So You Are Thinking of Launching a Web Site--Is It Worth the Investment? Teleconference September 1997 CHALLENGE '97 So You Are Thinking of Launching a Web Site-- Is It Worth the Investment? A National Teleconference TRAINING MANUAL September 1997 IL NET NCIL/ILRU National Training & Technical Assistance Project 1997 ILRU Program 2323 S. Shepherd, Suite 1000 Houston, TX 77019 713-520-0232 (v) 520-5136 (TTY) 520-5785 (fax) Permission is granted for duplication of any portion of this manual, providing that the following credit is given to the project: Developed as part of the IL NETWORK: NCIL/ILRU National Training and Technical Assistance Project. Developers of this TRAINING MANUAL: June Kailes Laurel Richards Cynthia Dresden Rose Shepard Dawn Heinsohn Raymond Lin TABLE OF CONTENTS Part One--General Information Agenda Learning Objectives List of Presenters and Project Staff About the Presenters June Isaacson Kailes Brian Hearn Kathleen Kleinmann Nancy Massy Fern Moskowitz Tony Sauer Roland Sykes Acknowledgements IL NETWORK Resource Materials National Resources on Independent Living Readings for the Independent Living and Disability Rights Movements Teleconference Evaluation Needs Assessment Teleconference Audio Tape Order Form Part Two--A Look At What It Takes URLs Of and For Independent Living Centers Web Site Strategies Does having a Web site make sense for your business? What are the stages and timing of developing a site? What are the pros and cons of in-house development versus out-sourcing? How do you choose a Web Developer? What are some of the common mistakes to avoid? Independent Living on the World Wide Web URLs of and for Independent Living Centers (June Kailes) Liberty Resources Home Page (Liberty Resources, Inc.) Liberty Resources Site Map (Liberty Resources, Inc.) Liberty Resources Managed Care (Liberty Resources, Inc.) Paraquad Main Menu (Paraquad, Inc.) Alpha One Home Page (Alpha One) Accessibility Designing an Accessible Web Page Accessible Web Design Accessibility and the World Wide Web The Bumpy Road to Full Internet Accessibility DIMENET What is DIMENET? Where is DIMENET? DIMENET Features DIMENET Hot News Network CHALLENGE '97 SO YOU ARE THINKING OF LAUNCHING A WEB SITE--IS IT WORTH THE INVESTMENT? AGENDA September 29-30, 1997 June Kailes Welcome and Introductions Fern Moskowitz Be clear about your objectives Tony Sauer How to evaluate effectiveness and measure success Questions and answers Brian Hearn Who has the expertise? Who is going to do the work? Tony Sauer How much time and money is involved? Who has got the time? Fern Moskowitz In-house or outsourcing Nancy Massey Maintenance and labor issues: set-up, maintenance, updating, testing and quality control (spelling, typos, links, access) Promoting the site via traditional media and the Internet Questions and answers Roland Sykes DIMENET and access issues Kathleen Kleinmann Nancy Massey Questions and answers June Kailes Wrap-up LEARNING OBJECTIVES  What to consider before you decide whether to launch a web site.  Being clear about your objectives.  What costs are involved in a web site.  How to measure your success.  How to make your site accessible. LIST OF PRESENTERS AND IL NET STAFF PRESENTERS June Isaacson Kailes Disability Policy Consultant 6201 Ocean Front Walk, Suite 2 Playa del Rey, CA 90293-7556 (310) 821-7080 (v) (310) 827-7470 (fax) http://www.jik.com jik@pacbell.net Brian Hearn Database Manager CATS I&R Network 1-800-390-2699 FREED 154 Hughes Road, Suite 1 Grass Valley, CA 95945 (916) 272-1732 (voice/TTY) (916) 272-7793 (fax) http://www.freed.org bhearn@freed.org Kathleen Kleinmann Tri County Partnership for IL 69 E. Beau Street Washington, PA 15301 (412) 223-5115 (v); 223-5115 (TTY) (412) 223-5119 (fax) kleinman@trip.tnet.com Nancy Massey Consultant Massey & Associates 1500 Locust Street, Suite 3707 Philadelphia, PA 19102 (215) 545-8541 (v) (215) 545-7726 (fax) http://www.masseynet.com/ massey@masseynet.com Fern M. Moskowitz President and CEO Liberty Resources, Inc. 1341 N. Delaware Ave., Suite 105 Philadelphia, PA 19125 libres@libertynet.org (215) 634-2000 x 257(v); 634-6630 (TTY) (215) 634-6628 (fax) Tony Sauer Executive Director FREED 154 Hughes Road, Suite 1 Grass Valley, CA 95945 (916) 272-1732 (voice/TTY) (916) 272-7793 (fax) http://www.freed.org tony@freed.org Roland Sykes Chairman DIMENET (Disabled Individuals Movement for Equality Network) 6256 Ramblewood Drive Dayton, OH 45424 (937) 237-8360 (v) rsykes@gimp.com IL NET STAFF NCIL Anne-Marie Hughey Raymond Lin 2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 405 Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 525-3406 (v); 525-3407 (TTY); 525-3409 (fax) ncil@tsbbs02.tnet.com June Isaacson Kailes Disability Policy Consultant 6201 Ocean Front Walk, #2 Playa del rey, CA 90293 (310) 821-7080 (v); 827-0269 (fax) jik@jik.com Roland Sykes President, Greater Independence through Management Programs, Inc. 6256 Ramblewood Drive Dayton, OH 45424 (937) 237-8360 (v) rsykes@gimp.com ILRU Laurel Richards Bob Michaels Cynthia Dresden Dawn Heinsohn Laurie Gerken Redd 2323 S. Shepherd, Suite 1000 Houston, TX 77019 (713) 520-0232 (v); 520-5136 (TTY); 520-5785 (fax) http://www.ilru.org ilru@ilru.org ABOUT THE PRESENTERS June Isaacson Kailes, Disability Policy Consultant, is active as a disability rights advocate and program developer in the independent living movement and has done so since the late 1960s. June consults for and trains businesses, universities, government entities, centers for independent living, and other not-for-profit organizations. Prior to establishing a full-time consulting practice in 1989, June worked for the Westside Center for Independent Living (WCIL) in Los Angeles. During her eight years as executive director, she established WCIL as one of the largest, most respected independent living centers in the United States. One of the original national leaders in the independent living movement, June has held many offices in the National Council for Independent Living and the California Coalition of Independent Living Centers and has a presidential appointment to the United States Access Board. She serves as co-director of curriculum development and training with the IL NET. Among many diverse publications, one of her most popular books is A Guide to Planning Accessible Meetings. Brian Hearn, database manager at FREED, is responsible for maintaining the CATS Cooperative Services Directory Database, designing and maintaining several FREED databases and the FREED homepage, maintaining a Novell network and 15 associated workstations, and functioning as systems operator (Sysop) for Woody's Place, a two-line BBS at FREED. Brian is trained in two-way radio communications repair and maintenance. He learned about computers and networking by just "doing it". He got involved in the disability movement in 1992 when he was terminated from employment as a heavy equipment operator because of a vision impairment. Subsequently, he learned about the ADA and filed a discrimination case against his former employer. Brian contacted FREED for assistance and quickly became involved with FREED and the independent living movement. Kathleen Kleinmann, executive director of Tri-County Patriots for Independent Living, Washington, Pennsylvania, serves on the board of directors of DIMENET, National Council on Independent Living, the Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council, and the Pennsylvania Council on Independent Living. Kathleen is also an organizer in grassroots movements including ADAPT (American's Disabled for Attendant Programs Today) the movement to change public policy on long term care to entitle every American the choice of home and community-based services and not only nursing home services, and DIMENET (Disabled Individuals Movement of Equality Network) the movement dedicated to the equal access of people with severe disabilities and low-incomes to computer networking and the internet. Nancy Massey of Massey & Associates has been a computer consultant in the Philadelphia area for almost 20 years. She has worked with businesses and nonprofit organizations through initial automation, upgrades, conversions, and staff training, as well as the development and implementation of ongoing system strategies. Nancy has been training people with disabilities on working with computers since 1988 and recently was published by the National Foundation for the Blind for her work with Internet access. In 1995, she expanded her business to include Internet training and accessible World Wide Web site development. Fern Moskowitz has worked at Liberty Resources, Inc., one of the largest centers for independent living, for the past eight and a half years. She was appointed President/CEO in May of 1995. Prior to that, she held the positions of Vice President/COO and program manager for personal assistance services. She is the Vice-Chair of the Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council (PA SILC) and sits on its public relations and managed care committees. Fern co-presented, along with Stephen Gold, at the 1997 National Meeting of Centers for Independent Living Directors in Washington, D.C. on Systems Advocacy--the Pennsylvania Experience with ADA and Personal Assistance Services vs. Nursing Homes. She is a member of the National Council on Independent Living. Fern is a graduate of both the University of Pittsburgh and the State University of New York at Buffalo. Tony Sauer, Executive Director, Foundation of Resources for Equality and Employment for the Disabled (FREED). Involved with disability rights for 19 years. Participated in NCIL/DREDF Phase I and Phase II ADA trainings. Peer Trainer at NCIL/DREDF Phase I ADA Training. Have worked on several ADA Transition Plans, Accessibility Reviews and Complaints. President of the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, 1995 and 1996. Roland Sykes has been involved in the independent living field for the last 17 years. He has worked for vocational rehabilitation and as a center director. His current specialty is utilizing computers and computer networks to share information and build the disability community. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The developers of this manual would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for permitting us to reprint their web pages for training purposes. Hip Hype, Inc. Reprinted with permission. 52 Cowan Avenue, 2nd Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M6K 2N4, (416) 538-0099 (voice); 207 West Hastings Street, Suite 904, Vancouver, British columbia, V6B 1H7, (604) 681-4018 (voice); hello@hiphype.com. http://www.hiphype.com/wss0.htm http://www.hiphype.com/wss1.htm http://www.hiphype.com/wss2.htm http://www.hiphype.com/wss3.htm http://www.hiphype.com/wss4.htm http://www.hiphype.com/wss5.htm June Kailes, Disability Policy Consultant. 6201 Ocean Front Walk, Suite 2, Playa del Rey, California 90293, (310) 821-7080 (voice/TTY), jik@jik.com. http://www.jik.com/ilcs.html Liberty Resources, Inc. 1341 N. Delaware Avenue, Suite 105, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19125, (215) 634-2000 (voice), (215) 634-6630 (TTY), lri@libertynet.org. http://www.libertynet.org/ http://www.libertynet.org/sitemap.html http://www.libertynet.org/mc/mc-index.html Paraquad, Inc. 311 North Lindbergh, St. Louis, Missouri 63141, (314) 567-1558 (voice), (314) 567-5552 (TTY), paraquad@paraquad.org. http://www.paraquad.org/mainmenu.html Alpha One. 127 Main Street, South Portland, Maine 04106, (207) 767-2189 (voice/TTY), (800) 640-7200 (voice/TTY). http://www.alpha-one.org/ California agencies spearheading the effort include: California State Library California Department of Developmental Services California Department of Education California Environmental Resources Evaluation System (CERES) California Department of Rehabilitation through its California Assistive Technology System (CATS) 830 K Street Mall, Room 102 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 324-3062 (v/TTY) (800) 390-2699 (v/TTY) (916) 323-0914 (fax) IL NET RESOURCE MATERIALS The IL NET: National Training and Technical Assistance project, a collaboration of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) and the Independent Living Research and Utilization (ILRU) Program, is committed to promoting a national network of centers for independent living, statewide independent living councils, and others involved in the independent living field. Through training and technical assistance activities, project staff seek to provide individuals at all levels of expertise with educational and networking opportunities. To enhance our ability to reach as wide an audience as possible, we are making many of our training materials available in the form of individual fact sheets and packets. The following is a description of resource materials concerning the Rehab Act, statewide independent living councils, state IL plans, funding, and other topics. These materials may be duplicated without acquiring permission, providing that the following credit is given to the project: "Developed as part of the IL NET: NCIL/ILRU National Training & Technical Assistance Project." All materials are available in accessible formats, including copies available to download in either WordPerfect or ASCII from DIMENET in the IL_NETWORK file area. For fact sheets about the Rehab Act, download file 'rehab1.wp' or 'rehab1.asc.' For fact sheets about SILCs, download 'silcpak1.wp' or 'silcpak1.asc.' You will also find each piece of the packets available individually. For assistance with downloading call (508) 880-5325 (v/TTY) or (937) 341-5202 (v), 341-5217 (TTY). For further information or technical assistance, contact ILRU at (713) 520-0232 (v), 520-5136 (TTY) or NCIL at (703) 525-3406 (v), 525-3407 (TTY). FACT SHEETS ABOUT THE REHAB ACT Amendments to the Rehab Act: 1986 & 1992: A Comparison--a set of charts showing changes in the Rehab Act which occurred from 1986 to 1992. Where to Get Information About the Rehabilitation Act--how to obtain copies of the Rehab Act and related background information from the government, from public records, and from DIMENET, the national computer bulletin board for independent