Networking for change: the Web Accessibility Network for Australian Universities Jodie Stuart Queensland University of Technology Web Accessibility Forums 2005: August 29, Brisbane

What is WANAU? Informal network of university people –Informal Not a legal organisation, no formal structure No funding or resources to call our own –Network People – over 200 “members” now Website Discussion forum –University people Diverse range of staff (academic, design, technical, support, policy, management) Students

WANAU is also… An ethnic group of Venezuela and Guiana A place in Sumatra, Indonesia A creek in Fiji A word that means “family” or “extended family” in Maori language

WANAU’s aims Raise awareness within our organisations of the problems encountered by people with disabilities that affect their use of the web Educate our university colleagues and managers about the legal requirements for organisations to create accessible online resources Direct people to information and resources on accessible web design Influence policy within our organisations Develop strategies to ensure greater compliance with accessible design guidelines Investigate ways to positively effect web accessibility across the university sector.

WANAU makes sense… Universities across the country face similar challenges and barriers to web accessibility We operate in the same legal and policy environment Networks offer opportunities for collaboration, investigating common solutions and strategies and for sharing of experience and expertise Unlike other networks, WANAU focuses on all aspects of web accessibility

WANAU’s first year or so in review 19 May 04 – WANAU’s birth, with an idea 22 May 04 – Website & discussion forum set up 18 Jun 04 – HEIP grant application »Written by Laurie Armstrong, RMIT »Tried to get funds to establish WANAU 24 Jun 04 – Membership reaches 100! 09 Jul 04 – 1st meeting at RMIT University 03 Dec 04 – Meeting at OZeWAI »Came up with the idea for these forums

WANAU’s first year or so in review 5 Feb 05 – CASR grant application »Written by Laurie Armstrong, RMIT »Trying to get funds to for student experience videos 04 Mar 05 – WANAU gets a logo »Designed by Guy Sangwine, Monash University 18 Mar 05 – 1st Web Accessibility Forum »Hosted at Melbourne University »Co-sponsored by Deakin University 20 Jun 05 – WANAU domain goes live » – hosted by Monashwww.wanau.org 08 Jul 05 – 200 th member signs up!

WANAU’s future Accessibility Forums in other states Develop activities/interest in other states –Need state co-ordinators SIGs/discussion forums –(WANAU-ACADEMIC, WANAU-TECH, etc.) Develop resources to share –Student experience videos, etc. Further applications for funding

How you can help Sign up if you are not already a member Participate in discussions, share your knowledge, help other members Contribute ideas about how our network can work more effectively Spread the word about WANAU and its activities Encourage your colleagues to join and contribute Become an active advocate for web accessibility at your institution

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