[Web4lib] LACASIST 2009 Workshop: Accessibility: Are You Reaching Everyone?-REMINDER

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Los Angeles Chapter of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (LACASIST) presents their 2009 Workshop on Accessibility

One in 5 people in the world has a disability. Are You Reaching Everyone?

This workshop looks at the user needs of people with disabilities in on- and off-line situations. First rule of being an information professional: Understand your user's needs. It's not what your users say they want, but what they do. With people with disabilities being the largest growing minority population, designing any product or service without understanding the needs of people with disabilities alienates at least 18% of the US population (that's 51.2 million people in the US (according to 2002 Census Data). Know how your users navigate the web. 

While we're not looking at specific products and services, we are covering the use of some assistive technologies, the challenges of learning with the help of assistive technologies, as well as an overview of best practices for web applications. If your workplace doesn't have an accessibility initiative in place, this workshop is a good introduction to accessibility.

The program will focus on the accessibility and usability of websites and web-based products and services. Given the fine line between accessibility and usability in today's realm of information technology, these words are often intertwined. Speakers will address items to consider when exploring, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating websites and web-based technologies in order to reach all users. Special emphasis will be placed on users with special needs and disabilities.

Last day to register is April 30, 2009. 

SPEAKERS:

Rhea Joyce Rubin, professional librarian and former library director 
Gerry Hanley, Executive Director of MERLOT (Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching at www.merlot.org) and Senior Director for Academic Technology Services for the California State University, Office of the Chancellor.
Patrick Burke, UCLA Disabilities and Computing Program Coordinator
Susan Cullen, CSUN Accessible Technology Initiative and Online Support Coordinator


WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING

Anyone whose work is centered around the user/consumer/patron: librarians, library administrators, library personnel, web developers, user researchers, usability specialists, information architects, user experience designers who design web applications and services




Public Services Librarians who assist people with using library websites and electronic services delivered via the Internet.

Electronic Resources Librarians, Web Developers, and Systems Librarians who plan for and implement library technologies and electronic services delivered via the Internet.

Unit Managers, Team Leaders, and Library Administrators that explore and purchase library technologies and electronic services delivered via the Internet.

Other personnel interested in accessibility and usability of library resources and services.
WHEN

Friday, May 8, 2009
Check-in & Continental Breakfast: 9 am
Introduction at 9:30 am
Program: 10 am-4 pm

WHERE
Cerritos College, Teleconference Center (Norwalk, California) http://cms.cerritos.edu/teleconf
About 22 miles south east from Downtown Los Angeles


REGISTRATION & PARKING INFORMATION

Seating limited to 110. Register Today! http://lacasist.wufoo.com/forms/z7x4m1/

Regular Rates (after April 20, 2009)

* ASIST Member: $ 55
* Non-ASIST Member: $ 70
* Student currently enrolled in a degree program: $ 40

Registration includes a continental breakfast, fajita lunch buffet, and program registration. Parking is not included in the registration fees, but can be purchased on-site for the amazingly low price of $1.00 for the day. HURRY! Workshop is limited to 110 participants. Last day to register is April 30, 2009. Please see website for details.

MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT:
http://www.lacasist.org/events/2009_workshop_accessibility.htm

REGISTER: http://lacasist.wufoo.com/forms/z7x4m1/

WHAT's LACASIST? http://www.lacasist.org/