living. Terminology Related to the Legislative and Regulatory Process--explanations of terms and concepts related to the legislative process. Key OSERS Staff--a listing of top-level staff members of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, the Rehabilitation Services Administration, and the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). FACT SHEETS ABOUT STATEWIDE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCILS (SILCs) Composition of Statewide IL Councils--an easily understood overview of SILC responsibilities, composition criteria, and examples of some of the problems faced by state IL councils with direct, concrete suggestions for dealing with them. Questions About SILC Governance--identifies many of the pivotal questions an organization can use to establish the bylaws with which it governs itself; covers specific questions for councils operating as private, nonprofit corporations and seeking a tax exempt status. What Every SILC Member Should Know--a checklist of basic information that each SILC member should understand in order to be an effective, voting participant of a statewide IL planning body. Prototype Job Descriptions--basic duties, authorities, and qualifications for the SILC chair, vice-chair, secretary, treasurer, and member; intended as a guideline from which to build individualized descriptions. SILC Profile Analysis--a grid designed to reveal a basic profile of any SILC by mapping characteristics and affiliations of the members; simple, easy-to-follow instructions show whether or not a council is consumer controlled according to legal mandate. SILC Membership Compliance Assessment--a checklist for determining whether or not your SILC is in compliance with the compositional guidelines outlined in section 705(b)(2) the Rehab Act. Directory of Statewide IL Councils--a complete list of all SILCs with contact information for state chairs; current as of May 1995. AUTHORIZED USES OF FUNDS AVAILABLE TO THE STATE IL COUNCIL Authorized Uses of Title VII, Part B--this document gives an overview of the history and development of Title VII, with an emphasis on gains made in controlling how the dollars allotted to support independent living programs and services are spent. Funding Under SILC Jurisdiction--identifies funding sources available to the statewide IL council: Title VII, Parts B and C, Title I, Part C, Social Security Reimbursement Funds, and private or other sources. Funding for Title VII, Part B: Fiscal Years 1994 & 1995--exact 1995 dollar amounts allocated from this source for each state and territory. Funding for Title VII, Part C: Fiscal Year 1994--dollar amounts by state and territory showing 1994 allotments as well as post-reallotment amounts for fiscal year 1993. Revised 3/96 _________________________ Developed by the IL NET: NCIL/ILRU National Training and Technical Assistance Project. Requests for technical assistance on this and other independent living subjects may be directed to the IL NET Project, c/o ILRU at (713)520-0232 (v), 520-5136 (TTY), 520-5785 (Fax), or NCIL at (703) 525-3406 (v), 525-3407 (TTY), 525-3409 (Fax). NATIONAL RESOURCES ON INDEPENDENT LIVING Several national organizations have been established to provide technical assistance on particular concerns relevant to issues in independent living. National Council on Independent Living Founded in 1982, NCIL is a membership organization representing independent living centers and individuals with disabilities. NCIL has been instrumental in efforts to incorporate independent living philosophy in federal legislation and regulations. National headquarters are located outside Washington, D.C. at 2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 405, Arlington, VA 22201, (703) 525-3406 (v), 525-3407 (TTY), 525-3409 (fax). Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living One of the best resources for information about rural independent living is APRIL. Established in 1986, APRIL is an association of 33 centers and other organizations and individuals across the country serving a predominantly rural constituencies. For further information, contact APRIL president Michael Mayer at the Summit Independent Living Center, 1900 Brooks Street, #120, Missoula, MT 59801, (406) 728-1630 (v/TTY), or Linda Tonsing Gonzales at 1919 Kiva Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505, (505) 984-8035 (v/fax). Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers on ADA There are ten regional DBTACs funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, the U.S. Department of Education, to provide technical assistance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Southwest DBTAC, operated by ILRU, features an Hispanic outreach program. By calling 1-800-949-4232 from anywhere in the country, your call will be routed automatically to the appropriate regional DBTAC. American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today One of the oldest and most active grassroots disability rights advocacy groups is ADAPT. Following its tremendous success in advocating for accessible transportation, ADAPT has focused its mission on personal assistance services. With local chapters in many cities around the country, ADAPT is centered in Colorado at 201 South Cherokee St., Denver, CO 80223, (303) 733-9324 (v), 733-6211 (fax). Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund DREDF is an organization dedicated to promoting the civil rights of individuals with disabilities through research, education, and advocacy. The DREDF offices are located at 1633 Q St., NW, Suite 220, Washington, DC 20009, (202) 986-0375 (v), 462-5624 (fax), and 2212 Sixth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710, (510) 644-2555 (v), 841-8645 (fax). Disabled Individuals Movement for Equality Network DIMENET is a computer network that serves the independent living and disability rights movements. It was established in 1985 to meet the demand for a computer network that directly serves the interests of all people with disabilities and that is fully accessible to people with visual impairments. You can access DIMENET from any of three host sites: (508) 880- 5412 (Taunton, MA), (937) 341-5205 (Dayton, OH), and (918) 582-3622 (Tulsa, OK). If you have problems or questions regarding accessing DIMENET, technical assistance is also available from individuals at DIMENET regional host sites: Taunton (508) 880-5325 (v/TTY), Dayton (937) 341-5202 (v), 341-5217 (TTY), and Tulsa (918) 592-1235 (v/TTY). Additional help may be obtained from Roland Sykes at (937) 237-8360 (v) or Paul Spooner at (508) 875-7853 (v/TTY). Independent Living Research Utilization Program ILRU Program is a national center for information, training, research, and technical assistance on independent living. Founded in 1977, its goal is to expand the body of knowledge in independent living and to improve utilization of results of related research and demonstration projects. ILRU, 2323 S. Shepherd, Suite 1000, Houston, TX 77019, (713) 520-0232 (v), 520- 5136 (TTY), and 520-5785 (fax). World Institute on Disability Originally founded in 1983 from within the grassroots disability rights movement, WID's focus is now international in scope. WID conducts research and training in public policy, personal assistance services, and independent living from its headquarters at 510 16th Street, #100, Oakland, CA 94612, (510) 763-4100 (v), 208-9493 (TTY). RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTERS ON INDEPENDENT LIVING Four research and training centers funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Department of Education, focus on independent living. They are:  the ILRU Research and Training Center on Independent Living at TIRR;  the RTC: IL at the University of Kansas;  the RTC on Personal Assistance Services at the World Institute on Disability (WID); and  the RTC on Public Policy and Independent Living, also at WID. All four centers conduct research and training projects designed to address the needs of individuals with disabilities, as well as state and private entities involved with independent living. More information about each is given below. ILRU Research and Training Center on Independent Living at TIRR The goals of the ILRU RTC are to enhance management performance in independent living centers through improved management and operational practices developed and tested in research-based models, and disseminated through training, technical assistance, and materials development projects. A major emphasis of these training and technical assistance projects is the promotion of networking among individuals and organizations in the independent living field. ILRU RTC is guided by the independent living philosophy, particularly with regard to the substantial involvement of people with disabilities at all levels of RTC operations. Director: Lex Frieden Associate Director: Quentin Smith Director of Research: Peg Nosek Director of Training: Laurel Richards Coordinating Director: Laurie Gerken Redd For more information, contact: ILRU Program 2323 S. Shepherd, Suite 1000 Houston, TX 77019 (713) 520-0232 (v); 520-5136 (TTY); 520-5785 (fax) http://www.ilru.org Research and Training Center on Independent Living at the University of Kansas The University of Kansas operates a national research and training center which focuses on aspects of independent living particular to rural and other underserved populations, including persons with cognitive and psychiatric disabilities. In addition, the RTC conducts consumer control training, conducts research in prevention of secondary health conditions in people with disabilities, and studies successful attainment of vocational rehabilitation goals. Director: Glen W. White Co-Director: James F. Budde Assistant Director: John Youngbauer Training Director: Kenneth J. Golden For more information, contact: RTC-IL at Kansas 4089 Dole Building University of Kansas Lawrence, KS 66045 (913) 864-4095 (v/TTY); 864-5063 (fax) http://www.lsi.ukans.edu/rtcil/rtcbroc.htm The Research and Training Center on Public Policy and Independent Living Funded by NIDRR at the World Institute on Disability, the RTC-PPIL conducts research and training on major disability policy issues including independent living, leadership development, peer support, and community integration. In addition, WID is attempting to establish the first full curriculum for disability studies. The program will offer courses of study at the undergraduate, graduate, professional training, and continuing education levels. Director: Herb Leibowitz Director of Research: Tanis Doe For more information, contact: RTC-PPIL World Institute on Disability 510 16th Street, Suite 100 Oakland, CA 94612-1500 (510) 763-4100 (v); 208-9493 (TTY); 763-4109 (fax) http://www.wid.org The Research and Training Center on Personal Assistance Services at WID One of two RTCs operated by WID, the RTC-PAS was established for the purpose of creating greater understanding about how personal assistance service systems can further the self- sufficiency and economic independence of individuals with disabilities. The RTC will perform a comprehensive evaluation of PAS programs across the country and will seek to define effective PAS from the consumer's point of view. In developing new service programs, the RTC-PAS also focuses on underserved or unserved populations. Director of Training: Simi Litvak Research Assistant: Valerie Bivona For more information, contact: RTC-PAS World Institute on Disability 510 16th Street, Suite 100 Oakland, CA 94612-1500 (510) 763-4100 (v); 208-9493 (TTY); 763-4109 (fax) Revised 6/97 http://www.wid.org _________________________ Developed by the IL NET: NCIL/ILRU National Training and Technical Assistance Project. Requests for technical assistance on this and other independent living issues may be directed to the IL NET Project, c/o ILRU at (713) 520-0232 (v), 520-5136 (TTY), 520-5785 (fax), or NCIL at (703) 525-3406 (v), 525-3407 (TTY), 525-3409 (fax). READINGS FOR THE INDEPENDENT LIVING AND DISABILITY RIGHTS MOVEMENTS DeJong, Gerben. "Independent Living: From Social Movement to Analytic Paradigm." Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 60 (October 1979): 435-446. DeJong, Gerben. "Physical Disability and Public Policy." Scientific American 248, no. 6 (June 1983): 40-49. DeJong, Gerben. Environmental Accessibility and Independent Living Outcomes: Directions for Disability Policy and Research. East Lansing: University Center for International Rehabilitation, 1981. DeJong, Gerben and Janice Hughes. Report of the Sturbridge Conference on Independent Living Services. Boston: Tufts Medical Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, 1981. Fasser, Carl E., Quentin Smith, Lex Frieden, Laura W. Smith, J. David Holcomb. "Addressing the Health Care Needs of People with Disabilities." Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants 7, no. 1 (January 1994): 26-32. Kailes, June. "Language is More Than a Trivial Concern!" (1984) reprinted in Disability Prideand A Guide to Planning Accessible Meetings (available through ILRU publications). Kailes, June Isaacson. Disability Pride: The Interrelationship of Self-Worth, Self-Empowerment, & Disability Culture. Houston: ILRU Program, 1993. Kailes, June Isaacson, and Darrell Jones. A Guide to Planning Accessible Meetings. Houston: ILRU Program, 1993. Kailes, June Isaacson. Putting Advocacy Rhetoric Into Practice: The Role of the Independent Living Center. Issues in Independent Living No. 8. Houston: ILRU Program, 1988. Lachat, Mary Ann. An Evaluation and Management Information System for Independent Living. Staying on Track: ILRU Management Support Series. Houston: ILRU Program, 1988. Lachat, Mary Ann. The Independent Living Service Model: Historical Roots, Core Elements, and Current Practice. Hampton: Center for Resource Management, 1988. National Council on the Handicapped (now the National Council on Disability). Toward Independence: An Assessment of Federal Laws and Programs Affecting Persons with Disabilities - With Legislative Recommendations. February 1986. Available from NCD, 1331 F Street, NW, Suite 1050, Washington, DC 20004 (202) 272-2004 (v), 272-2074 (TTY). National Council on the Handicapped (now the National Council on Disability). On the Threshold of Independence: A Report to the President and the Congress of the United States. January 1988. Available from NCD (see above). Nosek, Peg, Yayoi Narita, Yoshiko Dart, and Justin Dart. A Philosophical Foundation for the Independent Living & Disability Rights Movement. Occasional Paper No. 1. Houston: ILRU Program, 1982. Pflueger, Susan Stoddard. Independent Living. Emerging Issues in Rehabilitation. Washington, D.C.: Institute for Research Utilization, 1977. Richards, Laurel and Quentin Smith. An Orientation to Independent Living Centers. Houston: ILRU Program, 1987. Shapiro, Joseph P. No Pity. New York: Random House, Inc. 1993. Shreve Maggie, Patricia Spiller, Eric Griffin, Nancy Waldron, and Lynda Stolzman. Martha Williams, ed. Consumer Control in Independent Living. Available from: Center for Resource Management, 2 Highland Road, South Hampton, NH 03847; (603) 394-7040 (v/TTY), 394- 7483 (fax). Smith, Quentin, Lex Frieden, and Laurel Richards. "Independent Living." Encyclopedia of Disability and Rehabilitation. New York: Macmillan, Inc., (in press, 1994). Smith, Quentin, Laura W. Smith, Kym King, Lex Frieden, and Laurel Richards. Health Care Reform, Independent Living, and People With Disabilities. Issues in Independent Living No. 11. Houston: ILRU Program, 1993. United States Department of Education. Comprehensive Evaluation of the Title VII, Part B of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended, Centers for Independent Living Program. January 1986. Available through clearinghouses (see below). Willig, Chava Levy. A People's History of Independent Living. 1988. Available from the Research and Training Center on Independent Living, 4089 Dole Building, University of Kansas 66045; (913) 864-4095 (v/TTY). In a special edition on independent living in American Rehabilitation 20, no. 1 (Spring 1994): Giordiano, Gerard and Bruno J. D'Alonzo. "The Link Between Transition and Independent Living," 2-7. Shreve, Maggie. "The Greater Vision: An Advocate's Reflections on the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992," 8-13. Smith, Laura W., Quentin W. Smith, Laurel Richards, Lex Frieden, and Kym King. "Independent Living Centers: Moving Into the 21st Century," 14-22. Chappell, John A., Jr. "The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of its Parts," 23-29. Moore, J. Elton and Barry C. Stephens. "Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind: Issues and Practices," 30-34. Montagano, Tim. "Bringing the Rehabilitation Family Together: An IL-VR Partnership," 35- 36. Lougheed, Val, Bev Hunter, and Susan Wilson. "Partners for Independence: A Team Approach to Community-Based Rehabilitation," 37-38. Baker, David. "Independent Living in Communities: The Role of the Independence Fund in Vermont," 39-41. Lachat, Mary Ann. "Using the Power of Management Information System Technology to Support the Goals of Centers for Independent Living," 42-48. In a special issue on independent living in OSERS 6, no. 2 (Winter-Spring 1994): French, Duane. "Independent Living: Driven By Principles of Democracy," 37-38. Kafka, Bob. "Perspectives on Personal Assistance Services," 11-13. Kennedy, Jae, Hale Zukas, and Simi Litvak. "Independent Living and Personal Assistance Services: The Research, Training, and Technical Assistance Programs at the World Institute on Disability," 43-45. Mathews, Mark R. "Learning from the Experts: Best Practices in Rural Independent Living," 23-29. Michaels, Robert E. "Title VII: A Major Step Forward," 8-10. Nelson, John. "Changes in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Federal Regulations," 4-8. Smith, Quentin, Lex Frieden, Laurel Richards, and Laurie Gerken Redd. "Improving Management Effectiveness in Independent Living Centers through Research and Training," 30- 36. Tate, Denise and Julie Daugherty. "The Effects of Insurance Benefits Coverage: Does It Affect Persons with Spinal Cord Injury?" 19-22. Westbrook, John D. "Consumer-Driven Supported Employment: Consolidating Services for People with Significant Disabilities," 14-18. Ziegler, Martha. "How Parent Networks Are Working with Independent Living Centers," 39-42. In a special issue on rural independent living in the Rural Special Education Quarterly 11, no.1 (1992): Clay, Julie Anna. "Native American Independent Living," 41-50. Curl, Rita M., Shanna M. Hall, Linda A. Chisholm, and Sarah Rule. "Co-workers as Trainers for Entry-level Workers: A Competitive Employment Model for Individuals with Disabilities," 31-35. Nosek, Margaret. "The Personal Assistance Dilemma for People with Disabilities Living in Rural Areas," 36-40. Potter, Carol G., Quentin W. Smith, Huong Quan, and Margaret A. Nosek. "Delivering Independent Living Services in Rural Communities: Options and Alternatives," 16-23. Richards, Laurel and Quentin Smith. "Independent Living Centers In Rural Communities," 5-10. Seekins, Tom, Craig Revesloot, and Bob Maffit. "Extending the Independent Living Center Model to Rural Areas: Expanding Services through State and Local Efforts," 11-15. Smith, Quentin W., Carl E. Fasser, Stacy Wallace, Laurel K. Richards, and Carol G. Potter. "Children with Disabilities in Rural Areas: The Critical Role of the Special Education Teacher in Promoting Independence," 24-30. We Won't Go Away, videocassette. Sells for $20 each, including postage, from the World Institute on Disability, 510 16th Street, Suite 100, Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 763-4100 (v), 208- 9493 (TTY). The Disability Rag. A bi-monthly publication reflecting ideas and discussions in the disability rights movement. Available at $12 for a one-year subscription. Write to: Subscriptions, The Disability Rag, 1962 Roanoke Ave, Louisville, KY 40205 (502) 459-5343 (v/TTY/fax). Most of the readings cited above can be obtained from resource clearinghouses. Several are listed below and can be reached for further information about publications and modem-accessible databases by mail or telephone.  National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials, Oklahoma State University, 816 West Sixth Ave., Stillwater, OK 74078 (800) 223-5219.  National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), 8455 Colesville Road, Suite 935, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (800) 346-2742 (v), 227-0216 (TTY).  ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education (formerly the ERIC Clearinghouse on Handicapped and Gifted Children), 1920 Association Dr., Reston, VA 22091, (800) 328-0272 (v/TTY) at the Council for Exceptional Children, (703) 620-3660, ext. 307 (v). ILRU also offers a number of publications and other materials on various independent living subjects. For a listing of resource materials contact ILRU at 2323 S. Shepherd, Suite 1000, Houston, TX 77019, (713) 520-0232 (v), 520-5136 (TTY). For resource materials and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act, there are ten regional Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs). One toll-free number, 1-800-949-4232, will direct your call to a technical assistant in your region. Resource materials are published by the U.S. Department of Justice and many are available free of charge. The Southwest DBTAC in Houston, Texas offers technical assistance and some resource materials in Spanish as well as English. Revised 6/95 Developed by the IL NET: NCIL/ILRU National Training and Technical Assistance Project. Requests for technical assistance on this and other independent living subjects may be directed to the IL NET Project, c/o ILRU at (713) 520-0232 (v), 520-5136 (TTY), 520-5785 (Fax), or NCIL at (703) 525-3406 (v), 525-3407 (TTY), 525-3409 (Fax). SO YOU ARE THINKING OF LAUNCHING A WEB SITE-- IS IT WORTH THE INVESTMENT? EVALUATION September 29 & 30, 1997 Teleconferences 1. Describe your basic understanding of these workshop topics BEFORE and AFTER this workshop by circling the appropriate numbers below ( a 7 being "high, detailed knowledge" and a 1 being "none"). BEFORE AFTER What to consider before decide 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Be clear about objectives 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 What are the costs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 How to measure success 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Making your site accessible 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 2. Please evaluate the following by circling the appropriate numbers below (a 7 being "excellent" and a 1 being "poor"). Handouts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Pre-teleconference discussion 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Facilities 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Post-teleconference discussion 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Other _____________________ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3. What parts of the workshop/training did you find MOST helpful? Why? 4. What parts of the workshop/training did you find LEAST helpful? Why? 5. Please rank order, from 1 to 4 with 1 being most important, the reasons you participated in this workshop? ___Cost ___Speakers ___Topic ___Location ___Other (comment): 6. What (if any) ideas will you use? 7. Do you know someone who should attend this training? (If so, please give name and contact information.) Name/phone (optional): May we quote you? No Yes (please include your name, center, title) NEEDS ASSESSMENT 1. Who are you? Check all that apply. CIL: ___Staff ___Volunteer ___Board SILC: ___Staff ___Volunteer ___Board ___State Employee ___Federal Employee ___Other-please explain 2. Please circle years involved in independent living? Under 1 1 2 3 4 5-9 Over 10 3. If you have never attended one of the variety IL Net workshops and teleconferences, not counting this training, please tell us why?). ___New to the field ___Did not know about training ___Location ___Cost (travel, lodging, registration) ___Not interested in the topic ___Other: a. What specific factors would increase the chances of your participating in future trainings? 4. Do you have access to the Internet or world wide web, either at home or work? ___No ___Yes If Yes... a. Have you taken any courses online? ___No ___Yes (tell us the topic, length, strengths, weaknesses) b. Would you be interested in participating in a online course offered by IL Net? ___No ___Yes 5. Circle the number of job-related trainings you attend per year? 0 1 2 3 4 Over 5 6. Circle the number of out of town, (not counting this one) 2 days or more, trainings you attend per year? 0 1 2 3 4 Over 5 7. IL Net offers technical assistance in answering questions about CILs and SILCs? Have you used technical assistance through IL Net?s ___No ___Yes a. If yes, did you receive a timely request to your response? ___No ___Yes b. Was the information you received useful in dealing with your issue? ___No ___Yes c. If no, what do you view as the problem with the information you obtained? 8. Please rank order, from 1 to 10 with 1 being most important, your training needs? _____ Advance Directives: Living Wills, Not Dead Yet Issues, etc. _____ Aging with Disability: Mid Life Cripdom--Getting Fewer Miles Per Gallon Aging Well: Strategies for Planning for Change _____ Become a More Effective Trainer and Consultant _____ Center Funding _____ Center Operations _____ Completing the 704 Report--Centers and SILCs _____ Compliance Indicators for Centers _____ Computer Networking _____ Computer Networking--Accessibility Issues _____ Consumer Satisfaction Studies _____ Disability Culture: The Role of Centers _____ Disability Oppression _____ Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities _____ Disability Pride _____ Diversity and Inclusion: Outreach to Underserved Populations _____ Effective Systems Advocacy _____ Oppression to Liberation _____ Promoting Consumer Transition from Oppression to Activism _____ Health Care: Being Assertive About Your Needs Is the Defense _____ Health Care: Savvy Consumerism--Your Life May Depend on It _____ Health Care: What to Look for in Providers _____ Health Wellness and Disability _____ IL and the Rehab Act _____ IL History and Philosophy and Practice _____ Innovative Management Techniques _____ Leadership Development _____ Leadership Development: The Relationship Between Advocacy and Leadership _____ Legislative Updates: Educating Lawmakers Without Lobbying _____ Lobbying and CILs--All that the Law Will Allow _____ Marketing and Resource Development for Centers _____ Needs Assessment Studies--More Effective Approaches _____ Reauthorization of the Rehab Act _____ SILC Composition and Responsibilities _____ SILC Funding _____ SILC Issues and Network Building. _____ State-administered CILs ("723" States) _____ State IL Plan Development and Review _____ Successful SILC Operations _____ Other (list): TELECONFERENCE AUDIO TAPE ORDER FORM An audio cassette of the teleconference entitled: Challenge '97: So You Are Thinking of Launching a Web Site--Is It Worth the Investment? is available. If you would like a copy, please fill out the order form below. NAME: CENTER: ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: FAX: Number of sets: x $25.00 = $ (shipping included) Please mail order form and payment to: National Council on Independent Living 2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 405 Arlington, Virginia 22201 703-525-3406 (v) 703-525-3407 (TTY) 703-525-3409 (fax) Part Two--A Look At What It Takes URLS OF AND FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTERS To connect to any of the Independent Living Center URLs listed on the next page: 1. Go to http://www.jik.com/ilcs.html 2. Click on the site you wish to explore Hip Hype - Web Site Strategies http://www.hiphype.com/wss1.htm home | new stuff | about us | services | the team | clients | gossip | freebies | contact us | site guide Web Site Strategies Look before you leap Does having a Web site make sense for your business? Thought for the Day This is not about building Web sites. This is about communicating with your customers using an interactive medium. Far too much attention has been paid recently to the hype and technology surrounding the World Wide Web. Forget the Web for a minute. Think about what communication needs you and your customers have now and might have in the future. Are you able to fulfill them using your existing technology, be it phone, fax, or e-mail? If you can, great. You just saved yourself a whack of money because you do not need a Web site. However, if you or your customers have identified some room for improvement, then perhaps establishing a presence on the World Wide Web is the right move. What are Your Web Site Objectives?  