Category: bbc.co.uk
Date: 03.11.2005
Printable version
To coincide with today's World Usability Day, the 91Èȱ¬, working together with leading computing and disability charity, AbilityNet, has today launched a major new site designed to help people with disability get the most out of the World Wide Web.
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My Web, My Way (bbc.co.uk/accessibility) equips anyone using their computer with the tools and understanding to enable them to make the most of the Internet, whatever their ability or disability, and regardless of the operating system (Windows, Mac or Linux) they use.
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The site provides advice and help to all those people who would benefit from making changes to their browser, operating system, or computer by giving advice on a wide range of specialist hardware such as alternative keyboards and mice, and software such as voice recognition, screen reading and word prediction.
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Jonathan Hassell, the 91Èȱ¬'s Digital Accessibility Editor, says: "As a public service Website, bbc.co.uk's goal is to ensure that we serve all of our users.
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"In creating My Web, My Way, our work with AbilityNet helps make this objective a reality."
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Jon Gooday, Senior Consultant on AbilityNet's Web consultancy team and an architect of the new resource, says: "Customising your computer to meet your own needs - whether able-bodied or disabled, is the cornerstone of My Web, My Way.
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"You wouldn't dream of driving a car before you'd adjusted your driving position and mirrors - this site is a practical guide for doing the same with your computer."
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The site has already received endorsement from The Disability Rights Commission (DRC), RNIB and RNID.
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Notes to Editors
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Third party endorsement
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"We're very pleased and encouraged by this excellent new resource from the 91Èȱ¬ and AbilityNet. It explains in everyday language how the Web can be made more user-friendly.
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"This new resource will help plug one of the gaps we identified in our report on Web accessibility, which found that disabled people need better training and greater awareness about the ways that computers can help make the Web easier to us."
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Nick O'Brien, Director of Legal Services at the Disability Rights Commission
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"RNID welcomes this initiative by the 91Èȱ¬ and AbilityNet, which will be of benefit to deaf and hard of hearing people, other people with disabilities and also to everyone else who uses the World Wide Web.
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"As well as offering useful advice to those who face specific barriers in using the Web's varied content, it demonstrates that it is perfectly possible to create a Website that is easy to understand, has simple navigation, yet still looks very good.
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"The Web is no longer a novelty for the few, but is an essential tool for all citizens, especially in education and employment. RNID supports any initiative to make it more accessible and user-friendly."
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Guido Gybels, Director of New Technologies at RNID
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"RNIB congratulates the 91Èȱ¬ and Abilitynet for producing My Web, My Way. The Internet is fast becoming the 'must have' resource for everyone. But many people struggle to get the most from the Web, either because they find the screen difficult to read or find the mouse and keyboard challenging to use.
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"This user-friendly resource will help more people to enjoy the Web without the frustration. My Web, My Way will help more people use the Internet more often.
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I hope that the Government and the companies that develop Internet software will take particular notice of My Web, My Way because any initiative that makes the Internet easier to use must be good for citizens and businesses alike."
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RNIB
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About AbilityNet
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AbilityNet is a charity that brings the benefits of computer technology to adults and children with all types of disabilities.
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Through its network of eleven centres, it offers a comprehensive range of services to disabled people, professionals, employers and statutory bodies.
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It provides free information and advice on any aspect of computer use by disabled people, including individual assessment of technology needs, adapted computer equipment with full training and technical support, a programme of awareness education, and consultancy for employers on system and workstation adaptations, as well as Website accessibility.
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AbilityNet is dependent, both nationally and locally, on grants and donations from charitable trusts and companies to carry out its work on behalf of disabled people and those who support them.
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