Ice storms, snow, floods, tornado hit US, killing 17
(AFP)
2007-01-15 20:45
 AFP - President George W. Bush released federal aid to help the central United States recover from freezing rain, snow, sleet and flash floods, as the storm's death toll rose to at least 17, local officials said.
Firefox Digs Deeper
(The Motley Fool)
2006-10-11 18:33
The Motley Fool - It had been a long time since I heard much about the browser wars that have occasionally made headlines over the last couple years, so I noted with interest that Ars Technica is reporting that Microsoft's (Nasdaq: MSFT - News) Internet Explorer is still losing market share to other browsers, including Mozilla's Firefox.
ToorCon hacker backtracks on Firefox JavaScript vulnerability - Pocket-lint.co.uk
2006-10-03 17:13
ToorCon hacker backtracks on Firefox JavaScript vulnerability
Pocket-lint.co.uk -5 hours ago
03 October 2006 - One of the two hackers who made the claim at the ToorCon hackers conference that they’d found a critical flaw in Mozilla’s browser Firefox has retracted somewhat.
The Truth About a Claimed Firefox ExploitWashington Post
Firefox zero-day exploit surfacesRegister
Computerworld - CIO - eBCVG - NewsFactor Network
all 97 news articles
Firefox defects delineated by Cyberpunks - The Money Times
2006-10-03 07:58
Firefox defects delineated by Cyberpunks
The Money Times -5 hours ago
by Gunika Khurana - October 3, 2006 - 0 comments. Two hackers said on Saturday that Firefox, an open source, cross-platform, graphical web browser developed by the Mozilla Corporation, usually comprehended ...
Hackers warn of critical flaw in FirefoxPocket-lint.co.uk
Firefox JavaScript security "a complete mess"?Ars Technica
TG Daily - Inquirer - Playfuls.com
all 61 news articles
Mozilla Investigates New Firefox Flaw
(PC World)
2006-10-02 21:00
PC World - Hackers revealed exploit code for JavaScript vulnerability.
GAO-06-775, Estimating the Undocumented Population: A "Grouped Answers" Approach to Surveying Foreign-Born Respondents, September 29, 2006
2006-09-28 23:00
As greater numbers of foreign-born persons enter, live, and work in the United States, policymakers need more information--particularly on the undocumented population, its size, characteristics, costs, and contributions. This report reviews the ongoing development of a potential method for obtaining such information: the "grouped answers" approach. In 1998, GAO devised the approach and recommended further study. In response, the Census Bureau tested respondent acceptance and recently reported results. GAO answers four questions. (1) Is the grouped answers approach acceptable for use in a national survey of the foreign-born? (2) What further research may be needed? (3) How large a survey is needed? (4) Are any ongoing surveys appropriate for inserting a grouped answers question series (to avoid the cost of a new survey)? For this study, GAO consulted an independent statistician and other experts, performed test calculations, obtained documents, and interviewed officials and staff at federal agencies. The Census Bureau and DHS agreed with the main findings of this report. DHS agreed that the National Survey of Drug Use and Health is not an appropriate survey for inserting a grouped answers question series. The grouped answers approach is designed to ask foreign-born respondents about their immigration status in a personal-interview survey. Immigration statuses are grouped in Boxes A, B, and C on two different flash cards--with the undocumented status in Box B. Respondents are asked to pick the box that includes their current status and are told, "If it's in Box B, we don't want to know which specific category applies to you." The grouped answers approach is acceptable to many experts and immigrant advocates--with certain conditions, such as (for some advocates) private sector data collection. Most respondents tested did not object to picking a box. Research is needed to assess issues such as whether respondents pick the correct box. A sizable survey--roughly 6,000 or more respondents--would be needed for 95 percent confidence and a margin of error of (plus or minus) 3 percentage points. The ongoing surveys that GAO identified are not appropriate for collecting data on immigration status. (For example, one survey takes names and Social Security numbers, which might affect acceptance of immigration status questions.) Whether further research or implementation in a new survey would be justified depends on how policymakers weigh the need for such information against potential costs and the uncertainties of future research.