create new business opportunities - The Web can be a terrific way to experiment with new ideas and product lines. Showcase a product prototype online and sample surfers' opinions.  generate business leads - Make it easy for people to find you, and find out about you. Some companies are conspicuous by their absence from the Net.  build store or business traffic - Your online "storefront" can be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  create new revenue streams - Do you have a product or service that can be offered over the Internet?  reduce distribution costs - Let's use the example of a typical corporate brochure. How much does it cost to print the brochure, stuff it in an envelope, address it, and put a stamp on it? What if you could deliver similar information, immediately and internationally, via the Web?  provide latest information regarding new products or services - Can you afford to phone, fax, or mail your customers every time you want to let them know about one of your new products or services? Changing the information on a Web site makes much more sense.  provide directions to consumers - Put your instruction manuals online, and update them based on customer feedback so that the manuals are always the latest version.  survey customers or prospects - The Web is a cost-effective way to qualify potential customers and get valuable feedback from existing ones.  build a database for organization mailings - Give visitors to your site an incentive to provide you with their e-mail address and, assuming that you have gotten their permission, you can send them inexpensive e-mail updates on your company's products and services.  increase international distribution and penetration - Rather than setup an office in another country, consider breaking into that market using the international reach of the Net.  electronic commerce - As secure online payment becomes a reality, you may be able to complete a sales transaction without the need of any traditional go-betweens.  interactive customer service - 1-800 phone lines are very expensive for a company and often frustrating for their customers. You could save a fortune by moving this to the Web.  support existing advertising, promotional efforts - TV commercials are great, but what if they work (heaven forbid!) and the viewer wants more information about your products or services? The Web could be the perfect way to satisfy this potential customer's thirst for info.  real-time order processing - Is your current method of fulfillment expensive or inefficient? Maybe the Web holds the cure.  recruit new employees or post job opportunities - Has anyone priced a classified ad in the newspapers recently? No surprise a lot of companies are turning to the Web to find talented, pre-qualified employees.  all of the above!  Table of Contents  What are the stages and timing of developing a site?  What are the pros and cons of in-house development versus out-sourcing?  How do you choose a Web Developer?  What are some of the common mistakes to avoid? home | new stuff | about us | services | the team | clients | gossip | freebies | contact us | site guide Copyright 1996-97 Hip Hype Inc. 52 Cowan Avenue, 2nd Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M6K 2N4, Tel: (416) 538-0099 207 West Hastings Street, Suite 904, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1H7, Tel: (604)681-4018 Questions or comments? E-mail us at hello@hiphype.com. Hip Hype - Web Site Strategies http://www.hiphype.com/wss1.htm home | new stuff | about us | services | the team | clients | gossip | freebies | contact us | site guide Web Site Strategies Look before you leap What are the stages and timing of developing a site? Web Site Development Cycle What follows is a breakdown of the key stages involved in launching a typical corporate Web site. For the sake of clarity, I have separated certain functions that in a real-world scenario might occur simultaneously. Concept Development (business, creative, technical) (2-4 weeks) - This is the most important stage. Time spent here will save a lot of money and headaches down the road. All parties should agree on the objectives. Then, prioritize them and turn them into a detailed Design Document, the architectural "blueprint" of the site, outlining the key components. Who is involved? Ideally this would be a Project Manager of some kind, representing your company, and the Web Developer. ù Specifications & Planning (2 weeks) - Here's where you iron out the technical and process details of who does what and when. Set deliverables and time-lines, which help form the budget. Once again, this is a collaboration between the Project Manager and the Web Developer. Creative Direction (1 week) - A Design Bible needs to be created, outlining the general look and feel issues, as well as navigation, of your site. Out of this could come templates for the various key pages, as well as a colour palette and other visual branding definitions. This stage might involve your in-house Art Director and/or Designer, the Project Manager, and the Web Developer. Content Production (2 weeks) - If you have existing content such as graphics and text, it will need to be converted into file formats used on the Web. Despite all the apparently "easy-to-use" tools on the market, there is a lot more to this than meets the eye. New content will need to be created as well, which is likely to involve the work of Graphic Artists, Writers, and Editors. Content Integration (1-2 weeks) - All your content needs to be formatted for Web pages. Doing this right takes considerable time, plus at least one pass by a proofreader. The Web Developer and their HTML layout people will handle this. Software Integration (1 week) - Unless your site is extremely basic, various programs will need to be tweaked or written specifically to allow certain interactive features, such as online forms. The Web Developer and their CGI, PERL, or Java specialists usually handle this. Testing & Quality Control (1 week) - Rigorous testing must be performed on the site, both from a technical and a content perspective. Will the hardware stand up to the demands of a lot of visitors? Are there spelling errors and typos on the pages? Can Macintosh users view the pages as easily as Windows users? Everyone should be involved in this stage. Launch & Marketing - If you build it they still may not come. Your Web site requires continuous promotion, both via traditional media and on the Net. The Marketing folks in your company can prepare the official press release, but it's unlikely they have the expertise to promote the site online. Look to the Web Developer or a "CyberPublicity"firm (such as Hip Hype.) to handle this very delicate task. Content and Technology Maintenance (on-going) - The content of your site needs to be updated frequently and checked for accuracy. Ideally, you will have someone on staff~willing and able to do this, even if all they have to do is answer e-mail. Farming new content development out to the Web Developer is another option, albeit an expensive one. The computer hardware also requires care and feeding. This means either hiring a Webmaster to monitor and maintain your in-house equipment, or arranging for your Web site content to be hosted on a third party Server Farm. The latter is usually the most efficient. ù Tracking Usage (on-going) - You are going to want to gauge the activity on your site so that you can determine what is working and what is not. For simple statistics and visitor information, look to a number of off-the-shelf software packages (such as WebTrends). If you require detailed auditing of the results, perhaps because you are selling advertising on your site you will probably need to hire a Web Auditing Firm (such as AC Nielsen). Table of Contents What are the stages and timing of developing a site? What are the pros and cons of in-house development versus out-sourcing? How do you choose a Web Developer? What are some of the common mistakes to avoid? home | new stuff | about us | services | the team | clients | gossip | freebies | contact us | site guide Copyright 1996-97 Hip Hype Inc. 52 Cowan Avenue, 2nd Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M6K 2N4, Tel: (416) 538-0099 207 West Hastings Street, Suite 904, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1H7, Tel: (604)681-4018 Questions or comments? E-mail us at hello@hiphype.com. Hip Hype - Web Site Strategies http://www.hiphype.com/wss1.htm home | new stuff | about us | services | the team | clients | gossip | freebies | contact us | site guide Web Site Strategies Look before you leap What are the pros and cons of in-house development versus out-sourcing? How much does a Web site cost? How long is a piece of string? The cost of a Web site varies greatly depending on your requirements. A very basic but professionally designed corporate site could be created for as little as $5,000, but on average you should expect to pay anywhere from 2 to 20 times that amount. Do not forget to factor in the cost of content updating and maintenance, which can easily add 10-25% to the budget. If these figures seem high, consider how much money you might lose (down the road) by not putting your company on the Web. And please do not try to cut corners. This is your public image you are dealing with. What is involved in setting up a Web site?  information content and structure  host computer (server) hardware  server software  Internet access  ongoing maintenance Questions to ask yourself  Do you have expertise?  Do you have content creation skills?  Do you have technology?  Do you have the people? Think long and hard about doing it completely in-house. How much money will you really save if the finished product ends up looking like the work of amateurs? Comparing in-house versus out-source Hosting a Web Site In-house  server hardware $6,000  server software $5,000  power supply / backup systems $1,500  router / firewall $4,000  high speed Internet connection $12,000 per year  UNIX/Internet technician $45,000 per year Total: $73,500 per year or . . . . Hosting a Web Site on a third-party Server Farm  monthly fee $100 to $1,000 Total: $1200 to $12,000 per year What personnel are required? 1. Project Manager (in-house / out-source) 2. Writer / Content Specialist (in-house / out-source) 3. Designer / Graphic Artist (in-house / out-source) 4. Marketing Specialist (in-house) 5. Programmer / Technology Specialist (in-house / out-source) 6. Customer Support Specialist (in-house) Consider a Combination Approach In-house  Management  Content Maintenance Out-source  Content Production and Integration  Technology Maintenance  Table of Contents  Does having a Web site make sense for your business?  What are the stages and timing of developing a site?  How do you choose a Web Developer?  What are some of the common mistakes to avoid? home | new stuff | about us | services | the team | clients | gossip | freebies | contact us | site guide Copyright 1996-97 Hip Hype Inc. 52 Cowan Avenue, 2nd Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M6K 2N4, Tel: (416) 538-0099 207 West Hastings Street, Suite 904, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1H7, Tel: (604) 681-4018 Questions or comments? E-mail us at hello@hiphype.com. Hip Hype - Web Site Strategies http://www.hiphype.com/wss1.htm home | new stuff | about us | services | the team | clients | gossip | freebies | contact us | site guide Web Site Strategies Look before you leap How do you choose a Web Developer? Here is a ruthless tip sheet to help you separate the winners from the wannabes.  Does their business card have an e-mail address on it? An URL? - If they do not use the medium, how good can they be at creating for it?  What is their corporate Web site like? - Their own site should represent their shining hour. Does it load quickly? Does it work with the graphics turned off? Can you find your way around easily? Are there any typos? Don't even consider hiring a company that does not have its own site.  What are the URLs (Web site addresses) of some of the sites they have created? What are they like? - What kind of impression do they give you of the type of business they represent? Would you return to these sites?  How long have they been doing this? - The Web as most people know it has now been around a few years. An "experienced" developer is expected to have had at least a year of Web site building experience.  What conferences and trade shows do they attend? - Are they committed to this medium, or is it just a hobby? A professional firm should at least know where Spring Internet World is held (San Jose) even if they do not attend!  How do they stay on top of new developments? - What magazines do they read regularly? Which newsgroups do they frequent?  What industry associations do they belong to? - In Canada, the professionals belong to IMAT (Interactive Multimedia Arts & Technologies Association) and/or IDA (Internet Developers Association).  What other types of communication projects do they work on regularly? - The Web is an amalgamation of many media. Does the firm have a background in print or, even better, design?  Do they truly understand communication, marketing, advertising and video? - Ask to see their complete portfolio. What kind of work have they done in the past? If it's not related to communications, you are wasting your time.  Are they experienced in interactive communication? - This can be difficult to gauge. Try asking them what they consider makes a good Web site.  Do they fully grasp the limitations of current Internet technology? - Try looking at their sites using a 14.4 modem and a 16-colour monitor. A good Web Developer knows how to design for the lowest common denominator.  