Below you will find a list of experts in the area of disabled people and ICT. The people on this list should be individuals that understand the challenges faced by disabled people. If you want to be included on the list, see our contact page.
Gill Adams, Digital Unite
Field of expertise: Digital Inclusion
Profile: We're a company that specialises in working with people who risk not being able to take advantage of modern technology, for any reason. Many of our clients are older people and some have disabilities. We work through a network of specially trained, gentle, friendly, empathic trainers. As part of their continuous professional development, they are trained in the kind of accessibility functions of computers that can help people with various impairments, particularly visual. Some of our trainers are experts in these fields and they teach the others.
We work with residents in sheltered accommodation throughout the UK and actively seek to partner with housing providers and funders in order to make these programmes free to the end-user.
The Foundry
156 Blackfriars Rd
London
SE1 8EN
UK
gill.adams@digitalunite.net
Telephone: 0870 241 5091
Geoff Adams-Spink, BBC.
Field of expertise: Assistive technology and visual impairment
Profile: Advanced computer user and having 6 x 60 low vision. Familiar with Dragon Naturally Speaking, Zoomtext, etc. A working journalist and experienced website tester.
Room 1252
BBC White City
201 Wood Lane
London
W12 7TS
UK
geoff.adams-spink@bbc.co.uk
Telephone: 077 1189 8787
David Attwell, Rehabilitation Engineering Section
Field of expertise: Communications Aids
Profile: Clinical Engineer in Rehabiliation Engineering
Provided CLinical Lead in setting up Multidisciplinary Communication Aid Team in East Kent under the CAP project.
Department Quality System Manager for ISO 9001 Quality Management System
Medical Physics Department
Kent & Canterbury Hospital
Ethelbert Road
Canterbury
CT1 3NG
UK
david.attwell@ekht.nhs.uk
Telephone: 01227 864067
Jane Bache, Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability
Field of expertise: Computer Access & AAC in Neuro-disability
Profile: Assistive Technologist working at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, which offers assessment, treatment and ongoing care to adults who have profound disability as a result of neurological damage or disease. Specialising in alternative computer access and AAC. Also leading on the use of computers as a therpeutic treatment medium.
West Hill
Putney
SW15 3SW
UK
jbache@rhn.org.uk
Telephone: 020 8780 4500 Ext: 5107
David Banes, AbilityNet
Field of expertise: ICT accessibility, web accessibility, personal solutions
Profile: I am the Director of Operations for AbilityNet. We can offer a range of services and expertise including assessments of individuals, audits of websites and software for DDA compliance, consultancy to business and organisations on access issues, and can supply kits and training related to all of the above.
We work across sectors and all age groups.
Our current initiatives include designing and building AAA websites, online learning materials for healthy computer use, and the developmnet of models of remote assessment - for any further details do not hesitate to conatct me.
40 Windsor St
Wolverton
Milton Keynes
MK12 5AU
UK
david.banes@abilitynet.org.uk
Telephone: 01908 314736
Fax: 0870 160 6824
Michael Burks and Cynthia Waddell, ICDRI
Field of expertise: Accessible Design of ICT
Profile: The International Center for Disability Resources on the Internet (ICDRI) provides expetise on global accessibility for electronic and information technology, our Executive Director, Cynthia D. Waddell, JD, brings her national and international expertise in law, policy and technology to this area of expertise. Other staff members bring expertise in this field as well.
5212 Covington Bend Dr.
27613 Raleigh, NC
USA
icdri@icdri.org
Telephone: 919 349 6661
Fax: 919 870 8788
Catriona Campbell, Foviance (The Usability Company & Webabcus)
Field of expertise: Usability & Accessibility - online media
Profile: Catriona was voted one of the Top 50 most influential people in the Internet Industry by Internet Magazine (2002) and Top 100 individuals to be recognised for contribution to the development of the internet over the last 10 years by NopWorld & E-Consultancy (2004).
