The move comes in the run-up to the December 2012 deadline of the Federal Government's Web Accessibility National Transition Strategy (NTS) that requires all Federal Government agencies and third-party providers to government to make their online content accessible to people who have a disability by complying with international accessibility guidelines.
Access IQ promises to be "a comprehensive hub for web accessibility resources...[that] will provide practical how-to information and guidance from industry experts worldwide to assist web professionals in ensuring their work meets national accessibility standards."
Media Access Australia managing director, Alex Varley, said: "The National Transition Strategy offers a clear mandate to web professionals to make accessibility a core consideration in every digital experience. However, comprehensive practical resources on how to go about this process have been so far lacking.
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He added: "It is our hope and intention that Access iQ will help government agencies deliver the NTS faster and, in turn, extend its principles beyond government websites and into the broader sphere...
"One of the mythologies about accessibility is that it some major task you have to go through. If you do it from the start it is just part of the normal process of web development. But if you have to go back and retrofit, it will cost you a lot of money."
Access iQ will offer a broad range of accessibility resources including case studies, checklists, coding samples, online tutorials and solutions forums. According to Media Access Australia, "The majority of Access iQ's content is independently contributed by industry experts and professionals internationally, offering up-to-date perspectives on web accessibility with global applicability."
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