Do they have experience with sophisticated programming languages? - They should know UNIX, CGI, and Java, or at least have access to freelancers that do.  Do they do custom software development? - How were the interactive features on the previous sites they built created. Did they write the programs themselves, or did they use someone else's code?  What tools do they use to streamline the development process? - How do they handle image and file labeling and management? What systems do they have in place to make the development process more efficient?  Do they understand your organization's objectives and goals? - They will demonstrate this by asking you lots of questions.  Do they offer marketing and public relations consulting and support? - Promoting a Web site online takes more than just submitting it to a couple of search engines. An experienced Web Developer will know the secrets of getting your site noticed.  Do they understand your business and/or industry? - Look for a Developer that speaks the same "language" as you do, or is at least willing to learn. A Shameless Plug So where do you find these companies? It's not as if they are listed in the phone book. And you do not want to spend hours and hours searching the Internet for them. Well, I have some good news for you. The most extensive directory of Canadian Multimedia Developers who create Web sites, CD-ROMs, and other interactive content can be found at: MultiMediator http://www.multimediator.com/ It's sorted by province, and there are plenty to choose from, ranging from small one-person operations, right on up to large agencies. And yes, it is my Web site.  Table of Contents  Does having a Web site make sense for your business?  What are the stages and timing of developing a site?  What are the pros and cons of in-house development versus out-sourcing?  What are some of the common mistakes to avoid? home | new stuff | about us | services | the team | clients | gossip | freebies | contact us | site guide Copyright 1996-97 Hip Hype Inc. 52 Cowan Avenue, 2nd Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M6K 2N4, Tel: (416) 538-0099 207 West Hastings Street, Suite 904, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1H7, Tel: (604) 681-4018 Questions or comments? E-mail us at hello@hiphype.com. Hip Hype - Web Site Strategies http://www.hiphype.com/wss1.htm home | new stuff | about us | services | the team | clients | gossip | freebies | contact us | site guide Web Site Strategies Look before you leap What are some of the common mistakes to avoid? I would like to go on the record as saying it's dead easy to build a Web site. Anyone can do it for little to no money. What is not so easy, however, is building a successful Web site, one that meets your business objectives and encourages people to return time and time again. There are thousands of sites on the Internet, most of them mediocre. Why? The clever folks at Artech, an American Web Development firm, have diagnosed some of the major problems as follows: Sistine Chapelitis - Immense spectacular artwork has a place. The Web isn't it. People just don't have the modems, time or patience to wait for endless graphics to load in. So no matter how beautiful that immense 1789 ship-at-sea oil painting in your lobby is, don't use it as a masthead. Unless of course, you're equally comfortable with it being on your headstone. Siteusnervosa - Just because Netscape allows you to make your entire Web site blink on and off doesn't mean that they intended you to do so. Just remember that you can make things blink on TV and yet the only advertisers who use this feature are selling either Ginsu knives or pan flute recordings. Situs Incommunicado - You don't call. You don't write. Nothing annoys people more than going to the trouble of contacting someone and not receiving any kind of acknowledgment. So respond. After all, the purpose of a Web site isn't to talk at people, it's to talk with them. So talk already. Pagus Invisibillus - There is absolutely no point in putting up a Web page unless you're willing to let people know it's there. So promote your site in everything you do from your advertising to your business cards. Unless of course you suffer from any of the above maladies, in which case discretion is probably the better part of valor. (from Maladies of Commercial Web Sites -- Copyright 1995 Artech) Other Common Mistakes  Rushing in without a master plan  Appointing the wrong person to the task  Failing to research the competition  Lack of organization  Not providing surfers with a good reason to return  Overlooking the Web as a global medium How to Avoid Making Mistakes  Know your goal - This sounds so obvious, but you would be amazed how many companies launch Web sites without asking themselves why.  Content is king - Sure, it's a hackneyed expression, but if your site is not going to contribute anything of value and substance to the online world, why bother?  Keep it fresh - You cannot and must not allow your site to remain static. Plan to update the site a minimum of once a week or do not launch it in the first place.  Integrate the Web initiative with the rest of the company's - It's still not uncommon for the folks from Marketing to discover, usually to their horror, that the folks from the Information Technology department have already put their company on the Web. It's time for some of these departments to bury the hatchet and try to get along, or at least talk to one another.  Take advantage of unique characteristics of this medium - The Web is an interactive, real-time, two-way medium. Lose sight of this and you will soon have a "ghost site" on your hands. Just keep repeating to yourself, "A Web site is not an online brochure. A Web site is not an online brochure . . . . "  Think about the experience you're offering - Do you read your company's annual reports? Then why inflict them on Web surfers? Visitors to your site should be inspired to immerse themselves in your corporate environment, not have to read endless pages of press releases.  Think customer service, not selling - Heavy-handed online sales pitches do not work. Helping your customers quickly and easily find the products and services they need does. Even if this means linking to the competition!  Make it easy for people to get to your content - Web surfers are not going to wait more than 10 seconds for your home page to load. And if they have to wade through endless screens to get to what they want, they will quickly give up. There is no such thing as a Web site that's too obvious.  Do not ignore the power of e-mail - All this talk of the Web obscures the fact that good old-fashioned e-mail is a very powerful tool. Use it to correspond with customers, set up Auto Responders that will send canned information to anyone who writes in, or create a monthly e-newsletter that goes out to special customers.  Table of Contents  Does having a Web site make sense for your business?  What are the stages and timing of developing a site?  What are the pros and cons of in-house development versus out-sourcing?  How do you choose a Web Developer? home | new stuff | about us | services | the team | clients | gossip | freebies | contact us | site guide Copyright 1996-97 Hip Hype Inc. 52 Cowan Avenue, 2nd Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M6K 2N4, Tel: (416) 538-0099 207 West Hastings Street, Suite 904, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1H7, Tel: (604) 681-4018 Questions or comments? E-mail us at hello@hiphype.com. Centers for Independent Living General Information 1. Independent Living Research Utilization - The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research - Baylor College of Medicine - Houston, Texas 2. ILRU's searchable Independent Living Center Directory - 7/96 3. Institute on Independent Living 4. Research and Training Center on Independent Living - University of Kansas 5. U.S. Rehabilitation Services Administration 6. Addresses and Phone numbers of CIL's - DesignLine, Inc. 7. Kathy's Independent Living & Disability Resources State by state listing 1. Independent Living Center - Homer, Alaska 2. Arizona Bridge to Independent Living - Phoenix, Arizona 3. New Horizons Community Services - Prescott, Arizona 4. State of California Department of Developmental Services - state list of CIL's 5. Center for Independent Living - Berkeley, California 6. Foundation of Resources for Equality and Employment for the Disabled - A CIL in Grass Valley, California 7. Westside Center for Independent Living - Los Angeles, California 8. Central Coast Center for Independent Living - Oakland, California 9. Center on Deafness - Denver, Colorado 10. Sangre de Cristo Independent Living Center - Pueblo, Colorado 11. Center for Independent Living - Tallahassee, Florida 12. North Florida Center for Independent Living - Tallahassee, Florida 13. Hawaii Center for Independent Living - Honolulu, Hawaii 14. League for the Blind & Disabled, Inc. - Fort Wayne, Indiana 15. Disability Action Center, North Idaho 16. Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services - State of Illinois Listing of CIL's 17. Central Illinois Center for Independent Living 18. Illinois/Iowa Center for Independent Living - Rock Island, Illinois - Davenport, Iowa 19. Central Iowa Center for Independent Living - Des Moines, Iowa 20. Black Hawk Center for Independent Living - Waterloo, Iowa 21. Independence Inc. - Lawrence, Kansas 22. Southwest Louisiana Independent Living Center - Lake Charles, Louisiana 23. Alpha One Center - South Portland, Maine 24. Stavros Center for Independent Living - Amherst, Massachusetts 25. Center For Independent Living - Boston, Massachusetts 26. MetroWest Center for Independent Living - Framingham, Massachusetts 27. Center for Independent Living - Oakland & Macomb - Sterling Heights, Michigan 28. SMILES Center for Independent Living - Mankato, Minnesota 29. Paraquad - St. Louis, Missouri 30. Granite State Independent Living Foundation - Concord, New Hampshire 31. Independent Living Center of Western New York - Buffalo, New York 32. Independent Living Center Directory of Services - SUNY - Buffalo, New York 33. Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. - Poughkeepsie, New York 34. Rochester Center for Independent Living - Rochester, New York 35. Stony Brook Independent Living Resource Center - Stony Brook, New York 36. Resource Center for Independent Living - Utica, New York 37. Programs For Accessible Living - Charlotte, North Carolina 38. Access Center for Independent Living - Dayton, Ohio 39. LEAP/CIL (Linking Employment, Abilities & Potential) - Lorain, Ohio 40. The Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania - Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 41. Community Resources for Independence, Inc. - Erie, Pennsylvania 42. Liberty Resources - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 43. Three Rivers Center For Independent Living - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 44. The Memphis Center for Independent Living - Memphis, Tennessee 45. San Antonio Independent Living Services (SAILS) - San Antonio, Texas 46. Independent Living Center - Salt Lake City, Utah 47. Vermont Center for Independent Living - Montpelier, Vermont 48. Endependence Center Inc. - Norfolk, Virginia 49. Central Virginia Independent Living Center, Inc. - Richmond, Virginia 50. Independent Living Center - Seattle, WA 51. Southern Service Center for Independent Living - Mineral Point, Wisconsin 52. Center for Independent Living, Everett, WA 53. Center for Independent Living - Western Wisconsin Canada 1. Canadian Association of Independent Living Centers - CAILC 2. Resource Centre for Independent Living - South Vancouver Island, B.C. 3. Independent Living Resource Centre - Winnipeg, Manitoba 4. Kingston Independent Living Resource Centre - Kingston, Ontario 5. Niagra Centre for Independent Living - St. Catharines, Ontario 6. South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre Other Countries 1. Independent Living Centre of Western Australia - Shenton Park WA - Australia 2. Centre for Independent Living - Glasgow, Scotland - U.K. Back to Resource List Back to Home Page Last Updated 8/3/97 Please submit additions and updates to jik@jik.com LIBERTY RESOURCES, INC. Liberty Resources, Inc. is a non-profit, consumer driven organization that advocates and promotes independent living for persons with disabilities. More than fifty percent of its board as well as fifty percent of its employees are persons with disabilities. web site map  Liberty Works Summer edition is here  In the News! - W.K. Kellogg Foundation Awards Grant ... [What's New Image]  Read about Pennslvania's new OSP/Independence Waiver  In the News! - Reprint of article published by National Foundation for the Blind ...  