Even Grounds and ATRIEV Collaborate for Web Accessibility Seminar in 2010

Even Grounds, a Washington-based accessibility consulting company, and ATRIEV, the first and only computer school for the blind in the Philippines, will organize a web accessibility seminar on January 21-22, 2010. This event will be held at the APEC Digital Opportunity Center (ADOC) laboratory of the National Computer Center.

Web accessibility refers to a set of principles and methods used in making web content more accessible and usable for persons with disabilities. More and more persons with disabilities are now having the opportunity and resources to access the Internet. However, websites that have poor design and inaccessible content may prevent these individuals from taking advantage of online information and services.

With this in mind, Even Grounds and ATRIEV are inviting web development students from a number of colleges to this unique event. The two institutions believe that web accessibility should be instilled in aspiring web developers while they are still studying. This in turn enables them to create more accessible sites as they become professionals in this field.

This two-day seminar will be spearheaded by Julius Charles Serrano, Even Grounds’ research director, and Rene Orense, ATRIEV’s project officer and web master. Both Julius and Rene have extensive knowledge in web accessibility, and have attended and conducted web accessibility seminars both here and abroad.

About Even Grounds

Even Grounds provides consulting services and solutions that make technology accessible for people with disabilities. The company works with government agencies and corporations to evaluate products for accessibility and assist with the life-cycle development and implementation of solutions. The company also provides accessibility training and helps organizations comply with relevant laws and regulations. Even Grounds is located in Alexandria, Va.

About ATRIEV

Established in 1994 by a group of blind computer enthusiasts, Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired (ATRIEV) is a not-for-profit organization that specializes on information and communications technology training programs for visually-impaired persons.
It is the only IT-based school for the blind that facilitates access to post-secondary education, mainstream employment, and similar opportunities through the use of adaptive technology in the country.