NYS Forum IT Accessibility Committee Meeting

June 12, 2008, 2:30-4:00 p.m.
Forum Offices, 411 State Street, Albany NY

Attendees: Marilyn Cordell (OFT), Denise Dreany (OFT), Laura Edlund (AT&T), Christopher Ford (DOH), Kim Fraim (DOH), Mary Hanley (OMH), Brandon Houghton (DOH), Michael Hritcko (NYSIF) plus interpreter, Michael Lashway (Nortel), Arne Louison (GOER), Dee McCumber (DOH), Martin Navojosky (Tax) , Joel Obuchowski (INS), Debi Orton (GOER) and Mike Short (DCS).

Old Business:

  1. Validation Tool Status:
    1. Work ongoing to ensure tool availability: OGS and HiSoftware are in negotiations toward a contract for the desktop tool next year. The goal is that once an agreement is reached other agencies will be able to use that agreement to buy the desktop tool.

      Exact pricing has not been determined, and the issue of the online tool is still open.

    2. Debi Orton asked that any open issues regarding the tool be sent to her, so she can get to HiSoftware for resolution.
  2. Agency Consulting:
    1. OFT: Assisted with Policy and Standards Update.
  3. OFT Policy and Standards Update:
    1. Marilyn noted additional changes were made to the standards draft and they are awaiting final approval.
    2. She noted that standard 14 is broader than our edits from last meeting and will be released as soon as available.
  4. Recap of AT Expo Training:
    1. The morning presentation on NYS Standards and the Forum validation tool went well. Debi Orton and Mike Short received favorable reviews in the exit surveys.
    2. Arne Louison and Jeff Bennett supported the Accessible Web 2.0 session. Arne presented on RSS and Forms and Jeff demonstrated the problems caused for people using screen reading software when accessibility is not addressed. Mike Hritcko, who wrote the applications used in the demonstrations, also received some request for copies of the applications.

New Business:

  1. Validation Tool Audit:
    1. Total files tested: 142,913
    2. Total files passed: 88,422 (61.9%)
  2. Upcoming Presentations:
    1. Downstate session on the Validation tool: Laura offered to coordinate the session at AT&T's 440 Hamilton Ave. office in White Plains. Potential dates will be determined and Laura will schedule event.
    2. A customer Appreciation session at MicroKnowledge is planned for the October timeframe in Latham.
  3. NYS Forum changes:
    1. Nominations for Co-Chairs positions are required every two years with a maximum of two private sector and two public sector representatives.
    2. Debi Orton and Mike Short nominated themselves for public sector Co-Chairs. Laura Edlund nominated herself for private sector Co-Chair. There were no other nominees. An informal vote was taken, so the Co-Chairs will repeat for the next two years.
  4. Training:
    1. Debi and Marilyn recommended an introductory session to Accessibility for Executives. Health (Brandon Houghton and Dee McCumber) volunteered to use their department as an example in the session.
    2. Mary Hanley shared a great training class she attended with Human Factors International. She said it was world class training and the group thought OFT should offer the series of four classes through the Training Academy.

Next Meeting (no meetings in July and August):

September 11, 2008
2:30 - 4:00
Forum Offices, 411 State Street, Albany NY