Read about the Supreme Court decision on Physician Assisted Suicide [Advocacy Alert]  What you need to know about Managed Care  Support the Community Attendant Services Act [Public Service Announcement]  The Arc of Philadelphia is seeking participants for a cognitive research study. Liberty Resources, Inc. is proud to display the symbol of a fully accessible Web site. Liberty Resources, Inc. 1341 N. Delaware Avenue, Suite 105 Philadelphia, PA 19125-4314 (215) 634-6630 (tty) (215) 634-6628 (fax) lri@libertynet.org Liberty Resources, Inc. Allentown CSPPPD Office 845 Wyoming Street Allentown, PA 18103-3991 (610) 432-3880 allntwn@libertynet.org If you have any suggestions or comments about the information on our page please e-mail Fern Moskowitz, President of Liberty Resources, Inc. If you experience any difficulties accessing these pages, particularly of a technical nature, please contact our Web Site Administrator. The Liberty Resources, Inc. site is designed and maintained by Massey & Associates. [Image] (This page last modified Monday, 28-Jul-97 17:16:48 EDT) ----------------------------------------------------------------- This site hosted by LibertyNet Explore other sites in the Philadelphia region: Fun in Phila. Marketplace Community [Image] Counties Education Business Dev. Government Health Hospitality Search for sites in the Philadelphia region [Image] Liberty Resources Web Site Map Liberty Resources, Inc. Mission Statement Independent Living Philosophy What is a Center for Independent Living Core Services of a Center for Independent Living Information and Referral Centers for Independent Living in Pennsylvania Internet Accessibility Liberty Lite - a newsletter by and for consumers Liberty Works - a newsletter promoting independent living Project LEADS Public Service Announcements ARC Research and Demonstration Project Paratransit in the Delaware Valley PA Transportation Alliance Your Medicare Center Youth Self-Advocacy Training Project through the Kellogg Grant Advocacy Advocacy - Speaking and Doing Community Advocate Project Consumer Advocacy Community Attendant Services Act (CASA) Issues Alert Managed Care - What You Need to Know Supreme Court and Assisted Suicide Peer Support Braille Classes for Beginners Consumer Management Classes Cross-Disability Support Groups DARE: Disabled persons Acquiring Resources for Empowerment Disability Awareness and Sensitivity Workshops Foundation Fighting Blindness Support Group Peer Consultants Regarding Loss and Grief SEPTA Advisory Committee for Accessible Transportation Women with Disabilities Skills Training Assistive Technology Consumer Rights and Responsibilities Financial Management Functional Mobility Health and Wellness Housing Home Ownership Home Management Managing Your Own Personal Attendant Nutrition and Meals Socialization and Communication Starting Your Own Business Time and Leisure Management Additional Services offered by Liberty Resources, Inc. Personal Assistant Services Personal Assistant Registry Service Coordination Community Services Program for Persons with Physical Disabilities Allentown Office Community Services Waiver for Independence Community Services Call for Volunteers Community Outreach Upcoming Events Past Events Peer Support Groups Public Service Announcements Publications of Liberty Resources, Inc. Liberty Resources, Inc. Friends and Sponsors Meet our Corporate Contributors Become a Volunteer Make a Donation Liberty Resources, Inc. Commercial Services How You Can Make Your Business Accessible Trainings and Support Available to Employees Educational/Training Videos Buy a Liberty Resources, Inc. T-shirt! MANAGED CARE Time is Running Out! If you receive Medical Assistance and have not chosen your Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) under HealthChoices, the deadline for doing so is August 20, 1997. If you do not choose an HMO by this date, you will automatically be placed into one. If you require assistance in choosing an HMO, call the HealthChoices Hotline at 1-800-440-3989 (1-800-618-4225 TDD/TTY) or visit any County Assistance Office where a Benefit Consultant will be able to assist you. If you are already in an HMO and you do not choose a different HMO, you will remain in your current HMO. Contact Numbers for Local Health Care Providers The following is a list of resources provided by Liberty Resources, Inc. staff for use by consumers as an aid to understanding what managed care is, what you need to know when selecting a health care provider, the experiences of other consumers and advocacy related issues. Definitions of Managed Care Terms Questions to ask your Health Care Provider or Primary Physician Contact Numbers for Local Health Care Providers Managed Care is changing the health care system, and we at Liberty Resources, Inc. have made a commitment to the specific needs of the disability community. In order to help our consumers select the provider that will best meet their needs and to monitor the on-going services provided to the community, we ask that you complete the following survey. The information you, the consumer, provide will also alert us to advocacy needs. Help us help you and complete the Managed Care Survey. Senate Bill 100 is an Act providing for the certification of managed care health benefits plans; requiring certain disclosures to enrollees of managed care health benefits plans; providing for access to health care services, for utilization review and for grievance procedures; specifying certain standards relating to financial incentive programs and much more. Read the full text version of Bill 100 and find out where you can attend Public Forums on Managed Care Issues in Pennsylvania. Please check this site frequently for updates. If you know of any related resources on the web please email us at snyder@libertynet.org. Also check the Managed Care Resource Center of related sites on the web compiled by Liberty Resources' staff members. If you require further assistance, please call Information and Referral at Liberty Resources, Inc. (215) 634-2000 ext 325 or email us at lriinfo@libertynet.org Consumer Services | Consumer Programs Community Attendant Services Act | Become a Volunteer Commercial Services | Web Site Map Home Image: A young woman who is blind enjoying a walk in the park. Note: The descriptions under the pictures are for people who are using screen readers because they have low vision or are blind. Legislative Alerts Come to Cafe Paraquad Paraquad Access Summer 97 - Paraquad's Newsletter Because we want Access to be as responsive to readers as possible, we'd like to know what you think. Please tell us how you feel about the articles...whether there are any new topics you'd like to see covered...or about someone we should do a story on. We look forward to hearing from you! Paraquad's 1995-1996 Annual Report Disability Resources Assocation (DRA)'s Home Page Current employment opportunities at Paraquad [Image] [Image] [Image] [Image] [Image] [Site Map] Paraquad, Inc. 311 North Lindbergh St. Louis, MO 63141 314-567-1558 Fax:314-567-1559 TDD:314-567-5552 paraquad@paraquad.org Alpha One Leaders in disability information, services and products Alpha One is Maine's largest organization run by and for people with disabilities. Established in 1979, we are a non-profit Center for Independent Living. Alpha One is a leader in independent living. Our creativity and initiative have resulted in landmark changes for people with disabilities. Many of our programs have been adopted across the nation. Alpha One  Who we are  What we do  Where we are  Our Values, Vision and Mission  Our History  Our Accessible Meeting Facilities  The Maine Media Guide  ADA Quick Fact Sheet  Information about disabilities  Accessible Housing Information  Employee Pages  Disability Links  General Links  Annual Adapted Van Fair  Open Waters Scuba  Sign our Guestbook (Please!)  View our Guestbook  Alpha One Web Site Map Alpha One Home Page created and maintained by: Jim Hanoian, Information Resources Manager Alpha One 127 Main St South Portland, ME 04106 1-207-767-2189 (voice or TTY) 1-800-640-7200 (voice or TTY) 1-207-799-8346 (fax) Last update: July 22, 1997 [ Home ] [ Top of page ] Nancy Massey Massey & Associates Designing an Accessible Web Page A fully accessible web site is one that is designed to be accessible to as many visitors as possible. This includes text only browsers, graphical browsers such as Netscape and Internet Explorer as well as people with visual, hearing, physical, or cognitive impairments. Designing a web site with the intent of making it accessible to all users can be accomplished if you follow a few simple rules of design. Graphics For those who cannot see the graphic, always offer a text alternative within an image tag. The alt tag is used for short functional descriptions. The text within the alt tag is also displayed while images are being loaded, or as a mouse-over in the newer browsers such as Netscape Communicator 4.0. For animated images or videos which require more lengthy description, use the descriptive tag (d tag). Links A link should convey destination information. A link such as Click Here does not convey relevant information about the link. Limit links to one per line whenever possible. Navigational Aids When using an image map, always offer a text list of links. Good design dictates consistency and offers ease of navigation. For instance, placing a navigational bar in the form of text links at the same place on every page makes a site more easily navigated and accessible. Frames When using frames, always provide an alternative non-framed version of the content. Tables and Columns Columns and tables are very confusing for speech readers and older browsers. If you must use them, the design remains accessible if text can be read from left to right across the page. If not, offer a text alternative page. Audio Files Offer a transcript of the audio file, in the form of a text file, or a description of the sounds. Java and other non-standard html formats These non-standard methods of design cause problems for braille translation, screen readers and older browsers. To be fully accessible, provide a text alternative. Other Resources The following resources describe these design tips in more detail: The World Wide Web Consortium, is an industry consortium which seeks to promote standards for the evolution of the Web and interoperability between WWW products by producing specifications and reference software. They offer an extensive list of resources including Disabilities Development. Read the suggestions of Curtis Chong, President of the Minneapolis-based National Federation of the Blind's Computer Science project at Design Web sites to be readable to blind surfers: some guidelines. You can read more about my personal experience in this area at The Bumpy Road to Full Internet Accessibility. Take the test! Go to Web Page Accessibility Self-Evaluation Test and find out if your Web site passes the test of accessibility. Nancy Massey Massey & Associates Suite 3707, 1500 Locust Street Philadelphia, PA 19102 phone: 215.545.8541 fax: 215.545.7726 Accessible Web Design This page aims to help you make your site accessible to the widest possible number of users. Organizations and model sites provide tips on topics ranging from graphic design to HTML style issues. Currently available resources include:  Overview of Issues on Web Accessibility Discover a wide range of topics and available resources.  Tips for Making Your Web Page Accessible Review HTML coding for accessible style and presentation.  Solutions for Accessibility to Special Formats Learn about special formatting for tables, forms, and graphic formats. Overview of Issues [**] Accessible Web Page Design The Adaptive Computer Technology Center Find " Information, tips and techniques on how to make your World-Wide Web publishing as accessible as possible to the widest range of people, including persons with sensory, mobility and learning disabilities, as well as the vast number of people who don't have multimedia computers, or who use text-browsers, or slow modems." http://www.igs.net/~starling/acess.htm [**] Center for Information Technology Accomodation (CITA) U. S. General Services Administration Read USGA's contributions to the efforts being made for Web accessibility. http://www.gsa.gov/coca/ [**] Accessible Design for Users With Disabilities Sun Microsystems Read comments by a veteran HTML coder. http://www.sun.com/columns/alertbox/9610.html [**] The Trace Research and Development Center Follow Trace's mission "To advance the ability of people with disabilities to achieve their life objectives through the use of communication, computer and information technologies." http://www.trace.wisc.edu An interactive forum NetForum Read and exchange messages with others working to make the Web as widely accessible as possible. http://www.trace.wisc.edu/cgi-bin/netforum/waccess/a/1 Designing an Accessible Web Read about site design, browser capabilities, model sites, and HTML guidelines. http://www.trace.wisc.edu/world/web/index.html [**] Web Site Self-Evaluation Test Public Service Commission of Canada. Put your accessible Web page to the test. http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/dmd/access/welcome1.htm [**] Access Instructions WGBH Online Read access instructions from an accessible page. http://www.boston.com/wgbh/pages/access/accessinstructions.html [**] Universal Access image WGBH Boston You may freely copy this image and place it on pages accessible to those with disabilities. http://www.boston.com/wgbh/pages/ncam/symbolwinner.html [Universal Access image] Return to the top of this page Tips for Accessible Web Pages [**] HTML: HyperText Mark-up Language Accessibility Guide University of Toronto's Adaptive Technology Resource Center Find information on both visual and auditory disability solutions for Web designers. http://www.hprc.utoronto.ca/AdTech/rd/html/html.html [**] Designing an Accessible Web Read about site design, browser capabilities, model sites, and HTML guidelines. http://www.trace.wisc.edu/world/web/index.html [**] Unified HTML Accessibility Guideline Trace Research and Development Center Read guidelines for the most accessible HTML styles in both HTML and text format. http://www.trace.wisc.edu/text/guidelns/htmlgide/htmlgide.html Return to the top of this page Solutions for Special Formats [**] Adobe Acrobat Access Addresses access issues involved with the popular Adobe Acrobat reader's PDF document format. http://www.adobe.com/acrobat/access.html#anchor292434 [**] Forms Trace Research and Development Center Learn about accessible forms design. http://http://www.trace.wisc.edu/text/guidelns/htmlgide/htmlgide.pcs/boxes_forms.html [**] Tables Trace Research and Development Center Design accessible Tables. http://www.trace.wisc.edu/text/guidelns/htmlgide/htmlgide.pcs/tables.html Return to the top of this page California Home Page Working Committee on Access for People with Disabilities Send Comments and Suggestions Return to ACCESS FOR ALL! Menu Return to California Home Page. Updated: October 24, 1996 Accessibility and the World Wide Web The CATS pages form a living document and are regularly updated. We strive to make them universally accessible. You will notice that we minimize the use of graphics and photos, and provide descriptions of them when they are included. Also, video clips, when used will be open captioned, providing access to users who can't hear the audio. Suggestions for increasing the accessibility of these pages are welcome. The World Wide Web can be a powerful tool for