1. A national network to promote Web Accessibility in France Sylvie Duchateau, Denis Boulay, Claudine Tchang-Ayo, and Dominique Burger Association BrailleNet Ljubljana, September 4, 2001

2. Introduction Consciousness raising in European countries –eEurope –5th framework : IST project WAI-DA –governmental measures in several countries : Portugal, UK, Spain, Denmark, France, ….

3. Presentation content 1. BrailleNet actions to promote accessibility 2. Results 3. The future.

4. BrailleNet Association created in 1997 50 members (associations, schools, universities, research organisations, companies) to promote the use of the Internet for the integration of visually impaired people at school, university and work To promote Web accessibility for all (participation in WAI WAI-DA projects)

5. A National Campaign for a better accessible Web Information documents in several languages Public Demonstrations Contacts with designers and decision-makers

6. Governmental measures Circular note from Prime Minister French version of WCA Government Decision to make public web sites accessible.

7. BrailleNet Observatory Objectives Examples of good/bad web sites Propose solutions Encourage exchanges between webmasters

8. Observatory homepage

9. A review summary

10. Accessibility rating **** Very good, congratulations ***+ Good accessibility *** Rather accessible site ***- Average accessibility **+ Unsatisfactory accessibility ** Poorly accessible site * Low accessibility 0 Inaccessible site

11. A reviewing method WAI - WCAG User driven approach Complementary competencies Different technologies Use of several reviewing tools

12. Setting up a national network Increasing demand for expertise Need for consensus Credibility Flexibility

13. Member Organisations Covering several regions With various profiles Different activities Currently 7 members (12 experts)

14. Proposed services Education & Outreach Reviewing Training Advising Repair

15. Participation in WAI-DA IST project Oct 2000 - Oct 2002 Disseminate the guidelines in Europe Localisation of WAI documents Establishment of reviewer teams Gallery of accessible web sites

16. Prospects Extending the network in France All public websites accessible in France by 2002 Internationalising the network (IST WAI-DA, EBU, EDF, AAATE, …)