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A central clearing house in probably not a good idea. However, a central 'accessibility' standard for software/hardware would be extremely useful. As with the 'designed for windows 95/NT' logo (which requires accessibility to some degree anyway) I think a little EEC 'star' on packages or equipment which have been tested and found to be accessible either as is or with known enabling technology strategies [where a central information line would be given for people to find out more] would be extremely useful, and maybe could eventually be required by law. This seems to be happening in the US. We then wouldn't face the situation where a student gets half way through the course only to suddenly have to use a totally inaccessible piece of software which wasn't previously mentioned, with the effect that the student either has to use an alternative package which the tutor isn't familiar with, is bluffed through the course unit because no-one can figure out a way around the problem or just drops out or swaps to a course they never even wanted to do. In the meantime maybe we could all put pressure on our institutions to only implement new packages or hardware after we have had chance to test them for accessibility, whether they are to be used by students with disabilities or not. Ian Francis ---------- : From: Paul Dilley : To: dis-forum : Subject: Re: Hardware and JISC bid : Date: 14 May 1997 09:42 : : EA Draffan said: : : > However. please may I add another concern pertinent to this list....I feel : > 'Support for a Central Clearing House for IT for Accessibility in HE', as : > mentioned in the JISC bid posted by Tom Vincent is not necessarily going to : > be linked to the issues we all learn from dis-forum and other : > organisations. Personally I think 'centralised' information may NOT be the : > correct solution as there is obviously so much expertise around the : > country. Could this be an ideal chance for a collaborative effort? : : Absolutely! : : : Paul Dilley, Technical Manager : Computer Centre for People with Disabilities, University of Westminster : ** The London & South East Regional Access Centre ** : : Tel: +44 171 911 5000 Fax: +44 171 911 5162 http://www.wmin.ac.uk/ccpd/ : %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%