persons with disabilities that would otherwise bar them from information, resources, discussions and other opportunities. However, there are a few design considerations that need to be made to maximize the accessibility of web pages to all viewers. The following links provide information on designing pages that are accessible. ACCESS FOR ALL! (http://library.ca.gov/access/welcome.htm): Overview of Issues  Accessible Web Page Design  Center for Information Technology Accommodation (CITA)  Accessible Design for Users With Disabilities  The Trace Research and Development Center  Web Site Self-Evaluation Test  Access Instructions  Universal Access image  Tips for Accessible Web Pages  HTML: HyperText Mark-up Language Accessibility Guide  Designing an Accessible Web  Unified HTML Accessibility Guideline Solutions for Specific Formats  Adobe Acrobat Access  Forms  Tables More Information (http://weber.u.washington.edu/~atrc/access_index.html):  Tips for Writing Accessible HTML  Trace Center's Designing Accessible Web Sites  Guidelines to Writing Accessible Web Pages - a comprehensive paper by Gregg C. Vanderheiden, PhD, Wendy A. Chisholm and Neal Ewers  Designing for Text-Only/Disabled Access  Top Ten Mistakes in Web Design  Writing Accessible HTML Documents - from Web Able  DO-IT's Accessible Web Page Design  Web Page Accessibility Self-Evaluation Test  Test your pages in lynx Back to Home Page To Guest Book last update August 1, 1997 Nancy Massey Massey & Associates Reprint of article published in the Computer Science Update Newsletter - Summer, 1997 Edition, a publication of the National Federation of the Blind in Computer Science The Bumpy Road to Full Internet Accessibility by Nancy Massey at massey@masseynet.com Editor's note: My initial contact with Ms. Massey came about because of an inquiry she made to me regarding the use of Lynx, a text-only web browser. I was intrigued by the work that she was doing and asked her to write an article on the subject. Internet purists might argue that we do not today have "full" access to the Internet, but Ms. Massey's work in this area demonstrates a level of commitment and responsiveness which others in the field would do well to emulate. Three years ago in my home town of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I attended a convention sponsored by Microsoft. A local group on that agenda professed the idea that the Internet was the real future and spoke of an organization just being formed called LibertyNet. LibertyNet's mission was to bring Internet access to those who would not otherwise have it. That included nonprofit organizations, schools and other members of the community who could not afford computers. As I listened, I knew I was hearing about something that would be critical to my future. Little did I know at the time to what extent. When LibertyNet went beta, they were offering accounts to a group of interested nonprofit organizations. As luck would have it, one of my clients was on the list, and I offered to be part of the beta test cycle. That was when I began to experience the frustrations of following an uncharted path to an unidentified location. But it was as amazing as it was frustrating. I soon discovered resources to astounding amounts of information. Using one of the few books available at the time, I began to learn HTML so that I could design home pages to put onto the Internet. A little over two years ago, I was approached by Liberty Resources Inc., a center for independent living in Philadelphia. They asked if I would be interested in training their people in WordPerfect 5.1. The day before the first training session, I heard that there would be a blind user in the class. I knew that blind people could use computers, but this was my first experience with hands-on training. I told my contact at Liberty Resources that I had no experience in this area, but if they were willing to give me a try, I would handle the training as I always do -- letting the students tell me what they need. The woman was using Vocal-Eyes, a speech output screen reading program for the Disk Operating System (DOS). I was amazed at the technology. Her training went very well, and I continued working with other Vocal-Eyes users, several with low vision. With a hearing-impaired trainee, I wore a voice amplifier. It all amounted to a voyage of discovery for me. Through my work with Liberty Resources, I was introduced to adaptive technology. Since then I have installed and set up various types of adaptive technology hardware and software. Apart from professional enlightenment, the whole experience brought something else of value home to me. No matter our abilities, we all experience frustration and exhilaration in working with computers. But in the end, it is always worth the effort. After completing my first web page and seeing it live, I went to the President of Liberty Resources, Fern Moskowitz, and talked to her about the Internet. She was as excited at the prospect of full accessibility as I, and with the sponsorship of LibertyNet, I began work on the Liberty Resources Inc. web site. The first blind person I had ever trained, Cecillia, became the point person for the project. We began our research. We would be using a DOS based computer and Vocal-Eyes. First, we needed communications software. I did exhaustive searches, scanning over 5,000 use groups, struggling to find speech-friendly software. I finally came across an amazing group using Commo software, one of the few speech friendly programs on the market. I subscribed to the Commo mailing list and began to learn about this great product. After speaking with many users, I downloaded a trial copy of the program. I found that Commo had a powerful macro language that I knew I would be able to use to create logon macros, and I recommended Commo to Liberty Resources as their communication software. We identified a blind computer consultant who had been using the Internet. He created a "set" file for us to use with Vocal-Eyes and Commo. But there were many problems, so it was back to the Internet for answers. I posted messages and looked for a solution. It was at that point that I read about Curtis Chong of the National Federation of the Blind. I e-mailed him and told him about the problems I was experiencing. He spoke to me about Lynx and the -show_cursor parameter, which would instruct Lynx to move the system cursor to any highlighted link. After much trial and error, I discovered that our ISP (Internet service provider) was not speech-accessible. I went to LibertyNet's webmaster and technical director and discussed our problem in detail. Due to their server set up, it would mean changing the server configuration. After several conversations and further research, LibertyNet became one of the few fully accessible web servers on the Net. It was a crowning moment. This change would not only be available for Liberty Resources, but for all LibertyNet users. It paved the way for other blind users. There are now several groups with blind users enjoying Internet access through LibertyNet. I found that Cecilia was still having trouble working from the prompt. Through my participation in the use groups I learned of a product called Internet in a Macro, available for use with Commo. It is a marvelous free macro available on the Internet, written by J.J. Meddaugh, a blind user and long-time proponent of Commo. The macro won't replace Lynx, but will let you connect to your favorite sites through a menu interface. I installed the macro and Cecillia began to surf in earnest. After Cecilia was comfortable with general web surfing, she asked to begin using e-mail. I ordered a box, set up the mailing software used by LibertyNet (Pine), and adjusted the Vocal-Eyes set file, but it just wouldn't work. I went back to Curtis and told him what I was experiencing. He asked me if I had set the speech-friendly option in Pine. I discovered that the version of Pine being used by LibertyNet was an older version of Pine which was not speech-friendly. So, I researched Pine and found the version that was speech-friendly. I also found directions for updating to that version and went back to the techs at LibertyNet. Within days they had upgraded their server and Pine was finally speech-friendly. The entire experience amounted to a tremendous first e-mail lesson for Cecilia and me. A few days later while checking my e-mail, there was a message from Cecilia. One small step for Cecilia, one giant leap for full accessibility. Through this experience, I have learned a great deal about accessible web page design. As so little is written on the subject, I had to blaze my own trail. I have discovered that it takes very little effort to create an accessible web page. And, all I learned I applied to the Liberty Resources site to make it fully accessible. One great reward was learning that Liberty Resources Inc. was named Site of the Month for October, 1996, by LibertyNet -- and as it happens it occurred during Disability Awareness Month. This past year has been a long and bumpy road into the unknown, but for each of us who takes the trip, we pave the way for those coming behind. Today there is an increasing amount of information available about Internet access, and there are some marvelous organizations and user lists available to help along this path. I have been fortunate to be a part of this exciting time. I have watched those who thought they would never be able to use a computer surf the Internet and access the abundance of information on the web. I've seen them discover a whole new world. They can share the wonders of automation and e-mail. They can reach out to others with common interests, no matter where they are on the planet. They can enjoy unprecedented access to information through outstanding resources such as the Internet's Electric Library, a speech-friendly library on-line. Through the aid of individuals known only to me by their e-mail addresses, through issue-sensitive organizations such as LibertyNet, and through the dedication of individual users like Cecillia, Liberty Resources Inc. has attained full Internet accessibility. What next? Now we know it can be done and we know what is available to make it happen. So it is imperative that each of us make the effort to ensure that everyone, regardless of financial status or ability, gain access to the Internet, the most powerful and exciting resource of our time. Resources: Curtis Chong, President, National Federation of the Blind in Computer Science: Chong99@concentric.net Commo: http://www.cris.com/~Jmeddaug/commo.shtml Commo List Serve: subscribe at -- listserv@server.nlbbs.com Internet in a Macro: http://www.cris.com/~jmeddaug or email jmeddaug@cris.com LibertyNet: http://www.libertynet.org Liberty Resources Inc.: http://www.libertyresources.org/ Cecillia Ramnathsingh at Liberty Resources, Inc.: lriinfo@libertynet.org Accessible Web Page Design Tips: Designing an Accessible Web Page DIMENET (Disabled Individuals Movement for Equality Network) Who operates DIMENET?  DIMENET is operated by Independent Living Centers in the United States of America What is DIMENET?  A place for you to connect with your peers in the independent living and disability rights movements worldwide. With DIMENET you get plugged in to your peer group and other recognized experts worldwide to assist you in gaining knowledge concerning computers, computer access technology, the internet, networking and team building within the disability community  A way to make developing and maintaining your web and on-line presence as simple as uploading newsgroup messages and files from within DIMENET  A way for you to have a fully accessible easily maintained web presence utilizing in house, paid or volunteer, labor  A way for you to learn to host web pages, web accessible discussions, operate a mailing list and a FTP (File Transfer Protocol) archive site, from your peers, using easy to learn proven methods that reduce publishing complexity, updating and maintenance time and costs  A way for you to grow internet expertise in house thereby giving you greater control while reducing ongoing costs and making your CIL better able to spread knowledge related to networking, computer use and information sharing within your community  Evidence that the participating CILS have a commitment to seeing that their customers have access to the latest information in any accessible format they desire and at a price they can afford  A way to market your CIL to the community that you serve by providing a useful service to the entire community  A way to get the community involved with the CIL  A way to support your peers and participate in the only disability controlled Wide Area Network (WAN) in the world ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES DISCUSSION TOPICS  Economics of disability and its effects on internet access by people with disabilities  Equipment, Assistive Technology and Internet Provider Costs  Does the CIL play any role in insuring that their customers are information "haves" as opposed to "have nots"? If so How?  The importance of CILS getting involved in computer equipment recycling efforts in preparation for the Third Wave  Web page accessibility design methods used cannot be based on utilizing the latest personal computer based World Wide Web client technology because the majority of people with disabilities will not have it.  Web Pages should work with the broadest range of browsers currently available and be optimized to work well with all browsers including Netscape, Internet Explorer, Lynx, Slipknot and I-COMM. Design Caveat - KISS Principle Applies  Internet Provider Access Issues AOL, PRODIGY local ISP's. You are the role model for the community. Do NOT patronize inaccessible businesses.  