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International Day of Disabled Persons
December 3rd, 2006
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By Imm Yong, Director Diversity and Equity, CFPSA, Ottawa,
613-996-6717, ee@cfpsa.com
2006 Theme: “E-Accessibility”
The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. By focusing on e-accessibility, this year’s Day of Disabled Persons is intended to mobilize action to allow persons with disabilities to have better access to information and communication technology.
How easy it is for most of us to surf the net and book a trip, or shop with the click of a mouse. Few appreciate that many persons with disabilities do not have the same level of access and remain unable to take full advantage of even basic Internet. World Wide Web pages that use frames or that are filled with non-descriptive graphics are difficult to decipher for visually impaired or blind users using screen readers. Video clips can be undecipherable for the hearing impaired if there is no captioning, and to the visually impaired if there is no audio description.Companies have been working on adaptive technologies to allow access to computer resources for persons with disabilities. Common adaptive technologies include programs that read or describe the information on the screen, programs that enlarge or change the color of screen information, and special pointing or input devices. Some modifications can be as simple as raising a computer desk and as elaborate as an eye-coordinated input device. These “electronic curb-cuts” - a term that is borrowed from the curb-cuts in city sidewalks that improve wheelchair mobility – enable the disabled to use computers.
This year, CFPSA CEO, MGen Langton will be sponsoring the DND/CF/NPF International Day of Disabled Persons in the National Capital Region. Activities will be conducted in partnership with the Defence Advisory Group for Persons With Disabilities. The objective of this event is to raise awareness of challenges faced by persons with disabilities and the tools available to allow them to participate more fully in the workplace and in their communities.As Director Diversity and Equity I welcome your input and feedback. Your confidentiality is assured.
