Inclusive IT - Web accessibility and usability solutions
Inclusive IT® is the registered trading name for e-bility's Internet consultancy services. We chose it because it reflects our commitment to designing sites that everyone can access.
e-bility Pty Ltd was incorporated in July 1998 and is an Australian Government Endorsed Supplier. We were an early adopter of web accessibility which is the core business of our company and our work in this area led to us being awarded the Hornsby Council 1999 Access Award (in recognition of an initiative that benefits people with a disability). In 2000 we were also selected as a Semi-Finalist in the Australian Internet Awards.
Since e-bility's inception we have worked with federal, state and local government agencies assisting them to meet government online requirements, as well as commercial and not-for-profit organisations. This has involved:
- user testing by people with disability and typical users
- predictive reviews informed by principles, guidelines, standards and heuristics for accessibility and usability
- accessible web site design
- web accessibility training, documentation and support
Relevant experience
Online accessibility is about making web site content available to and usable by people with disability. To be effective in this role it is necessary to have an understanding of the different disabilities, assistive technology options and human factors of psychology, as well as related web standards and technical considerations.
The Managing Director, Sandra Vassallo, brings to your project an understanding of the technical skills required in designing accessible web sites combined with practical experience of enabling technologies and user-centred design gained from over twenty years working in the disability field as an occupational therapist, service provider, executive manager and director on several boards for disability/assistive technology organisations. Sandra is accredited with OT AUSTRALIA and has achieved certification under the International Webmaster's Association in web technologies and programming. She was an active member of the Internet Industry Association Web Accessibility Taskforce and contributed to the IIA Accessibility Web Action Plan. She is also a 1990 Churchill Fellow and in 1992 was awarded the inaugural Mt Eliza/Sydney Rotary Management Scholarship. Recently she completed master's level studies in human computer interaction, with a focus on web usability and accessibility.
The e-bility team includes people with disability who are experienced users of assistive technology and the Internet. These individuals can provide specialist skills in testing for barriers to access using screen readers and other access devices.
Our clients
Optimising your web site for accessibility has many advantages. e-bility's clients include organisations, businesses, educational institutions and government departments seeking an inclusive customer focused approach to delivering their services and products over the Internet. Some of the organisations we have worked with are:
- IDEAS Information on Education & Awareness Services
- Disability WA
- Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
- National Archives Australia
- Parliament of NSW
- NSW Department of Commerce
- Macquarie University, Equal Employment Opportunity
- University of Tasmania
- Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET)
- Regional Disability Liaison Officer and Disability Coordination Officer (RDLO/DCO) Online
- University of Ballarat, Equity Grant Project (WebCT)
- University of Wollongong
- Australian Local Government Association
- Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities
- South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment (SPEVI)
- Australian Braille Authority (ABA)
- Queensland Braille Writers Association (QBWA)
- Innovative Communication Programming
- ICP Online (eClasses)
- Centrelink
- DisAbility Advisory Council Victoria
- Premier's Department, Public Employment Office (EEO Expert)
- Yooralla
- OT AUSTRALIA
- Independent Living Centre Western Australia
- Access Noosa
- Access Aware
- Families Supporting Families
- Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
- GTK Rehab
- Disabled Equipment Solutions
- Wheelabout
- Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Society
- Spectrum Educational Consulting
The Internet is for everyone - or is it?
People with disability comprise over 19% of the Australian population (ABS 1998) and are likely to be a part of every customer segment. Designing an accessible web site therefore makes good business sense - it is also a legal requirement under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992). Other benefits include forward compatibility with emerging technologies, reduced maintenance, and cross-browser compatibility.
e-bility's web site is a popular destination site for people with disability, their families, carers and health professionals. The site is a practical example of how to apply the principles of accessibility and currently receives around 21,000 unique visitors (48,000 hits) a month.
Additional resources on "usable accessibility" can be found at:
- Accessibility Info: accessibility testing and features on e-bility.com
- Accessibility Links: designing for a more accessible world.
Articles
- Making a difference: Reflections on using the Disability Discrimination Act
- Linux accessibility: Open source screen readers for people with vision impairment
- Accessibility tips & tricks: Unlocking the Web
- Enabling the Internet: for people with dyslexia
- Assistive Technology: Technology: Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday
- Reducing AT abandonment: Principles for AT selection and recommendation
- Search engines: Optimisation and accessibility
- Voice recognition: A new way of thinking
- Online advantage: Moving from the bricks and mortar world to the online world
- Measuring success: The importance of assistive technology outcomes
- Cooinda Computer Club: Personal empowerment and freedom of expression
- Literacy online: Literacy, web accessibility and WordCue
- Adaptive computer training: CPRF School
- Telecommunications equipment: New technological options
- Enhancing Internet access: Internet training access system
Web accessibility consultancy
If you would like your site reviewed for accessibility and usability or need assistance in designing and maintaining your organisation's web site, please contact us for more information about our services.
We have done repeat work with many clients, who are happy to provide references if requested.
QNet
e-Bility also operates a website known as Quintessential NET or QNet for short. The service is a web space available to e-Bility Inclusive IT's clients for a variety of short and longer term projects or applications with a focus on web standards and universal design. Projects include: eCourses, online HR application forms, mailing list tools and accessible web surveys used by a variety of small businesses, associations and organisations in the disability sector. Most hosted services on QNet are available to the organisation's members only and require a login.
Energy Today
e-Bility is a co-founder of Energy Today, an accessible news and information website about Australian energy and environmentally friendly alternatives, including the W3Green carbon offset website initiative.
Our own websites are carbon offset through W3Green with certified abatement certificates from genuine greenhouse friendly abatement activities.
e-Bility's office is also powered by 100% renewable energy, accredited under the National GreenPower Accreditation Program.