EXAMPLE: The Role of DIMENET as a solution to Web and other information services needed by the community as a whole provided through the CIL by operating a local DIMENET internet server. WHAT IS DIMENET? DISABLED INDIVIDUALS MOVEMENT FOR EQUALITY NETWORK Across Miles and All Barriers ...A Fully Accessible Community What is DIMENET.. Historically, people with disabilities have been excluded from participating fully, or most often even minimally, in the day to day life and decision making processes of their families, communities and governments. With the advent of independent living centers (ILC's) created by people with disabilities and through their efforts, the exclusions have begun to erode. Among the most formidable means to this end has been information sharing, communications and networking. DIMENET is a tool of the independent living and disability rights movements. It was created to meet the demand for a computer network that directly served and represented the interests of all people with disabilities. It is the result of ten years of collaborative effort by individuals and organizations in the independent living and disability rights movements. Our focus has been to be responsive to network user requests. Even before there was DIMENET, there was a full, unbridled commitment on the part of its architects and administrators to total access to the information age. Whether the access issue stemmed from specific software functions, use of the keyboard, or the ability to read the information displayed on the screen, the commitment is such that no new functions are introduced until it is determined that they do not present a barrier or impediment to full and easy access by everyone regardless of any disability. Perhaps even more meaningful to the DIMENET user is the ongoing willingness of DIMENET's leadership to address specific user access issues through peer mentoring, online or telephone assistance, and/or workshop presentations and demonstrations of the system. While other network systems seek popularity by offering more and more bells and whistles, DIMENET's commitment to user friendliness to each and every person regardless of their disability remains solid and true for you, the user. DIMENET's mission is to provide for the development of a consumer controlled electronic communications and publication system which is responsive to the needs of people in the independent living and disability rights movements, and thereby creating the foundation for a nationwide disability community. What's in DIMENET... Bulletins - upon logging into a DIMENET host any recent system changes will be presented as a bulletin. In addition, past bulletins announcing important events in the Independent Living Movement can be reviewed. E-mail - DIMENET users can communicate with other DIMENET users via electronic mail. Those users who become supporters can communicate with any Internet user via electronic mail. Download Areas - DIMENET provides the ability to download files containing information on a range of disability topics such as housing, transportation, PCA services, assistive technology and various civil rights laws. Databases - DIMENET provides access to an on-line, consolidated Information and Referral database as well as the complete Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance which provides information on every program funded by the Federal government. Discussion/Support Groups - DIMENET provides access to over 140 local, DIMENET and USENET "newsgroups" that provide peer sharing on a variety of issues concerning people with disabilities such as specific disabilities, disability issues, civil rights laws, statewide independent living councils, assistive technology, as well as architectural and communications accessibility issues. Internet Access -and- DIMEWEB - DIMENET is the accessible on-ramp to the "Information Superhighway" for people with disabilities. DIMENET users who become supporters have access to over 500 predefined WWW addresses that provide information on disability issues. Virtually any information available through the World Wide Web is available to DIMENET supporters. Both text-based and graphical web "browsers" are supported. "Roloville" -the Virtual IL Community - DIMENET's on-line, virtual community providing multiple public and private spaces for real-time interaction and peer sharing among members of the disability rights and independent living movements. Where is DIMENET... Mesa, AZ - TeleSys Development Systems Modem Access Number: 602-649-9099 (Currently Restricted to Arizona Residents) Dimenet E-Mail Address: kreed@tsbbs01.tnet.com WWW Page: http://www.tnet.com Telnet Address: telesys.tnet.com (192.150.127.65) Audio/Digital Pager: 602-208-1493 Taunton, MA - Independence Associates, Inc. Modem Access Number: 508-880-5412 Dimenet Email Address: dimenet@tsbbs02.tnet.com Telnet Address: dimenet.org (209.61.60.35) Voice/TTY: 508-880-5325 Dayton, OH - Access Center for Independent Living Modem Access Number: 937-341-5205 Dimenet Email Address: gene@tsbbs03.tnet.com WWW Page: http://www.acils.com Telnet Address: acils.com (206.244.52.35) Voice/TTY: 937-341-5202 Washington, PA - Tri-County Patriots for Independent Living Modem Access Number: 412-223-0160 Dimenet Email Address: kleinman@tsbbs13.tnet.com WWW Page: http://www.tripil.com Telnet Address: tripil.com (206.42.165.35) Voice/TTY: 412-223-5115 Tulsa, OK - Ability Resources, Inc. Modem Access Number: 918-582-3622 Dimenet Email Address: carla@tsbbs05.tnet.com Voice/TTY: 918-592-1235 Reading, PA - Abilities in Motion Modem Access Number: 610-376-0018 Dimenet Email Address: tprice@tsbbs07.tnet.com Voice/TTY: 610-376-0010 NOTE: A DIMENET server can be placed in any center for independent living providing local consumers access to the disability rights and the independent living movements. For more information about bringing DIMENET to a CIL near you call (937) 237-8360. DIMENET Yearly Levels of Support (as of Jan 1, 1997) Basic Level Supporter Individual $ 35 Organization $ 150 This level provides access to Off-Site E-Mail, Posting to Usenet Newsgroups. For Internet Connected Sites it provides use of items on the Internet Menu, and Telnet Remote Login Access. Bronze Level Supporter Individual $ 250 Organizational $ 400 BASIC+, Create and make available 1 WWW Page. Silver Level Supporter Individual $ 500 Organization $ 650 BASIC+, 1 WWW Page they can change at will, Web archive driven by a newsgroup established within DIMENET. Items Posted to the Newsgroup are automatically added to the Web archive that echoes the Newsgroup to the World. Gold Level Supporter Individual $ 750 Organization $ 900 BASIC+, Multiple WWW Pages they can change+, Web archive driven by a newsgroup established within DIMENET+, Use of the Majordomo Listserve to host a mailing list discussion. Platinum Level Supporter Individual $ 1000 Organization $ 1250 BASIC+, Multiple WWW Pages they can change+, Web archive driven by a newsgroup established within DIMENET+, Use of Majordomo Listserve to host a mailing list discussion, FTP Server for storage and FTP access of documents placed there by the user. DIMENET Features Local Discussion & Newsgroups National Discussion & Newsgroups On-Line Information & Referral Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Americans with Disabilities Act ADA Documentation & Discussion Groups Rehabilitation Act Information Housing Information Access to Civil Rights Laws PCA Services Information Federal Representative Listings Assistive Technology Information Guide to Work Incentives Employment Information Electronic Newsletters State & Federal Independent Living Issues Presidential Forum Download Text Files State & Federal Legislative Issues Internet E-Mail Capabilities Download Internet Software & Tools Internet Access "Roloville" - the Virtual Community DIMENET Internet access is made possible, in part, by: Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education and DIMENET Users. DIMENET makes it easy to find the information you need by number. A list of the places DIMENET will help you visit follows: ## Description 1 WELCOME TO INTERNET FUNCTIONS 2 DIMENET Hot News Network 3 Deaf World Web 4 Access Center for Independent Living Home Page 5 GRAPHIC ACCESS TO THE NET VIA SLIPKNOT & I-COMM 6 I-COMM ACCESS SHELL 7 SLIPKNOT ACCESS SHELL 8 ADAPT (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today) 9 Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board 10 Digitals AltaVista Web Search Tool 11 US Housing and Urban Development 12 ILRU Research & Training Center on Independent Living 13 Library of Congress Information System 14 The Research & Trining Center on Independent Living @ KU 15 The White House 16 THOMAS: Legistlative Information on the Internet 17 TIIAP Department of Commerce 18 US Department of Justice 19 US Government Printing Office - Federal Register - Etc. 20 JAN Job Accommodation Network 21 FedWorld 22 Apple Disability Resources 23 Attention Deficit Disorder Archive 24 Berkeley Systems Access Software for Visually Impaired 25 Blazie Engineering Products for Blind People 26 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 27 Columbia Adaptive Computing Technology Center 28 DENDRITE 29 Disabilities resource guides MEDWEB: DISABILITIES 30 Disability Resources from Japan 31 Disability Topics 32 Disabilty-Related Resources on the Web 33 Down Syndrome Resources 34 Educom Home Page 35 Einet Galaxy: Medicine 36 Employment Social Security and PASS by Tom Emmons 37 Empowerment Zone by Jamal Mazrui 38 Evan Kemp and Associates, Inc. 39 Global Blind Exchange (GBX) Telnet 40 Gus Communications Multimedia Speech System 41 Independent Living Center of Western Australia 42 Internet Resources for Non-Profit Organizations 43 NARIC National Rehabilitation Information Center 44 National Council on Disability 45 NCSA Mosaic Access Page Lots of Disability Stuff 46 NOAH National Organization for Albinism & Hypopigmnetation 47 National Library of Medicine-Hyperdoc 48 Neil Squire Foundation 49 News and Media on the Net 50 Not Dead Yet! 51 Other Cool Disability Resources 52 Other Health and Disability-Related Internet Resources 53 Polio References 54 Polio Survivors Page 55 Project Enable File Areas via WWW 56 Project Enable via Telnet 57 Raised Dot Computing Blindness Products 58 Rural Telecommunications Infrastructure Survey Results 59 Sec. 9501. Black Lung Disability 60 Special Education from the University of Kansas 61 TNET CHAT TALKER (Experimental) 62 Telnet to Telesys Development Systems 63 Telnet to DIMENET Taunton, Mass. 64 The Benefits Help Group Workmans Comp. And Social Security 65 The Crotched Mountain Foundation 66 The Virtual Hospital 67 University of Minnesota Disability Services 68 Wellness Self-Care Exercise & Aging with Disability 69 West Virgina Rehabilitation Research and Training Center 70 World Health Organization 71 Yahoo Disabilities 72 Yahoo Health Page DIMENET Hot News Network http://www.dimenet.com/hotnews Welcome to the DIMENET Hot News Network hosted by DIMENET and Access Center for Independent Living, Inc. This site archives items submitted as postings to the dnet.hotnews Newsgroup from within DIMENET. This page Dedicated to the Memory of our Hero and role model, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Dedicated in his memory this Second Day of May 1997. DIMENET Logo - Picture of Earth with letters flying around it back and forth. A Tribute to Ed by President Clinton This is dnet.hotnews DIMENET Hot News Network. A Little History Worth Knowing, In Memory of a Dear friend, Timothy M. Cook Justin Dart's Tribute to another Dear friend, Wade Blank For Information on what its all about and gaining access to DIMENET Visit us here at the: DIMENET Home Page DIMEWEB Our Neighborhood JUSTICE for All ADAPT American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today Not Dead Yet ! MOUTH Magazine CATS California Assistive Technology Systems www.disability.com Evan Kemp Associates dnet.dev-access Computer Systems Access discussion mailing list archive Systems Access Beta Testers Information Exchange dnet.ncd National Council on Disability Document Archive Equality of Opportunity: The Making of the Americans with Disabilities Act by the National Council on Disability and Jonathan M. Young 715K On a Roll Radio Featuring Greg Smith DIMENET Hot News Network http://www.dimenet.com/hotnews Institute on Disability Culture DIMENET Editorial Committee the Bleeding Edge And the Electric Edge The DIMENET Hot News Network Newsgroup within DIMENET can be used to post current events items that are important and need to be shared. Items posted to the dnet.hotnews Newsgroup will appear on the DIMENET Hot News Network Web Page located at http://www.dimenet.com/hotnews within one to two hours of posting depending on server and network load. Processing of new items into the web pages occurs every fifteen minutes. DIMENET SITES: Taunton, MA Dayton, OH Washington, PA We welcome you to DIMENET. Roland W. Sykes, Chairman DIMENET Editorial Committee Our Aim, Move the Data, Fast! Our GOAL, Empowerment through knowledge transfer. The First Clues to Community Scenic Tour Visit our Virtual Community RoloVille If you Cannot Get to RoloVille Click Here Or Check out dnet.roadmap A Guide to the Internet Or Take a Tour of The Disabilities/Industrial Complex The Hit Parade Independent Living Research Utilization IL NETWORK Technical Assistance at TIRR (The Institute for Rehabilitation Research), Houston Texas ILRU Job Bank Research and Training Center on Independent Living At the University of Kansas Independent Living Centers Take a trip and never leave the Farm Paul Gaines and Crew at the National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials. Support for Internet Access provided in part by: Department of Education Logo Rehabilitation Services Administration U.S. Department of Education All views expressed herein should NOT be construed to represent the opinions or policies of the Department DIMENET Hot News Network http://www.dimenet.com/hotnews Support for Internet Access from DIMENET members is hereby acknowledged. In Memory of Chester Helms and Cheryl Elliott. Sure wish they could come out and play. Disability Revolution COMMANDERS Field Manual New Recruits Tour The archive has a Search Engine so that you can search for specific words to help you find what you might be looking for quicker. DIMENET Hot News Network Newsgroup Archives View DIMENET Hot News Network Newsgroup Archives. WEB Page Generation by TNET Page Formatted: Saturday May 2nd, 1997 - Access # 1,872 Copyright (c) 1997 DIMENET and TNET (TNET Services) All Rights Reserved