I support this petition.
As a writer on, and advocate for, accessibility. The importance of the issue is finally getting through and this is exactly the wrong moment for you to close the Institute.
I support this petition. The Accessibility Institute has done exceptional work in the field of web accessibility and is a guiding light in an area that still does not seem to receive the attention it deserves.
I support this petition. Web professionals and purists need a common, central figurehead to help determine and set standards for web accessibility. Please continue with the good work of providing us and the public with this institution.
I support this petition. I participated in two Air Austin accessibility web site construction contests and used John Slatin's book as a resource. And I also participated in a small project where we drew on Kay Lewis' advice.
Europe and Australia mandate companies doing business with the public to have accessible websites. This is yet another area where the US is behind the curve.
I gladly support this petition. Accessibility is incredibly important and under-appreciated online. The closure of this Institute would be a terrible loss.
I support this petition. The Accessibility Institute lent credibility and authority to UT's commitment of accessibility. Closing the Institute indicates to me and others in the business community UT's priorities. The Institute did fantastic work for my former company but it is clear to me there is no advantage in continuing that relationship with the university without it.
I support this petition. As Director of a similar, though smaller, program at The Ohio State University, I can attest to the impact and inspiration of the Accessibility Institute at UT on my own work and our program. When a major university houses and supports a world-class program on disability, like the Accessibility Institute, it is certainly true that access and awareness improves on the main campus and branch schools. Equally significantly, it positively affects the usability and quality of information technology resources far beyond the university, by helping create an environment for content creators and developers that sees high quality information and access for all as a standard and goal. The Accessibility Institute is an invaluable resource and I urge the University to continue to support it.
Sir,
The Accessibility Institute is an important resource, not only for Texas, but for our country and the entire world. Please reconsider. I support this petition.
David J. Hark
Accessibility Instructor
I support this petition. It is absolutely essential that individuals with disabilities be accorded the same opportunity to have access to the internet as their non-handicapped peers! What if you were blind and couldn't read the syllabus posted on line by your professor? Don't let the foundation you've built crumble now!