JavaScript Tip: Keep Your Windows Focused
2002-12-18 15:00
One common complaint among users is that many sites contain broken links, so of course you test yours regularly (don't you?).
But you probably never considered that some visitors might think your links are broken when they aren't!
That can happen when you use JavaScript to open new windows and control their placement. Fortunately, one single line of JavaScript code solves that problem!
Internet Explorer required: Your comments
1970-01-01 00:00
Last week's column discussing how the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Individual Assistance Center Web site required people filing claims to use Microsoft's Internet Explorer 6.0 generated a lot of feedback.
How To Master Css.
1970-01-01 00:00
eBook on How To Master Css. Step-by-step Guide, Including Training Videos.
60 Hot To Touch Accessible Web Design Tips by Jim Byrne - published in paperback today
1970-01-01 00:00
New book by Jim Byrne launched:
60 hot to touch Accessible Web Design tips - the tips no web developer can live without!. Now available in paperback.
It takes a different approach to the standard big and heavy web technique tomes currently available - this one offers light bytes for easy digestion.
It contains 60 easy to understand, practical tips you can put to good use when developing your next website.
New Website launched: Accessible Web Design Services Glasgow
1970-01-01 00:00
Former Making Connections Unit Director and Web accessibility specialist Jim Byrne has launched his new business website with the aim of helping organisations:
Comply with Disability Discrimination legislation.
Reach the largest potential audience - via an accessible, usable website.
Access tailored training and support to maintain websites in the most efficient and accessible way.
Seminar: The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and UK websites
1970-01-01 00:00
A two hour seminar:
Date: 25th May 9.45am - 12am. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Venue: The Volunteer Centre, 84 Miller Street, Glasgow G1 1DT
Cost: 39UK pounds per person.
Facilitator: Jim Byrne
email: ddaseminar@jimbyrne.co.uk
Does your website comply with the DDA? Book your place on this seminar to explore the issues and find out what you need to know about the DDA and UK websites.
This seminar is aimed at those individuals responsible for the creation, or management, of an organisationÂ’s website.
By the end of the seminar you will have answers to the following questions:
Is your organisationÂ’s website covered by the DDA?
What should you do if someone complains that they canÂ’t access your website?
Who is responsible for making a website accessible, the site developer or your organisation?
How is Web accessibility measured?
Are there standards that websites should meet?
How do you ensure you are not discriminating against a section of your audience?
Where can you find help to make sure your website is accessible and complies with legislation?
You will take away with you:
Useful resources relating to all aspects of the course, a list of resources related to the DDA and accessible web design and information about how to get help to ensure your website is accessible.
Jim Byrne & Associates - Web Accessibility Specialists
"Organisations that offer goods and services over the Web already have a legal duty to make their websites accessible to disabled people."
Bert Massie, DRC Chairman, speaking at the launch of the investigation into Web Accessibility April 14th 2004.
Jim Byrne and Associates provide a full Web Design, Development and Training Service with a particular emphasis on accessibility and usability.
Contact us now to book at place on the course:
Jim Byrne and Associates,
Accessible Web Design, Development and Training
23 Glasgow Street, Glasgow, G12 8JW
Tel: 0141 334 1650
Mobile: 0781 0098 119
email: ddaseminar@jimbyrne.co.uk
Jim Byrne leaves Glasgow Caledonian University - now providing Web accessibility services
1970-01-01 00:00
Jim Byrne leaves Glasgow Caledonian University - to provide accessibility web design, development and training services.
I have been working within Glasgow Caledonian University since 1996, running the Making Connections Unit as a non-profit organisation providing advice, support and services to organisations interested in publishing accessible information on the web. In the last year I have worked as the University Web Accessibility Project Manager, providing training and consultancy to the web team (and external organisations) and working towards ensuring university websites are accessible to student and staff.
However, all good things must come to an end, the University Web Team are now all 'web accessibility disciples' and I have decided it is time to move on. I have left the university and set up my own Web Consultancy to provide web design, web development and accessible web design training to organisations in the public and private sector. My sincere thanks to everyone in the University who has given me advice, bought me a coffee, and supported me in my endeavours to promote web accessibiltiy over the years.
