As technology becomes an integral part of our lives, the importance of universal design cannot be overlooked. We must have a level playing field so everyone can reap technology's benefits.
I support this petition, and I support Universal Design and Learning. We need more institutions for researching and implementing accessibility, not less.
I support this petition. UT has been a strong leader in accessibility. Please don't stop. Austin needs this, Texas needs this. The US needs this, the WORLD needs this!
I support this petition and its mission to support the necessity of universal accessibility. If Texas wants to remain a technological center of the world we will need to serve everyone not just those that fit into the box.
I support this petition.
It appears that the University of Texas would like to honor John Slatins memory by dismantling one of the highlights of his life works. To lose such an institute at this time demeans whatever progress has been made worldwide in the light of accessibility and universal access to technology.
Molly E. Holzschlag, President
Molly.Com, Inc.
I support this petition. The University of Texas has been instrumental in moving the cause of accessibility on the web forward. It is a loss not just to Texas, but to the whole world for the University to shut down the Accessibility Institute.
I support this petition, and I believe that centralized accessibility support for UT staff and faculty is necessary for full compliance with state law and Section 508.
I support this petition. Accessibility isn't just about individuals managing disabilities. The benefits of designing web pages with accessibility in mind (can you say portability? faster load times? better search engine indexing? making it easier to repurpose content for other devices like handhelds, smartphones, etc) far outweigh the time / effort it takes to learn / apply accessibility techniques. The community needs academic institutions like UT and the Accessibility Institute to further this work. Please make a concerted decision to continue funding for the UT Accessibility Institute.
As a Web professional in the private sector, I count on educational institutions - like UT and the Accessibility Institute - to carry forward the work of perfecting technology access for all people. Left to its own devices, the private sector will weigh the cost-benefit ratio of providing accessible technology, and all too often find that it makes more sense to disenfranchise some users rather than spend the effort to open accessibility to all. Research programs like the Accessibility Institute are crucial for developing new, more affordable ways to meet accessibility goals, as well as to turn research to bear on the legislative world to ensure that accessibility laws actually meet the needs of consumers.
I support this petition, please continue to find the Accessibility Institute.
I support this petition.
America has been the follower too often. Let's be the leader in something that really matters, civil rights for the blind. Don't let short-sighted concerns slay hope.