Catriona has a background in Psychology and Human Computer Interaction, and has worked at BP, General Electric and Barclays Plc. She was a founding board member of the Usability Professionals Association in the UK, and is Vice President of the British Computer Society's HCI Executive Committee. She was one of two Usability Experts assisting the E-Envoy's office produce the "Web Quality Framework". And has just assisted the BBC produce their internal Usability & Accessibility Guidelines for children's interactive programming.
She is on a variety of judging panels for new media awards e.g. New Media Age Effectiveness Awards and Netimperative Awards.
She is on the Interacting with Computers Special Editorial board, and conducts reviews in this specialist field for a number of educational publishers. She lectures on the subject of new media usability at a number of conferences and educational institutions including the Institute of Direct Marketing. She is a Prince of Wales Trust mentor assisting young people set up businesses, and she mentors HCI students still in education.
14 Bonhill St
London
EC2A 4BX
UK
catriona.campbell@foviance.com
Telephone: 07970 025 126
Kevin Carey, humanITy
Field of expertise: e-Inclusion and convergence with special ref to e-Accessibility
Profile: Kevin Carey is the founder Director of humanITy, a UK based Charity (1059921) founded in 1997 to focus on ICT and social inclusion. He is an Adviser to the EU, OEE, DfES, DWP and DCMS, Member of the OFCOM Content Board and was Rapporteur of INCOM (Inclusive Communication). He is an Hon. Fellow at City University's Centre for Human/Computer Interaction Design, Chairman of the Stakeholder Group and Adviser to the Cybrarian/MyGuide Project, and team member of the Openings Project at FutureLab, Bristol. His work spans Government, industry, academia and civil society and connects R&D with policy formulation. He is a regular Columnist for MANAGING INFORMATION and ABILITY MAGAZINE and provides technical advice to RNIB and RNID. He is a frequent university lecturer, conference speaker and broadcaster. He is Vice Chairman of RNIB and a founder member of the World Wide Web Consortium's Web Accessibility Initiative.
108 High Street
Hurstpierpoint
West Sussex
Hassocks
BN6 9PX
UK
humanity@atlas.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 1273 834321
Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet
Field of expertise: Website and software accessibility
Profile: After taking a degree in Engineering at Cambridge and working as an IT Instructor for the RNIB, Robin became a founder member of AbilityNet which was formed in 1998. He is also a member of the Guild of Accessible Web Designers.
Robin now leads AbilityNet's globally acclaimed team in the auditing and design of web sites to ensure they are easy to use and accessible for the broadest group possible.
Despite being blind Robin uses a computer very effectively, relying on speech output to access the full range of mainstream software including e-mail and the internet, and knows first-hand of the importance of good practice in web design.
Current projects Robin is involved in include managing AbilityNet's on-going State of the eNation reports and the new See it Right: UseAbility logo which combines the popular existing RNIB SiR accreditation with disabled user testing.
AbilityNet Central England
PO Box 94
Warwick
CV34 5WS
UK
accessibility@abilitynet.org.uk
Telephone: 01926 465599
Fax: 01926 407425
Textphone: 01926 312847
Helen Dashwood, Middlesex Association for the Blind
Field of expertise: Visually Impaired issues using computer technology
Profile: The loss or deterioration of your sight can have a major effect on a person's life. However, using today's technology people who experience difficulties with their sight can still use computers to link them to the outside world. With the support of our trainers, and using adaptive technology, clients learn, or re-learn, basic ICT skills including word processing; how to scan and read printed text; and to use e-mail and access the Internet. We have been delivering ICT training to visually impaired people since 1999. Many of our tutors are themselves visually impaired and a number are qualified teachers. Our training (and other support services that MAB offers) is available across the nine london boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Enfield, Ealing, Haringey, Harrow, Hounslow, Hillingdon and Richmond. All our tutors are volunteers who receive an induction, visual awareness training, and complete our "train the trainer" programme to prepare them for teaching visually impaired students.
