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IDEAS 2006, "Best conference ever!"
For immediate release
(804) 749-8646
info@tecaccess.net
Rockville, VA - November 20, 2006-- "It was the best IDEAS conference ever," stated Ken Nakata enthusiastically. Nakata is the Director of Disability Initiatives and Government Compliance at BayFirst Solutions, and was one of the 850-plus attendees at this year´s Interagency Disability Educational Awareness Showcase (IDEAS) held November 13 and 14, 2006.
"Kudos to TecAccess for pulling it all together and making it a success! It was well-attended, and the audience seemed delighted with the thoughtful and informative presentations," explained Nakata.
TecAccess, a worldwide leader in Section 508 compliance and electronic and information technology (E&IT) accessibility solutions, was honored to produce this year´s IDEAS event in conjunction with PostNewsweek Tech Media. IDEAS is an educational conference and technology showcase focused on Sections 501, 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act: specifically targeting the critical Education, Policy and Technology initiatives facing the government community.
"This year´s exciting conference saw an overwhelming attendance, which certainly speaks to the wide array of high caliber presentations that were offered," said Lois Rude, Senior Vice President at TecAccess. Rude, who was influential in the organizing of IDEAS for many years, explains that presenters and attendees traveled this year from across the country to hear industry and government leading experts address testing approaches to determine Section 508 compliance for websites and E&IT applications.
Examples of the most popular breakout sessions included "State of Section 508," an informative look at how the Commonwealth of Virginia has recently adopted the Virginia Information Technology Accessibility Standard, which is based on the existing Federal Section 508 Standards. Developed by the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA), the standard provides state agencies and schools with accessibility requirements for the procurement, development or maintenance of any electronic and information technology products and services. This session, which was moderated by TecAccess founder Debra Ruh, discussed how the Commonwealth is successfully implementing these standards and leading as a "Best Practice." Panelists also included Deborah Buck, Executive Director of the Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) and Eric Perkins, Virginia Information Technologies Agency.
Ruh also announced a ground-breaking pilot program during the IDEAS festivities, which includes training Virginia´s veterans with disabilities to not only work in the high-tech accessibility field, but to also assist the Commonwealth in meeting its accessibility goals and requirements as outlined by the new Virginia IT Accessibility Standard. "This is a true win-win," Ruh explained to the IDEAS audience.
About IDEAS
Beginning in 1987, The Interagency Disability Educational Showcase (IDEAS) has been a cornerstone event with the federal government regarding E&IT, accessibility laws and regulations, and current accessibility issues. IDEAS will hold sessions on workforce accommodations and policy updates, as well as information pertaining to how states are handling accessibility issues, emerging technologies, and Section 508. To learn more about the IDEAS exhibition and conferences, visit IDEAS 508 at: www.ideas508.com
About TecAccess
TecAccess is the most awarded risk management and accessibility consultancy in the world. TecAccess turns potential risks into a marketplace advantage through leading accessibility services and products. With a focus on Section 508 compliance, TecAccess makes Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) accessible to the world´s largest and fastest growing demographic - people with disabilities. TecAccess is a certified Woman-Owned and SBA certified 8(a) and Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB).
For further information about TecAccess, please call: (804) 749-8646, e-mail info@tecaccess.net, or visit our website at www.TecAccess.net.
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