SIGCAPH Newsletter September 2001 OVERVIEW OF THE ACCESSIBILITY FORUM ACTIVITIES John Goldthwaite, Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access Implementation of Section 508 and the Access Board standard for accessible Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) will require a massive education effort as well as a number of initiatives to develop procedures for measurement, reporting and comparison of product accessibility. One of these is the Accessibility Forum, an ongoing collaboration among stakeholders affected by Section 508 including user, industry, government, and other communities in order to benefit employees and members of the public with disabilities. The Forum will identify, prioritize and conduct projects that assist government in making informed decisions about Section 508 related procurement, and allow government, industry, and users to communicate and highlight areas where further effort is needed. GSA launched the initial Forum at Gallaudet University's Kellogg Center, May 9-11, 2001. The meeting brought together a very diverse set of stakeholders with a great interest in seeing Section 508 effectively implemented. Participants came from over 300 organizations that include electronic and information technology (EIT) industry, assistive technology industry, advocacy associations for people with disabilities, academic, research, standards groups, and government procurement and information technology representatives. The
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