ITSD promotes awareness of web accessibility
25 - 12 - 2000

The Information Technology Services Department (ITSD) is working actively to promote the awareness of enhancing the accessibility of Internet web pages to the information technology (IT) industry and the general public.

"The ITSD is concerned about enabling people with disabilities to share equal opportunities of browsing web pages to obtain information and services," said a spokesman for the ITSD today (December 25).

"From the business point of view, improving the accessibility of web pages helps companies to enlarge their customer base as their product information and services are easily accessed by people with disabilities or web surfers equipped with slower speed modems or less sophisticated browsers.

With a view to arousing the attention of the IT industry and web designers to the issue of web accessibility, the ITSD will organise a seminar on enhancing web accessibility for practising or amateur webmasters, web page designers, and interested people on 5 January 2001.

The topics to be discussed in the seminar include government initiatives to improve the accessibility of its homepages, technology that facilitates the accessing of web pages, design and technical implementation considerations in making web pages more accessible.

There will also be computer demonstrations to facilitate the understanding of web accessibility by the participants of the seminar.

To be held at Room 601, Phase I, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, from 2 pm to 5.30 pm on 5 January 2001, the seminar is free of charge and will be conducted in Cantonese.

Practising or amateur webmasters, web page designers, and people who are interested in the seminar can obtain more information and download the application form from the "Digital 21" Information Technology Strategy web site ( http://www.digital21.gov.hk/eng/events/0105seminar.html ), or call 2189 2568.

"Information on tips for improving accessibility of web pages has also been uploaded onto the 'Digital 21' web site," said the spokesman.

- END -