Accessibility 1998

Seminar on Internet information policies, structures and technologies

United Nations, New York
16 December 1998

The Internet has become, within five years, a dominant element in international communications. Its technologies change rapidly, new applications are constantly being developed, new opportunities created and new possibilities for global understanding opened up. To be able to keep up with these changes and to take advantage of the opportunities, professionals need to understand the basic technologies, underlying policies and structures and main techniques for accessibility. This understanding will enable participants to adapt to changes over the next few years and to use the Internet more effectively in their work.

The introductory seminar took place on 16 December 1998 at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

It was opened by María Cristina Mathiason, President of Associates for International Management Services. Her statement stressed the value of the Internet for persons with disabilities. She emphasized that accessibility meant more than physical accessibility and included an ability to access the information that persons with disabilities needed and wanted.

Photo of December seminar with Matt Bonham making his presentation

The seminar addressed these basic issues of Internet accessibility. It will be divided into four sections, each covering a major area. Persons who have experience in the specific techniques or policy issues being addressed presented the sections. Over the course of the seminar the follow-up in each area will be interactive and will use the Internet itself.

To take the introductory seminar, follow the four segments. Most have an on-line presentation.

The introductory seminar served as the first element of a larger learning exercise that is taking place in April-May 1999 through the Internet itself through the use of chat technology.

Schedule for the on-line sessions.

The introductory seminar

1. Internet Technology

Presented by Charles Kuhlman, Director of Telecommunications at New York University, the 90 minute session dealt with the nature of digital communications, means of transmission and new technological directions.

2. Internet Policy issues

Presented by John Mathiason, Managing Director of Associates for International Management Services, the 90 minute session dealt with how the Internet is governed, issues of regulation, growth and freedom and the relationship of the Internet to development. It will deal with the issue of how to extend coverage of the Internet.

3. Distance Collaboration

Presented by G. Matthew Bonham, Director of International Relations at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, the 90 minute session discussed and demonstrated technologies for distance collaboration that are revolutionizing research and training on a global scale.

4. Accessible Internet

Presented by Leo Valdes, Managing Director of Vision Office, a consulting firm based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, the 90 minute session focussed on techniques and approaches for making the Internet accessible to all kinds of users, including those with disabilities.

Participants in the seminar are expected to prepare a project related to their work that will permit hands-on reinforcement and application of the concepts presented.