Some of Our Parts

Chris Mikul’s captioning legacy

Chris Mikul was the Project Manager of Media Access Australia since its inception and has been an active advocate for better captioning, audio description (AD) and inclusion for nearly three decades. In his final interview before leaving the organisation, Chris shared some of his high points and talked openly about the challenges and issues that still remain, in order to improve the quality of captions and make AD more available.

5 simple ways you can dramatically improve your blog’s accessibility

Blogging encourages freedom of personal expression so it should be a right for anyone, regardless of disabilities or requirements, to have access to this vast pool of knowledge and community.  But what simple things can you do as a blogger, or a budding blogger, to make sure that your blog is accessible?  There are 5 simple ways that you can dramatically improve your blog’s accessibility.

E3 Gaming conference accessibility announcements

This year at the EA’s E3 Gaming Conference, a number of gaming companies and console producers announced their commitment to accessibility. We provide a roundup of some of the accessibility focuses and advancements in the world of gaming.

Channel 4 seeks viewer feedback about its accessibility services

Channel 4 has created a survey to capture as much feedback as possible from people who view their programming with captions (subtitles in the UK), audio description, signing on TV, or on the station’s on-demand service.

Amazon launches new affordable, more accessible Kindles

Amazon has just launched a new range of Kindle ebook readers, starting at the affordable price of US$79. Best of all, they come with features that allow the Kindle to be accessible for Blind or vision-impaired users

Featured accessibility article

Benefits and ROI of accessible banking

Being able to access your finances and purchase goods and services when we want to is a basic right. This means that when it comes to banking, and paying for goods or services online, it is imperative that the service is accessible and inclusive for all.

Useful resource of the week

Learn WCAG 2.0 from the experts – online in 6 weeks. The PWCA course is Australia’s only university-accredited web accessibility certificate for web professionals. This certification will teach you the essential principles and techniques for achieving accessibility compliance. It will be invaluable for the future and will ensure that your communications and services inclusive for all. Learn more about the Professional Certificate in Web Accessibility (PWCA).

Disability Support Services is seeking volunteer student mentors as part of our Peer Mentor Program. Successful registered students who are willing to share their knowledge and experience are encouraged to apply. We also welcome applications from mature-age students.

The program matches students with a student mentor who is also registered with Disability Support Services for regular meetings throughout semester. Mentors provide support, encouragement and information to their mentee to assist them successfully navigate university life. This could mean attending university social events together, referral to appropriate Monash services, navigation around campus or simply having a chat over coffee.

Mentors are trained and supported by the Disability Support Services. Participants will receive a Certificate of Appreciation at the end of semester (note: a minimum of 6 mentor/mentee meetings is required to receive a certificate).

Why be a mentor?

Being a mentor can:

• Enhance your personal and professional development
• Add skills to your résumé to enhance employability
• Introduce you to new friends and social activities
• Increase your networking potential across the University

Peer mentors should:

• Be available to attend a 1-2 hour training and induction session
• Be able to meet with your mentee regularly for the duration of the semester (about once a week is recommended)
• Be able to provide the details of a referee upon request
• Have knowledge of Monash academic and social life

Please complete the online application form to register your interest in becoming a DSS Peer Mentor.

We will be in touch with further information before the beginning of semester. Participation in the program is obviously dependent upon finding a suitable student for you to be matched with.

If you have any questions about the program please contact Tom Perry on 03 9905 1354 or email thomas.perry@monash.edu.

Over the break, you may want to have a look at the Career Access Moodle space. This Moodle space is to provide extra careers information particularly for students with a disability, mental health condition or medical condition.

This resource has been developed by Career Connect and Disability Support Services.

Media Access Australia is Australia’s only independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to increasing web and digital access to media for people with a disability.

Their latest news:

New Zealand holds an inquiry into captioning
How the blind experience the internet
A demo of Microsoft Office 365’s new accessibility features
Election websites accessibility report – improving but still difficult to use
Audio description trial on iview ending soon