Since the Gold edition of the Talking Hands Award was established in 2004, we found less than 2 percent of our applicants met both the W3C/WDG and WAI/WCAG certifications, but a number who met WAI/WCAG level one or better. Also our stated objective of working with applicants to achieve both certifications while very time consuming, was rewarding, but an inordinate amount of time being expended. After a careful review by our staff the changes you will find were implemented.
The changes greatly simplified our updating and enhanced recognition for accessibility, which was and continues to be our emphasis through administration of our Talking Hands award. The changes also accomplished an almost seamless integration of the award graphic, backgrounds which are changed on a quarterly basis and presentation of our quarterly honoree recognition. Which was another significant reduction in time required to update.
In addition we sought and gained help from WSG, Accessify and the Alabama School For the Deaf and Blind, to name but a few groups who will work with most of our applicants and honorees who wish to meet either or both WCAG/WAI and WDG/W3C certifications.
So we are able to remain true to our original intent of working with applicants to earn our Talking Hands award, not simply disqualify an applicant without helping over come the disqualification and for those who understand the value of being accessibility compliant achieve this goal.
Copyright: 1986-2010