iT4Communities is running a series of workshops in partnership with AbilityNet, a national charity that provides independent advice and information on all aspects making ICT accessible for people with a disability or limiting condition. These workshops will give you a practical overview of the key issues and how to address them. The workshops will also provide you with background into UK law and current guidelines and focus on practical solutions. You will be introduced to tools aimed at making IT technology more accessibility amongst disabled people and assist you in testing website. Accessibility technology and good practice is a key skill for all IT Professionals and this an excellent opportunity for iT4C volunteers to acquire it at no cost apart from your time. Web Accessibility Workshop: 07 September 2006 Venue: Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisations (GMCVO) Address: St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green North, Manchester, M12 6FZ Directions: to GMCVO Venue Telephone number : 0161 277 1010 Time: 13.15hrs - 17.00hrs Programme for the Day 13.00    Registration and coffee 13.15  Introduction An overview of the session 13.20 Accessibility – Setting the Scene What do we mean by accessibility? Why it is important? What does the law say? 13.35 Who does it affect and why?  – An overview of the range of disabilities that have issues with web and the access technology they use 14.25   Web Accessibility – the key issues - Explained in plain English, looking at site examples and talking through the recommended solutions 15.25   Break 15.45 Testing tools and techniques for Web Accessibility Practical overview of the free tools you can use to test for accessibility including the demo version of the Jaws screen reader and the AIS accessibility Toolbar and introduction to an accessibility checklist 16.05 Key issues for editors and web content providers Accessibility and writing for the web 16.30 A strategic approach to web accessibility Including a framework for an accessibility policy and working with external agencies 16.30 Conclusion and questions 17.00 Close   There will be two more events to be held later in the year and early next year; dates and venues still to be confirmed. We are also looking for venues outside London which are easily accessible. So, if you have a venue which you think we may use or know an organisation willing to host us, we would really appreciate it. For more information and to register your interest, please contact us on info@iT4Communities.org.uk  or Telephone  020 7796 2144  or complete this Application Form and email it to: the above email address or post it to Administrator, Accessibility Training, iT4Communities, 45 Beech St London, EC2Y 8AD