Keep the University of Texas Accessibility Institute Open
If you’re familiar with the University of Texas or the fine folks at Knowbility, you have heard of Dr. John Slatin. While I cannot say that I had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Slatin personally, the book he co-wrote with Sharron Rush occupies a prominent place on my shelf. During the course of making recommendations to clients and colleagues, I have borrowed (stolen) many an idea from this important text.
After leukemia took his life in March 2008, Dr. Slatin’s legacy endured though several endeavors, most notably the Accessibility Institute he founded to endorse Universal Design principles in the planning and testing of accessible spaces. During his life, this English professor demonstrated a deep respect and appreciation for the potential of technology; he was a leader of the WCAG working group that wrote the global standards for accessibility on the Web.
In the past two weeks, it came to the attention of UT faculty that the University had made a decision to close the Accessibility Institute affective August 29, 2008. Despite strong funding, the respect of an international community and the stature necessary to attract research talent, the University’s administrative body has evinced what can only be interpreted as a lack of interest.
It should be noted that without the UT Accessibility Institute, the Web would be a much less accessible space. It is through Dr. Slatin’s influence that contributed to the formation of the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative, which in turn has impact upon the WCAG, the US Access Board and Section 508. Many colleagues have cited the Institute’s research activities as a foundation upon which Dr. Slatin’s advocacy drew strength and influence.
I know that many readers of this blog share my value of creating and enabling a more accessible digital world for all users. If you have the time, I ask that you sign the petition requesting the University to reconsider their decision. It takes no time at all, and it’s for a most noble cause.
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