Schedule

Introduction to the Day

Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet

Open Data – Keynote Presentation

There is a growing trend towards open data. The idea of information being stored at a single resource is eroding. Instead, the data we publish is increasingly portable and subscribable. This bodes well for accessibility (and more broadly, universality). Instead of relying on individual points of publishing that can so easily become bottlenecks to accessibility, the Web is turning into a sea of information with the same data available in multiple formats or mashed up in unexpected ways. Information wants to be free ...and anthropomorphised. Is this a utopian vision of power to the people or is this the inevitable result of network effects?

Jeremy Keith, Clearleft

Assistive Technologies and AJAX

Understanding the limitations and requirements of user’s (user’s with disabilities)  of assistive technology such as screen readers. How does their use affect user’s abilities to interact successfully with WEB 2.0 technologies? How can designers and developers take into account the needs of users with disabilities. Developing solutions using current (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and emerging standards (WAI- ARIA accessible rich internet applications).

Steve Faulkner, The Paciello Group

Fencing in the Habitat

In this talk, Christian will go into detail about some of the technological solutions companies find for accessibility matters. He'll also explain how they constitute a mixture of cheating yourself and positive discrimination and what really brings more accessibility to your solutions.

Christian Heilmann

Rich Media and Web applications for people with learning disabilities

Rich media content, such as audio and video, has become an increasingly important part of Web 2.0. We will take a look at how rich media can enhance understanding and the user experience for people with learning disabilities, if it's presented in an accessible way.

Antonia Hyde, United Response

User generated content

One of the greatest challenges facing web application owners is how to encourage users to create accessible content. This presentation will outline some of the issues and emerging solutions.

Jonathan Hassell, BBC

A case study: Building a social network for disabled users

The Disability Information Portal (DIP) is a Web 2.0 site for disabled people, developed by Leonard Cheshire Disability. Through the site, users can create and share content, tag content and network. This session will explain how the site has been developed and, in particular, the accessibility issues that have had to be overcome.

Stephen Elsden (Leonard Cheshire Disability) and Andrew Travers (Precedent Communications)

Tools & Technologies to watch or to avoid

We've invited Ian Forrester from BBC to give us an overview of some of the current trends and new technologies that encompass Web 2.0. From mash ups to APIs Ian will be choosing the apps and tools he thinks we should watch for and those which should be currently avoided.

Ian Forrester, BBC Backstage

Accessibility 2.0

Our panel will feature speakers from throughout the day and experts such as Mike Davies (Yahoo), Bim Egan (RNIB), Jonathan Hassell (BBC), Kath Moonan (AbilityNet) and Dr Panayiotis Zaphiris (City University).

Panel discussion chaired by Julie Howell