Raebarn House
Greater London
HA2 0YJ
UK
helen@aftb.org.uk
Telephone: 020 8423 5141
Manuel Enrãquez Denton
, Sobell Department
Field of expertise: Neuroscience Regeneration Plasticity Motor Control
Profile: Working with leading researchers in Physiology of the spinal cord, here in UCL Institute of Neurology have the commitment of understanding the Neurophysiology of the CNS and how it changes under different circumstances, either functional or after an insult. These are most relevant if they help us to assess its changes and adaptations following injury. This information could be then used in the development of therapies that lead to functional recovery, either by regeneration and reinnervation, or by the propper plasticity of the central nervous system. I am certain we will reach such objectives by testing several approaches and techniques from different disciplines, thus networking with other research and interest groups is a must.
UCL Institute of Neurology
Queen Square
London
WC1N 3BG
UK
mdenton@ion.ucl.ac.uk
Telephone: +447714759293
Samantha Denyer, Sense National deafblind and Rubella Charity.
Field of expertise: Technology for Deafblind people
Profile: Technology Advisory Officer, providing information and advice about technology to deafblind people their families and professionals.
Sense
11-13 Clifton Terrace
Finsbury Park
London
N4 3SR
UK
technology@sense.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7561 3403
Fax: 020 7272 6012
Textphone: 020 7561 3403
Tina Detheridge, Widgit Software
Field of expertise: Symbols to support literacy and access to information
Profile: Tina Detheridge is a director of Widgit Software. She has been involved for over 20 years in developing ICT for people with learning difficlties, especially in the use of symbols to support literacy. As well as creating software in a number of languages, Widgit Software is committed ot providing ICT solutins to assist access to information through on-line services in many countries.
Tina has also managed many ICT development projects and been involved in policy development through work with various organisations.
124 Cambridge Science Park
Milton Road
Cambridge
CB4 0ZS
UK
tina@widgit.com
Telephone: 01223 425558
Fax: 01926 885293
Vanessa Donnelly, IBM UK Ltd
Field of expertise: People centred design and Universal Usability
Profile: Vanessa Donnelly is a User Experience Managing Consultant within the IBM Usability and Accessibility Competency Centre. During her 17 years working in the area of design within IBM, Vanessa has experienced all the main stages within the web and application development cycle. She regularly gives lectures on usability and accessibility at Universities and conferences, and sits on the IBM Ease of Access steering council. Recently Vanessa was part of the steering group for the BSI PAS 78 Guide to good practice in commissioning accessible websites, and sat on the Internet panel at the UK Presidency of the EU eAccessibility event in October 2005.
PO Box 31
Birmingham Road
Warwick
CV31 5JL
UK
vanessa@uk.ibm.com
Telephone: 01926 464877
E.A. Draffan, EmpTech
Field of expertise: Assistive Technology
Profile: E.A. trained as a Speech and Language Therapist working with those who have communication difficulties whilst specialising in assistive technology. She has since worked with disabled students in Further and Higher Education, set up an Assistive Technology Centre and trained assessors and auditors for this sector. E.A. now provides staff development and consultancy in the use of assistive technologies and accessible e-learning materials within educational settings. She maintains an on-line database of assistive technologies whilst also collaborating with a research group at the University of Manchester.
The Old Rectory
Rackham
Pulborough
RH20 2EU
UK
ea@emptech.info
Telephone: 07976 289103
Sara Dunn, Sara Dunn Associates
Field of expertise: Strategic planning for inclusive communications
Profile: 15 years experience as a publishing consultant, including print and digital media. Advisor to Disability Rights Commission on inclusive publishing; research on inclusive e-learning for EU, and for UK HE Academy. Specialist expertise in health, social care, further and higher education sectors.
1a Summerhouse rd
London
N16 0NA
UK
sara@saradunn-associates.net
Telephone: 020 7241 4448
Fax: 020 7254 4485
Dr Richard Eastgate, VIRART, University of Nottingham
Field of expertise: ICT usability expert
Profile: I have experience of designing and evaluating software and technology for use by a wide range of users including the elderly, children, and people with a wide range of disabilities and special needs. This experience was gained through a large number of research projects carried out at the University of Nottingham since 1991.
