[Accessibility_sig] UT to shut down Accessibility Institute

Wed Aug 27 09:03:02 CDT 2008

All,

Here is what I have been able to gather from my communications with friends at the University of Texas.

1.    The Accessibility Institute at the University of  Texas will be closed effective August 29th 2008.

2.    Proposals to move the work to the College of Information and/or the College of Computer Science have not been accepted. Although those institutions are capable of conducting the research there are no specific funds, faculty, or researcher positions to support this work.

3.    The two primary researchers from the Accessibility Institute are no longer available.  The founder and Director, John Slatin, PhD passed away last spring and Kay Lewis, PhD has accepted another position.

4.    The University's IT department has few resources dedicated to accessibility.  Two systems analysts are assigned 15% of their time each to oversee accessibility for the University's 1M+ web pages.

It is very disappointing that the University has made this decision. The University of Texas has the stature, funding, reputation, and experience necessary to attract researchers and faculty needed to continue and build the Accessibility Institute.  All that the University's administration seems to lack is the interest.

The UT Accessibility Institute through Dr. Slatin was able to considerable influence on the development and implementation of accessibility standards world-wide.  This included the formation of the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative and the WCAG 1.0 and 2.0 as well as the US Access Board and the Section 508 standards. Although I have tremendous admiration and respect for John, I do not believe that he would have been as influential had his advocacy not been backed by the solid research conducted at the Institute and the prestige of the University of Texas. The loss of the UT Accessibility Institute is a loss for the University, the State of Texas, the nation, and the world.  Most importantly it is a loss for millions of disabled people who have benefited from the research, education, and advocacy that was conducted through the Institute.

The University runs promotional commercials during sports broadcasts where Walter Cronkite, speaks about the influence of the University. "The University of Texas, what starts here changes the world." This was certainly true of the Accessibility Institute. By closing the Institute, the University of Texas is signaling that accessibility is not a priority anymore.  I can only hope that this decision does not change the world.

Today I am ashamed of my alma mater.

Mike

From: Cornelius Chopin [mailto:support at richmediacs.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 7:52 PM
To: 'John Marostica'; 'McMillen,Node'; 'Cornelius Chopin'; Joe.Iagnemmo at tabc.state.tx.us; Moore, Michael; 'Sue Tedford at Roadrunner'
Subject: RE: [Accessibility_sig] UT to shut down Accessibility Institute

I would like to see more not less about accessibility and UT is a prime institute to do the R&D that most of us don't have the resources to do.  I hope they reconsider or at least make sure another department fills the gap.

Best regards,

Cornelius 

________________________________

From: John Marostica [mailto:john at marostica.org] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:48 PM
To: 'McMillen,Node'; 'Cornelius Chopin'; Joe.Iagnemmo at tabc.state.tx.us; 'Moore,Michael'; 'Sue Tedford at Roadrunner'
Subject: RE: [Accessibility_sig] UT to shut down Accessibility Institute

I have no problem expressing our concern about the closing of the Accessibility Institute. On the surface, it looks like a bad idea, but perhaps UT considers the AI a duplication of efforts; perhaps there are other UT organizations doing this work.

After all, UT is required by law, to make their websites accessible. 

I just don't know enough.

What does Michael say? 

What is Sue's stand on the issue?

What is  your opinion Cornelius; Joe; Node' ?

John Marostica

512/339-6455

john at marostica.org <mailto:john at marostica.org> 

________________________________

From: McMillen,Node [mailto:Node.McMillen at hhsc.state.tx.us] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:56 PM
To: John Marostica (john at marostica.org); Cornelius Chopin (cornelius at richmediacs.com); (Joe.Iagnemmo at tabc.state.tx.us); Moore,Michael; Sue Tedford at Roadrunner
Subject: FW: [Accessibility_sig] UT to shut down Accessibility Institute

Please take a look at the e-mail below.  Do we want to ask for a resolution from AAUG?  

My thinking is that when we do get someone new to work on webpages, they have never heard of accessibility.  It really should be taught as part of computer software training (at the very least, graduates should have heard of accessibility and have some idea of what it means before they come out in the world to look for jobs).  But that is just my opinion.  What do you think about a resolution or about just sending the following e-mail out to AAUG mail list with a caveat that AAUG doesn't take an official opinion and let everyone decide on their own.

OR...would you rather just ignore the whole thing.

Let me know.

Nodé McMillen, Ph.D. 
Learning Management System / Training Specialist 
Competency Training and Development 
Facility Support Services 
Health and Human Services Commission 
Telephone: 512-206-4527 
Fax: 512-206-5986 
E-mail: node.mcmillen at hhsc.state.tx.us 
Mail Code: 2059 
Visit our CTD Website <http://www2.hhsc.state.tx.us/655/supportsvcs/CTD/CTD_default.asp>  

________________________________

From: accessibility_sig-bounces at knowbility.org [mailto:accessibility_sig-bounces at knowbility.org] On Behalf Of Sharron Rush
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:42 PM
To: accessibility_sig at knowbility.org
Subject: [Accessibility_sig] UT to shut down Accessibility Institute

Since John Slatin died earlier this year, there has been some confusion at the University of Texas about what to do with John's work and if/how to keep the Accessibility Institute open.  Vicki Almstrum, John's faculty colleague from the Computer Science Department, was asked to step in last month to do a review of the status and make recommendations about how to go forward.  

Last week, Vicki was stunned to receive the email (included below) announcing the decision of the University to close the Institute, despite at least two offers to bring the work into other departments.  If you think this is a bad decision, as I do, please write to the Vice-Provost, Dr. Steve Monti and let him know. monti at mail.utexas.edu

Some of the reasons that occur to me are:
1.  Need for research based findings to support accessible design practice
2.  Opportunity for a world class institution like UT to serve as an example to other institutions.
3.  Place where emerging practices can be tested and modeled
4.  Contributions to international body of knowledge on inclusion
5.  Maintain thought leadership in Texas, easily disseminated to state agencies that have accessibility mandates
...and I am sure there are many other reasons that you can think of as well.

If you are so moved, please write and let the UT administration know that this community cares deeply about John Slatin's leadership role and that we urge UT to maintain and build upon John's work.

Thanks! 

On Aug 21, 2008, at 08:15, Stephen Monti wrote:

Dear Dr. Almstrum,

I write to confirm that the Provost Office has reached the decision to permanently close down the operation of the Accessibility Institute effective with the start of the fall 2008 semester.  It is my understanding that prior to her departure, Kay Lewis informed you and the student employees that all current Institute appointments end August 29, 2008 and we will continue on that schedule.  This Office will assume full custodial responsibility for all Institute records, etc. and I have asked Cheryl Kaufman to work with you on the necessary transition details.  You should take all appropriate steps to bring the activities of the Institute to a close by the end of August.

Thank you for your assistance during this transition.

Steve Monti

--

Stephen A. Monti

Executive Vice Provost

The University of Texas at Austin

Main Building 201

1 University Station - G 1000

Austin, Texas 78712-1111

Phone: 512-232-3306

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