I'm now in the market for consultancy jobs and contracts related to accessible web design and development - or if you prefer - just web design and development - but with the accessibility part thrown in as part of the package. I'd appreciate it if you keep my name in mind if you meet anyone who is thinking about web development or training - even if they have never heard of the term, web accessibility.
Th following information is my 'pitch for work' and information about the services and skills I can offer to organisations in the market for web design, web development and training. Contact me now if you would like to speak to me about any of the following.
Training
I can travel throughout the UK and Europe to provide training 'in-house'.
Introductory courses
The easy way to learning and understand HTML to create accessible web pages.
The easy way to learn and understand Cascading Style Sheets for flexible presentation of web content.
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and UK websites seminar. A half-day seminar exploring your obligations in relation to the DDA (and SENDA if you are within the education sector).
The following courses are suitable to technical and non-technical individuals.
Introduction to accessible web design - a one day introductory course.
Accessible Web Design in practice. A comprehensive 2 day course that gives a solid grounding in the skills and 'mindset' required to create and manage accessible websites. This course has proved very popular in the past and the feedback has always be excellent.
Customised training
I can create training courses customised to your needs. If the exmaple above are not what you are looking for please get in touch to discuss how I can create a course to meet your requirements.
I have over a decade of experience providing training to local government, higher education, and the voluntary sector. I have also provided training to private sector companies and corporate organisations. Feedback has always been extremely positive.
Web Accessibility Services
Alternative approaches to Website Accessibility Auditing
In my experience just commissioning an accessibility audit isn't always the best approach, as developers need to have the skills and motivation to follow up on any recommendations. It's easy to put the report on a shelf somewhere and forget about it.
An alternative approach I have used successfully in the past is to combine a half-day training with a half-day 'live access audit', testing your site against W3C WCAG guidelines with the web team and managers present for discussion and questions. This can be enjoyable as well as educational and a very effective way of getting developers on board.
With this unique 'live audit' service you get instant feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of your site - so it is a more 'immediate' and memorable way to test and improve your site. This approach helps me to differentiate myself from other organisations providing web accessibility auditing services. In a 'live audit' there is nowhere for the auditor to hide. Auditing a site in-house, and discussing it with web developers means you have to be confident you know what you are talking about.
The above approach can be combined with the more traditional accessibility audit and reporting; providing you with a 30 to 50 page report with screen shots, code examples, and recommendations.
Examples of issues addressed when auditing a website
Colour and colour contrast (e.g., checking for colour blindness access, visual
impairment)
The unit of measurement used to set the size of text.
The font used for text on the site.
Labeling for non-text content.
Whether the HTML is coded correctly.
Accessibility of forms.
Consistency and usability of site navigation.
The accessibility of any Javascript used.
The flexibility of the design, checking whether it will work on all browsers.
Accessibility of link text.
Accessibility to people with different impairments.
The foregoing is not an exhaustive list, but it gives an idea of the range of work undertaken.
Working with your team
I can work collaboratively with your existing developer or undertake periodic audits and reports after work has been done. For example: to help ensure that the 'front-end' of you web based organisation database is
accessible. This would include ensuring that search and report forms are accessible to screen reader users or people with a motor impairment. Also that the database design can be used by someone who has Dyslexia - (as they may need to change contrast to suit their own needs). Website design will meet the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines to an agreed level.
I can provide advice and support to your team by
passing on knowledge and techniques relating to accessible website design (and
the W3C Guidelines). This can be done informally or formally as part of a
training course. The aim is to ensure that issues are discovered early in a project, so that they do not need to be re-visited at a later date.
The service can be customising to meet your needs
You may want to arrange different pieces of work as distinct jobs for an agreed price, or prefer ongoing work at an hourly rate, or agree a certain number of hours over a set period of time.
Accessible Content Management System (CMS)
My accessible CMS, QnECMs (Quick & Easy Content Management System), as used on this site, the Guild of Accessible Web Designers website and many others, is now available for sale at http://www.qnecms.co.uk It is suitable for small businesses, individuals and colleges and it's main strength, apart from having an accessible standards based administration interface - is that it is easy to use.
It is also affordable, and it can be re-branded for developers to offer to their own clients.
That's all for now - thanks.