VIRART
School M3
University of Nottingham
University Park
Nottingham
NG7 2RD
UK
virart@gmail.com
Telephone: +44 (0) 115 951 4040
Fax: +44 (0) 115 846 6771
Matthew Eaton, MicroAngelo Web Development
Field of expertise: Web Accessibility
Profile: MicroAngelo (www.MicroAngelo.co.uk) build highly accessible, usable websites, and also offer accessibility audits, consultancy and give presentations on Web Accessibility to both the private and public sectors.
3 Lawhyre
Rashleigh Lane
Fowey
Cornwall
PL23 1HP
UK
matt.eaton@microangelo.co.uk
Telephone: 0870 005 2080
Fax: 0870 005 2080
Andrew Entecott, Cambridge OnLine / ICT Hub Accessibility Champion
Field of expertise: Assistive Technology
Profile: Andrew Entecott is Chief Executive of Cambridge OnLine, and East Region Accessibility Champion for the ICT Hub. He has a background in social work, special needs housing, management, and computer tuition. He has a special interest in mental health issues. He has lived in Cambridge since 1983 working for a number of different voluntary and statutory organisations.
Cambridge OnLine specialises in providing one-to-one ICT assessment and training for people living with a disability.
Hester Adrian Centre
Hawthorn Way
Cambridge
CB4 1AX
UK
andrew@cambridgeonline.org.uk
Telephone: 0845 458 0192
Fax: 01223 362845
Tracy Godding, Interesource
Field of expertise: Usability and accessibility
Profile: Head of User Experience with Interesource a digital media agency. Overseeing the gathering of user requirements and usability testing of websites and products. Company accessibility champion.
Ten years experience as a web designer and accessibility consultant.
Accessibility blogger - http://www.priority4.com
50 - 52 Paul Street
London
E5 0LE
UK
tracy.godding@interesource.com
Telephone: 0207 613 8227
Amanda Hames, Equipmentdirect.org.uk
Field of expertise: Accessible Websites
Profile: The Hampshire Coalition of Disabled People (HCODP) is an umbrella organisation for many groups of Disabled People (that is groups controlled by Disabled People).
The fact of HCODP, and its member organisations, being controlled by Disabled People, is crucial to our endorsement of the Social Model of disability.
This is centred around the impairment and disability distinction and the idea of disability being socially created, we maintain that Disabled People are not a 'problem' - rather that the 'problem' is the way society is organised. Disabled People are people, like anyone else.
We aim to raise their profile, particularly in relation to issues directly affecting their lives.
Equipmentdirect.org.uk (launching Summer 2006)is a web based service that proves this aim.
9-19 Rose Road
Southampton
SO14 6TE
UK
ahames@equipmentdirect.org.uk
Telephone: 0845 1221 454
Fax: 023 8020 2652
Cheryl Hamilton, Wings To Fly UK
Field of expertise: One to one computer and internet training for the terrified.
Profile: I have founded this company with those who can't, won't or don't get out to take traditional IT courses. I can and do deliver training to adults either within an exisisting IT suite, such as a community centre, drop in centre, etc. I can and do also take one to one training directly to the individual learner by taking a laptop and portable printer to the learner's home for each training session. Each session is a natural progression and at the leearner's own pace and ability level and tailored to meet individual needs.
24 Pavilion Terrace
Burnhope
County Durham
DH7 0DN
UK
Wingstoflyuk@aol.com
Telephone: 077 6445 3247
Jonathan Hassell, BBC
Field of expertise: Accessibility of websites, eLearning materials
Profile: Dr Jonathan Hassell, Accessibility Editor, BBC digital curriculum
Since commissioning a report into the accessibility of bbc.co.uk in 2002 (made available to the industry in Feb 2003) Jonathan Hassell has driven the Web Accessibility Strategy for bbc.co.uk.
