[Nfbk] FW: Desire2Learn Attains National Federation of the Blind Nonvisual Accessibility Gold Level Web Certification

[Cathy]

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From: Freeh, Jessica [mailto:JFreeh at nfb.org]
Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 5:09 PM
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Subject: Desire2Learn Attains National Federation of the Blind Nonvisual
Accessibility Gold Level Web Certification


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen
John McLeod

Director of Public Relations
Director of Marketing
National Federation of the Blind
Desire2Learn

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330                                   (519)
772-0325, ext. 378

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
PR at Desire2Learn.com
cdanielsen at nfb.org





Desire2Learn Attains National Federation of the Blind
 Nonvisual Accessibility Gold Level Web Certification


Baltimore, Maryland/ Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario/Anaheim, California
(October 12, 2010): The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), one of the
world’s leading advocates for Internet access by blind Americans, and
Desire2Learn Incorporated (Desire2Learn), a leading provider of
mission-critical enterprise eLearning solutions, announced today that
Desire2Learn has been awarded the Gold Level NFB-NVA Certification for
Desire2Learn® Learning Suite 9.1.



Working with members of the technology community, the NFB has developed a
rigorous evaluation and testing procedure by which Web sites and
applications that have made special efforts to be accessible to the blind
can be identified and recognized.  Nonvisual accessibility (NVA)
certification, as defined in this process, means that screen access software
can obtain sufficient information from the Web application to enable the
blind user to:

§       Access information in narratives, databases, forms, charts, maps,
and essential information conveyed via graphical presentations without
visual assistance.

§       Complete transactions that have been identified as primary to the
application such as, but not limited to: buying merchandise, completing
forms, registering for activities, downloading information, communicating
with others, and participating in online educational programs.



Once the site or application has addressed all accessibility issues, it is
granted the right to display an NFB-NVA certification seal on its site.
Sites are continuously monitored to ensure that they remain compliant with
certification criteria.  If a site remains accessible, its certification is
renewed on an annual or a version basis.  Further information on the NFB-NVA
certification process can be found at www.nfb.org.


Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:
“The National Federation of the Blind commends Desire2Learn for ensuring
equal access to its platform and demonstrating a tangible commitment to
equal education for everyone.   If blind students are to succeed in the
modern education system, they must have access to the same technology that
is used by their sighted peers.  Desire2Learn incorporates that assurance in
its platform.”



With this certification, institutions have external verification of the
Desire2Learn commitment to accessibility.  Institutions with concern
ensuring legal obligations regarding accessibility are addressed within the
learning management system (LMS), can also reference this certification.



“We commend Desire2Learn for the extraordinary progress made in ensuring the
accessibility of its eLearning management application,” said Anne Taylor,
director of access technology for the NFB.  “We look forward to continuing
our collaboration with this forward-thinking company to advance equal access
to all aspects of online learning for the more than 100,000 blind students
across North America.”



Desire2Learn regularly tests its products with individuals with
disabilities.  These sessions aid in understanding and experiencing the
problems encountered.  The resulting design solutions are often those that
would not have been found through accessibility checkers alone.



“We are thrilled to have been honored with this significant award from the
NFB and thank the access technology team for their assistance in helping us
obtain this important certification,” said John Baker, President and CEO of
Desire2Learn.  “At Desire2Learn we share our clients’ goal of providing
equal and inclusive learning opportunities to all individuals.  We work
closely with our clients to develop comprehensive solutions that are
flexible to the individual needs of institutions, instructors and students.
Accessibility is not a checklist at Desire2Learn; it is a deep,
long-standing and ongoing commitment to empower and engage all individuals
in their learning goals.”



Compliance and exceptions with state laws and international standards, such
as early adoption of ARIA markup, are reported openly so decision makers and
content creators have the information they need to work effectively with
their instructors and students.



Baker continued: “Desire2Learn is appreciative of all opportunities to learn
from and work with such groups as the NFB.  We look forward to continuing to
build a strong partnership with the NFB as we collaborate to ensure we
persist in our proactive approach to going well beyond minimum standards.
Desire2Learn’s attention to accessibility breaks down barriers to education
and improves human potential.  It is an organization-wide mandate to support
accessible, inclusive education and is a critical element in all our
research and development efforts.  We are committed to ensuring we are the
industry leader in this very important field.”



Desire2Learn and NFB are providing a hands-on accessibility presentation at
EDUCAUSE on Wednesday, October 13 at 11:30 a.m. PT.  Details of the workshop
can be found at www.desire2learn.com/educause.  Representatives from NFB,
along with Desire2Learn accessibility experts, will be available at the
Desire2Learn booth (#1525) at EDUCAUSE this week.



Visit www.Desire2Learn/Access, call 1.888.772.0325 or email
Info at Desire2Learn.com for further information about the ongoing Desire2Learn
commitment to address accessibility in all aspects of its products and
services.  To learn more about the National Federation of the Blind, please
visit www.nfb.org.





###





About the National Federation of the Blind

With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the
largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the
United States. The NFB improves blind people’s lives through advocacy,
education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and
self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and
the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004, the NFB opened the
National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and
training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.



About Desire2Learn Incorporated


Desire2Learn Incorporated is a world-leading provider of enterprise
eLearning solutions that enable institutions and other organizations to
create teaching and learning environments that reflect their vision, values,
goals, pedagogical approaches and branding.  Desire2Learn and its
subsidiaries support more than five million learners worldwide and clients
include higher education, K-12, as well as associations, government and
other leading organizations.  Founded in 1999, Desire2Learn is headquartered
in Kitchener, ON, Canada with personnel located in North America, the U.K.
and Australia.  For more information, visit: www.Desire2Learn.com, call
1.519.772.0325 or toll-free 1.888.772.0325 (within North America), +44
808.234.4235 (U.K. and Europe), 0.800.452.069 (New Zealand) and
1.800.656.210 (Australia).




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