Jim Byrne
Contact me now if you would like to speak to me about any of the above.
Accessible Web Design in Practice Training Course
1970-01-01 00:00
There are still a few places left on the next Making Connections Unit, Accessible Web Design in Practice training course on the 9th and 10th of December. This a 2 day course being run in Glasgow Caledonian University Library in the Centre of Glasgow; the venue is close to both main Glasgow bus and train stations. Register your interest in the course by filling in the booking form.
About the course
This course is not about creating unattractive 'text only' pages; accessible design is about designing for disabled people and non-disabled people. The training combines off-line discussion and learning, with online experience and examples - including hands-on experience of surfing websites with text browser, a screen reader and using the keyboard only.
Hands-on activities include using online checking tools to check the validity and accessibility of websites - and interpreting the results. The first day of the course builds an understanding of what is meant by accessible web design, and give a 'framework for thinking' - that provides a context for the topics covered in day two. I consider this an important aspect of the course; but it is not addressed, as far as I am aware, on any of the other accessible web design courses.
This first day also gives and understanding of what HTML is, how it should be used, and makes makes it accessible or not accessible. The training is aimed at helping publishers manage their web content in a more efficient and flexible manner; accessible web design is about more than learning individual HTML techniques (although you learn the techniques as well). Accessible web design is about understanding how to manage and publish web content in the most flexible way - cutting down the work web publishers have to do to reach their widest possible audience.
The second days is more 'topic' based, i.e. how do you make PDFs, web text, forms accessible, making pages accessible for people with particular impairments, and so on. The course is taught in a very 'interactive' manner - questions and discussion are the basis of the learning - with frequent reviews of what has been learned.
In addition to the training itself, all course participants will take away extensive notes and articles for all of the topics (listed on the course outline at http://www.mcu.org.uk/services/training.html) for both days.
About The Making Connections Unit
The Making Connections Unit, set up by Jim Byrne and David Donald in 1996, has been a pioneer in the area of Internet accessibility. It is based in Glasgow Caledonian University and provides web accessibility consultancy and services to nation and local government, as well as the voluntary sector, not for profit and private sector.
About your tutor Jim Byrne
Jim is a recognised expert in the field of accessible web design and has a thorough awareness of practice and policy issues. A former Disability Information and Training Officer, he has extensive experience delivering staff development and training programmes within the public, private and voluntary sector. He has written and spoken widely on the subject of accessible Web design, including publications for The Scottish Accessible Information Forum, and articles for The Times Higher Education supplement and a host of online magazines. He has also spoken about the subject of accessible web design on radio and television. In 2001 he was identified as one of Scotland's 'movers and shakers in e-commerce in Scotland' for his work in the area of Web accessibility (NB Magazine, June, 2001). Jim has been using and programming computers on a daily basis since 1979, and learning about how to design accessible websites since 1996.
Register for the course now at http://www.mcu.org.uk/services/bookingform.html
Please don't hesitate to get back in touch if you would like further information about the course.
Please pass this information on to other people you know who are interested in accessible web design.
The Flash Satay method to embed flash in your pages and support standards
1970-01-01 00:00
This weeks tip: Use the Flash Satay method to embed flash in your pages and support standards
The standard way to embed flash within a web page is to use the object element; the W3C tell us that the object element is an, 'all-purpose solution to generic object inclusion'. So that's fine and handy - however, the object element is not supported by all web browsers. Developers have tried to work around this deficiency by adding the non-standard (but working) embed tag into their markup - effectively repeating all the necessary attributes in each tag.
Using the embed tag means that pages will no longer validate - a situation which makes developers who pride themselves on their adherence to standards rather uncomfortable. During a discussion about this issue on the Guild of Accessible Web Designers mailing list, I was alerted to an article by Drew Mclellan who addresses this very problem. Drew provides a solution that ensures flash works in many more browsers without failing validation tests, a solution he calls the, 'Flash Satay method'.
For the full story and his detailed solution of how to embed flash in your pages and keep them standard compliant, read Drew's excellent article at http://www.alistapart.com/articles/flashsatay/
Links:
Guild of Accessible Web Designrs
Flash Satay Article
W3C information about object element
|
