Are Your Digital Communications Accessible? – April 14 presentation at Seattle City Hall

Do you promote issues or events online—by e-mail or on a company or personal website? Have you ever created a PDF flyer to invite a large group or the public to an event? Do you know if everyone who received your information could read it?

It is particularly challenging for anyone with low vision to navigate online communications. Screen readers and other assistive technologies can help, but the process can be exhausting.

Terrill Thompson has over 20 years of experience in the IT accessibility field, and has presented at numerous conferences and consulted widely with government, private industry, and education entities on IT accessibility issues.

You can make the process easier for all involved, and make your communications more effective overall, by making a conscious effort to make them accessible. If you come to Terrill Thompson’s presentation, “Are Your Digital Communications Accessible?” you will learn that it’s not difficult.

Terrill Thompson is a technology accessibility specialist with the University of Washington’s DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology) program who has worked to promote more effective communications for everyone throughout the university and around the world. He will explore accessibility of common digital media, including problems and easy-to-implement solutions, as well as web accessibility standards and their applicability to the current legal landscape.

This free public event will take place on Thursday, April 14, 2016 (1–3 p.m.) at the Bertha Knight Landes Room at Seattle City Hall (600 4th Avenue, between James & Cherry Streets in downtown Seattle). No RSVP is required.

For City Hall access information, click here. CART captioning will be provided at the meeting. Handheld amplified receivers and headsets will also be available. To request an additional accommodation, e-mail info@environmentsforall.org.

This event is co-sponsored by the Seattle Commission for People with disAbilities; Seattle Public Library LEAP (Library Equal Access Program); a11ySea—a Seattle Area Accessibility & Inclusive Design MeetUp group; the Healthy Aging Partnership; and the City of Seattle’s departments of Human Services, Information Technology, and Neighborhoods. The venue is hosted by the Office of the Seattle City Clerk, Legislative Department and the program is coordinated by the Northwest Universal Design Council, which promotes incorporation of Universal Design principles, products, and processes in the built environment so that all people can “live actively by design,” regardless of age or ability.

A video of the 4/14 presentation is now available on The Seattle Channel website.