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AIR-Austin 2008 – Promoting a second decade of accessibility

11th Annual AIR-Austin Winners Announced!

And the winners are:

Formula One:

Stock Car:

The Accessibility Internet Rally in Austin (AIR-Austin) is a unique, award-winning local program that has received national media coverage. AIR-Austin matches teams of Web designers and developers with non-profit organizations to build Web sites that are accessible for people with disabilities. This year, more than 100 professionals teamed up to create 15 accessible non-profit Web sites in one day of friendly competition.

Many elements of design make a Web site more accessible to people with disabilities, while at the same time enhancing functionality and visual elegance. The same techniques that help disabled users (including those who use assistive technology) also aid handheld and mobile users. Thanks to those of you who helped to prove this by participating this year.

Over the next few weeks, the sites made on Rally Day were judged on 36 criteria that determine their ease of use and best practices in Web design as well as design features that accommodate disabilities such as poor eyesight or color blindness.

The competition has two categories: Stock Car and Formula One. Stock Car sites are judged on basic accessibility, like text alternatives for pictures and the quality of link text (no, “click here,” please) while Formula One entries are also judged on advanced technologies like multimedia, data tables, Flash and scripted applications.

For more information on how the sites are judged visit the Judging Form and FAQ page.

Since 1997, AIR-Austin has produced more than 300 accessible Web sites for non-profits including a wide range of community groups, schools and assistance programs.

A Note from Teenya, AIR Program Manager

I want to thank all of you for a job well done during this year's program. I would like you all to know how much we appreciate all that you do for Knowbility and the people we serve.

The awards ceremony held on November 12, at the Holiday Inn on Town Lake was a fantabulous success – thanks in no small part to each of you who helped to make AIR-Austin 2008 possible.

To all the presenters, the Advisory Board Members and the Knowbility Board of Directors: Thank you for helping guide me through difficulties and for always stepping in when you are most needed.

To our volunteers: You are lifesavers! Without you I would not look half as organized as people think I am... Thank you.

To all the teams and non-profits who participated this year: You rock! Without your dedication, energy and enthusiasm, Knowbility's AIR Program would not exist. You are the people who keep us alive and we love you all!

In closing, I would like to invite you to see all of the Sites Created during the AIR-Austin 2008 rally and learn more about the teams and organizations that created them.

Teenya Franklin
AIR-Austin Program Manager