WAI-ACT Project

Web Accessibility Initiative - Cooperation Framework for Guidance on Advanced Technologies, Evaluation Methodologies, and Research Agenda Setting to Support eAccessibility (WAI-ACT)
European Commission Support Action Project, 7th Framework Programme:

• W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (W3C/WAI)
• Stiching Bartimeus Accessibility (SBA)
• Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology (Fraunhofer)
• Johannes Keppler University (JKU)

Project Overview

Start on 1 September 2011 for duration of 3 years:

• Development through W3C Working Groups
• Opportune time given uptake of WCAG 2.0
• Contributes to international harmonization
• Input into eAccessibility research agendas

Project Objectives

WAI-ACT builds on and extends WAI processes to address the following needs:

• Expanded cooperation in web accessibility
• Authoritative guidance on implementation
• Harmonized evaluation methodologies
• Coordinated research and development

Expanded Cooperation

Expanded cooperation in Europe and internationally on the development of accessibility solutions:

• Open cooperation forum
• Collaboration platform
• Outreach to stakeholders

Accessibility Guidance

Authoritative guidance on the implementation of accessibility in advanced web technologies:

• Accessibility support database
• Application Notes on frequent barriers
• Application Notes on advanced technologies
• W3C Workshop on applying WCAG 2.0
• Guidance for policy and decision makers

Harmonized Methods

Internationally harmonized methodologies to support evaluation of websites for accessibility:

• Website conformance evaluation methodology
• Techniques for accessibility evaluation tools
• Guidance on finding and using evaluation tools
• Interactive guide for accessibility evaluators

Research Coordination

Common visions and contribution to a coordinated eAccessibility research agenda:

• Documenting eAccessibility research topics
• Explorations eAccessibility research topics

Conclusions

WAI-ACT develops supporting resources on:

• Implementation guidance for developers
• Application guidance for policy makers
• Evaluation guidance for quality assurers
• Topics and explorations for researchers

... with particular focus on advanced technologies and on work in an open, collaborative environment.

Thank You

Shadi Abou-Zahra, W3C/WAI
Activity Lead, WAI International Program Office
http://www.w3.org/People/shadi/

Get information and get involved:
http://www.w3.org/WAI/ACT/