Thursday, May 12, 2005

Accessibility: Beyond Checklists and Standards

You know the accessibility standards forwards and backwards, so why are your users still complaining? Join us May 12th at the University of Minnesota for some answers. Nicole Tollefson and Phil Kragnes are recognized as experts in the field of accessibility. They will be sharing some of the highlights from a day-long tutorial they'll be conducting at the UPA International Conference in Montreal in July. For the chapter meeting we'll only be able to scratch the surface of the topic, but the information is sure to be valuable. You'll gain insight on how to provide truly accessible Web design through demonstrations of adaptive technology, references to case studies, and a short discussion of how disabled users approach the Web. Nicole and Phil will also highlight some issues to consider around designing for users with disabilities; such as balancing accessibility with team needs, usability, and project timelines. They'll also briefly discuss what lessons can be transferred to other types of interface design projects.

Interested in a local Accessibility Special Interest Group?
Intrigued by accessibility? Learn more! Over the past months, a number of individuals have expressed a desire for more focused discussions on the topic. UPA Minnesota would like to gauge overall interest, and if people are willing to participate, we'll investigate the creation of an accessibility special interest group. John Neenan from US Bank is committed to the idea, and will be available during the networking portion of the meeting to answer your questions. If you're interested in the idea of an accessibility SIG but can't attend the May meeting, please send an email to ProgramDirector@upamn.org and we'll forward the information to John.

If you, or someone you know, would like to attend this event, please register by emailing events@upamn.org that you will attend. See the information below for more details and special notes about the meeting location.

Meeting Details:

Date/Time:
May 12, 2005, 6:00 PM
Place:
Room 402, Walter Library - University of Minnesota
Address:
117 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 [View/Print Maps: U of M | Mapquest | Google Maps]
Host:
University of Minnesota
Speakers:
Nicole Tollefson and Philip M. Kragnes
Topic:
Accessibility: Beyond Checklists and Standards

Agenda:

About Our Speakers and The Topic

Nicole Tollefson is a usability consultant and Web designer in the Web Development department at the University of Minnesota, where she has worked for five years. She has worked with the Web for over eight years and wrote her department's accessibility testing methodology and trains the designers and quality assurance professionals in designing and evaluating for accessible Web sites and applications. The department creates some of the most widely used applications at the University, including online registration (which is available to the over 30,000 enrolled students) and online pay statements (available to the over 15,000 staff). It is critical for the applications and sites from her department to be accessible because they are so widely used. If they are not accessible, the University cannot be an equal opportunity employer or provide equal education opportunities to its students.

Philip M. Kragnes has served as the Adaptive Technology Specialist for the University of Minnesota since October 1998. He directs the Computer Accommodations Program (CAP) -- a partnership of Academic & Distributed Computing Services (ADCS) and Disability Services (DS). The program exists to assist university students, staff and faculty with disabilities in accessing computers and information through the use of adaptive technology.

Mr. Kragnes received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Cognitive Psychology from Carnegie-Mellon University in 1987. He developed Carnegie-Mellon University's first disability services program and served as its director for a year and a half, while pursuing his studies at the institution. In 1995, he received his Master of Science degree in Experimental Psychology: Human Cognition, Memory and Learning from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. Please see his on-line resume for further information.

Read more about the related tutorial that will be offered at the UPA 2005 Conference.


Cost & Registration

 

If you or someone you know would like to attend, please register by emailing events@upamn.org that you will attend.

Directions & Maps:

View/Print Driving Maps: U of M | Mapquest | Google Maps

 

Driving from the North (35W South):
Take 35W South to the University Avenue exit.  Exit, and then cross 4th St. SE (one set of lights) to University Ave.  Take a left onto University, and then continue on University until you reach 17th Ave/Church Street (Church Street sign will be on the right).  Take a right onto Church Street.  After the stop sign, you should see the Church Street ramp ahead on your right.  Exit on foot, then look for Walter Library as shown in the map below.


Driving from the South (35W North):
Take 35W North to the University Avenue exit.  After exiting, take a right onto University Ave.  You should see an Amoco station on your right.  Continue on University Ave. until you reach 17th Ave/Church Street (Church Street sign will be on the right).  Take a right onto Church Street.  After the stop sign, you should see the Church Street ramp ahead on your right.  Exit on foot, then look for Walter Library as shown in the map below.


Driving from the East (94 West):
Take 94 West to the Huron Blvd. Exit. Merge onto Huron Blvd.  Continue on Huron Boulevard until you reach 17th Ave. SE (you will cross University Ave. and pass Marriuchi Arena on your right).  Take a left onto 17th Ave. SE.  At the Intersection of 17th Ave. and University, continue straight.  17th Ave. will now become Church St.   After the stop sign, you should see the Church Street ramp ahead on your right.  Exit on foot, then look for Walter Library as shown in the map below.


Driving from the West (94 East):
Take 94 East to the Huron Blvd. Exit.  Take Huron Boulevard until you reach 17th Ave. SE (you will cross University Ave. and pass Mariucci Arena on your right).  Take a left onto 17th Ave. SE.  At the Intersection of 17th Ave. and University, continue straight.  17th Ave. will now become Church St.   After the stop sign, you should see the Church Street ramp ahead on your right.  Exit on foot, then look for Walter Library as shown in the map below.


Walking Directions:

Walter Library is located on the west side of Northrop Mall, between Johnston Hall and Smith Hall.   The mall is situated between Church Street, Pleasant Street, and Washington Avenue.  You can enter Walter Library from Northrop Mall, or from Pleasant Street (which has a wheelchair-accessible ramp).

Below is a map of Northrop Mall, showing the location of Walter Library.  

Walking Map:

Walking map


Special Notes:

  1. The College of Education is hosting commencement exercises at 7:00 pm in Northrop Auditorium that evening. Please be aware that there may be some competition for parking space in the Church Street Garage if you arrive later in the evening.
  2. To access the 4th floor of Walter Library, you must use the elevator in the long hallway of the ground floor. The elevator in the lobby does not stop at the 4th floor. Look for the UPA signs we'll post.
  3. Food and beverages are not allowed in the room where we will be holding the presentation. However, we will have light refreshments available in the lobby right outside of the room.

Help Spread the Word:

Know someone interested in usability? Feel free to invite them to an upcoming meeting. Visitors are always welcome. Please forward this announcement to other area professionals who might have an interest in UPA-MN meetings or activities.

Upcoming Meetings & Events:


Do you have an idea for a future meeting or know someone you think would be a good speaker? Contact our Program Directors (ProgramDirector@upamn.org) with your suggestions.

Last update: May 04, 2005