Accessible Multimedia on the World Wide Web
Geoff Freed, Project Manager [Geoff_Freed@WGBH.org]
Larry Goldberg, Director [Larry_Goldberg@WGBH.org]
CPB/WGBH Nat'l Center for Acessible Media NCAM
WGBH Educational Foundation
Geoff Freed, Project Manager [Geoff_Freed@WGBH.org]
Larry Goldberg, Director [Larry_Goldberg@WGBH.org]
CPB/WGBH Nat'l Center for Acessible Media NCAM
WGBH Educational Foundation
The presentation will discuss and demonstrate the Web Access Project of the CPB/WGBH National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM). Its mission is to develop and test technology to make World Wide Web sites accessible to deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind or visually impaired users and to coordinate efforts with other developers, researchers, and advocates. The presentation will concentrate on techniques for making multimedia on the Web accessible to those with sensory impairments. Thus far, the Project has developed and distributed a generic, public-domain symbol which indicates that a Web site contains accessibility features. Currently, more than 70 Web sites use the symbol, with more added each month. At the same Web site, the Project has posted examples of digital movie clips with both captions and audio descriptions, playable on PCs or Macintosh computers. Instructions have also been posted to assist Web designers in making their own movie clips accessible. The Project is also looking into ways to exloit new technolgies, such as Java and RealAudio, to enhance Web site accessibility for all computer users. Project staff act as a resource for webmasters interested in making their Web sites more accessible.