The University of Maine is undertaking a major initiative to ensure that
all of its Web pages are accessible, according to the federal government's
Section 508 Priority 1 guidelines (see:
www.umaine.edu/weboffice/accessibility for more about Section
508). This is necessary to assure that all users can access and benefit
from University of Maine Web content. It is also a requirement of the
University of Maine System, as noted in Administrative Practice Letter #8
(amended July 2003).
It is our goal to have all UMaine Web pages accessible by
April 2005. The
University's Web Advisory Group has a subcommittee to support the
endeavor. The Subcommittee's plans for informing and training UMaine Web
managers began with an information session and workshop at PEAC Day: March
10th.
They have another Informational Session scheduled for May 19, 1:00-2:00,
Bangor Room, Memorial Union. Gretchen Gfeller will also offer a hands-on
workshop on May 26 from 9:30-12:30, in the Library Computer
classroom. Please go to:
www.umaine.edu/weboffice, for workshop registration information and notices
of fall informational sessions and hands-on workshops.
The University purchased HiSoft Web validation software (AccVerify), and
will make this available soon at no cost. This software can check Web
pages for accessibility and repair them. The Subcommittee will incorporate
information about the
software into the workshops.
Please make plans to check the accessibility of your Web pages to help
bring the University into compliance. Thank you.
--John Gregory
Executive Director, Information Technologies at The University of Maine
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