I support this petition.
I attended AccessU for the first time this past year and was amazed. I had this on my calendar as my top annual event. The topic is of inmeausureable importance, the people ignored by this decision will be insurmountable.
I support this petition. The institute was an incubator for accessible design solutions. Because of the synergy between the Institute and the University, many design problems were presented, and accessible solutions were found. More so, than if the Institute were not a part of the university. With no one to turn to for accessible solutions, the accessibility of new University projects and websites will suffer. The institute was a central point of contact for expertise, and collaborative problem solving.
I support this petition. I understand that this may have been a financial decision, but as more and more applications find their way online, you simply must make them accessible! Maintaining a campus where all are welcome is an important factor in enrollment and retention.
I support this petition. It's good for brand, it's good for PR, and it's good for business. UT is fortunate to have such a viable, valuable program, and the opportunity to make key changes in the world. I would expect nothing less than vigorous collaboration among the schools and colleges from a university of the first class to support this institution. Designing usability into the curriculum, especially the new undergraduate initiative, supports our university values by making the internet accessible so that everyone can learn. What better values to model for our 21st century learners? The University cannot afford to lose the Accessibility Institute.
I support this petition. I'm a UT alum, I'm disabled and part of disability communities, I'm a web developer, and I know how important UT's leadership is in this area.
This department is critical to the future success of accessibility. As an alumni, this is not a decision I support nor does it exemplify what UT should stand for.
I support this petition. Many other Universities look up to U.T. as an expert leader in the field of accessibility. This decision will greatly affect U.T.'s standing in the educational community. We regret that the positions at the Accessibility Institute were never opened to the public to be re-filled.
As a UT alum and web developer I am shocked UT has decided to close this Institute. I whole heartedly support this petition and all the good work they have and will continue to do if they are given the opportunity.
I support this petition. Accessibility is an important thing to lend our collective focus on and is becoming even more relevant as time goes on. Closing this esteemed institute will not only hinder further great work done at the institute but also send a message that such topics are not worth focussing upon, which is definitely something which is highly concerning for the future of the web, as well as other outlets in which accessibility is important.
I support this petition. I work for a Fortune 250 company and have been pushing for accessibility for 5 years. The Institute has given me valuable information that has allowed me to influence the direction of the company's overall UI design and coding standards.
