Influencing web strategy for good

Skills

Demonstrating value Facilitation

Background

Traditionally, Australian Universities have had a positive attitude to web accessibility, but this is not always backed up with resources or integration in every day processes.

Drawing upon the skills of a range of people ((I forget many of their names, I am sorry )) I led the creation of a dedicated, funded program that today helps students and staff with a disability have an equal experience.

Challenge

There was recognition that “something needed to be done” to improve accessibility, and there were skilled individuals, but there was no coordinated program or person directing things.  What was needed was a accessibility plan with an associated person and budget.

Actions

I coordinated a group of people (I am reluctant to call it a committee) from across the University to think up ideas to improve web accessibility. It became obvious that although there were people with appropriate skills at the University, their time and resources were limited.

I created a business cases document that drew together research and planning for web accessibility including:

• Legal risks and relevant law (created by the University legal team)
• Stories of staff and students impacted by poor accessibility (created by the access group)
• Budget for a new position combined with money for recruiting people as testers
• A strategic plan and position description for the new role

Results

It was a time-consuming, depressing process that involved rewriting the business case several times but the outcome was that the University funded the position initially for  two years with a $300,000 budget.

The program has continued since 2010 by the intelligent oversight of Andrew Normand and remains a world class resource for helping students and staff have a good experience during their time at university.

I learnt that good ideas are not enough; often you need to keep trudging along to see an idea to fruition.