Aging estimates that by 2030, there will be about 71.5 million people 65 years or older living in the United States, representing about 20% of the U.S. population (U.S. Administration on Aging, 2005). UT has an opportunity to continue its accessibility efforts and be a model best practice for other universities to follow. Accessbility knowledge for this population and their employers is vital for this demographic tsunami. Though many older workers may not need any accommodation, employers can expect an increasing number of employees with age-related limitations in need of accommodation. Limitations may be from aging, returning to work after an injury, the occurrence of a primary disability, the exacerbation of a long-term impairment, and/or prevention of a secondary impairment. Older workers may need accommodations related to independent living needs, the psychological aspects of aging, and job performance.
Universal Design Practices is the keystone to meet the accessibility changes of a rapidly changing technology environment. John Slatin and the Accessibility Institute have had great influence in development good design practices and I urge that University of Texas reconsider its decision to dissolve the institute
As an UT alumnus and a web developer at a state agency, I support this petition.
How can the university that proclaims "What Starts Here Changes the World" when you are removing one of the leading and respected programs in accessibility? Please consider another option than closing the Accessibility Institute. Accessibility benefits everyone in its inherent universal design.
I support this petition. UT-Austin has long been a model for web accessibility, as documented here: washington.edu/doit/Resea rch/Web/texas.html
This tradition should be upheld, not just for the benefit of UT-Austin, but for higher education institutions globally who have turned to the Accessibility Institute for guidance and leadership.
I am disturbed to discover that there are people at the university who do not recognize the value of the work and vision of the Accessibility Institute. Web accessibility, universal design research, and all of the projects of the AI are of immense importance to our communities, both academic and cultural. John Slatin was a pioneer who prepared and invigorated a cadre of researchers and educators who are fully equipped to carry the work forward. This petition has my deeply felt support.
Everyone wins when accessibility is taken into consideration, such as the captioning available for the utexas.edu/oncampus videos. Please do not take this away.
I support this petition.
Why? Because as institutions of learning we are responsible for upholding standards in creating access for all students who attend our great institutions. Around the country access specialists are doing the work John Slatin began. It must not end because he is no longer there to lend his voice to such important work. The work is still needed. This is a "teachable moment." Use this opportunity to analyze, synthesize, evaluate and implement changes. Access belongs to all of us.
Accessibility is a priority and the University of Texas needs to recognize this as a vital part of its community and influence. I absolutely support this petition.
The Accessibility Institute contributes directly and fully to the University's mission. Supporting both education and business, producing research of substantial benefit to both children and seniors -- the AI belongs here. With University support, it will continue to attract strong students and innovative scholars who pursue the funding needed for further development. I strongly support this petition.
It is very important for the advancement of universal design that institutes like Accessibility Institute at UT becomes an important part of the basic research agenda of the university. I urge you to reinvest in the institute to bring researchers to bear on the fundamental and applied accessibility of human disability and technology.
I support this petition.
I am amazed at the amount of designers and developers with degrees that I interview who have no knowledge of accessibility. It's a shame and it's been a reason I've recommended your programs.
I believe that the University of Texas will come to realize that they have discarded not only a valuable resource for the accessibility community, but one which garners considerable respect for UT from other institutions for having taken a leadership role in this important issue. Accessibility isn't just about disabilities -- it's about maximizing educational value for students in increasingly diverse learning environments, using new and emerging technologies, with a wide range of learning styles. As a result, the work of the Accessibility Institute impacts all learners.