As part of that strategy, with help from AbilityNet, he produced and rolled-out a BBC Accessibility Awareness Course to over 250 new media production staff, and headed the BBC Accessibility Working Group which researches and creates Accessibility standards for bbc.co.uk. He commissioned the new bbc.co.uk Accessibility Help site, has been part of the steering group for the PAS-78 Accessibility Commissioning Guidelines from the BSI, and has recently moved across to ensuring the accessibility of the BBC's huge eLearning project - BBC jam (formerly the digital curriculum).
Room 2316
BBC White City
201 Wood Lane
London
W12 7TR
UK
jonathan.hassell@bbc.co.uk
Telephone: 020 8752 4271
Stefan Haselwimmer, Usability Exchange
Field of expertise: Accessibility and Usability
Profile: According to recent guidelines on website accessibility, such as the BSI's PAS 78 document, testing a website with a range of disabled users is the best way to ensure a website is accessible. Finding disabled individuals to conduct user testing is, however, a time consuming process. Conductive effective user testing also requires time and resources. The Usability Exchange (www.usabilityexchange.com) tackles both problems by providing a simple, fast and cost-effective platform for conducting user-testing with a range of disabled users. Organisations receive high-quality responses from disabled users and can afford to run regular usability tests on their websites for the first time.
Cysleys Farm
Eastbourne Road
Uckfield
East Sussex
TN22 5QL
UK
stefan@usabilityexchange.com
Telephone: 01223 360060
John Lamb, Ability magazine
Field of expertise: Editor of magazine about IT for disabled people
2 Dairy Cottages
Wolterton
Norfolk
NR11 7LX
UK
jtlamb@onetel.com
James Johnson & Stephen Burke, Vortis Technologies Ltd
Field of expertise: Interferometric Array Antennas - Enables Hearing Aid Compatibility with Mobile Phones
Profile: Array Technology Start Up Company. Invited into the UK under DTI grant, supported by Scottish Enterprise High Growth Start-Up Unit in July, 2005 to launch the new antenna for mobile phones.
The Vortis is an antenna that reshapes the radiated signal(RF energy) in such a way that reduces the signal strength going toward the head and hearing aid. This reduction of energy actually reduces the interference sounds heard in most hearing aids caused by the digital pulses coming off the antenna of most conventional phone antennas. There are over one million people who could benefit from this technology in the UK due to the hearing aid interference mitigation and signal to noise clarity of this new, disruptive antenna technology. In addition, when the radiated signal to the head is reduced, signal loss is reduced increasing battery usage and coverage and distances are improved slightly.
Hillington Inovation Ctr
1 Ainslie Road
Hillington
Glasgow
Scotland
G52 4RU
UK
jim@thevortis.com
Telephone: 0141 585 6372
Fax: 0141 585 6301
Ian Litterick, iansyst Ltd (dyslexic.com)
Field of expertise: Technology and dyslexia
Profile: Ian is founder of iansyst who run the website http://www.dyslexic.com. It aims to be a comprehensive resource of technology based tools to help dyslexic and other people make the most of their abilities, and background information to help make informed choices. There is special emphasis on education from early literacy to University and Adult Education. It is particularly strong on computers and speech, both dictation systems and speech feedback. Ian also has a particular interest in disability and copyright issues.
Fen House
Fen Road
Cambridge
CB4 1UN
UK
ianl@dyslexic.com
Telephone: 01223 420101
Fax: 01223 426644
Richard MacQueen, Deaf Connections
Field of expertise: ICT Development Trainer
100 Norfolk Street
Glasgow
Scotland
G5 9EJ
UK
richard@deafconnections.co.uk
Telephone: 18002 0141 420 2818
Fax: 0141 420 6860
Textphone: 0141 420 2818
Alistair McNaught, JISC TechDis Service
Field of expertise: E-learning and accessibility
Profile: Taught in FE sector for 20 years, worked for Becta's FE team on developing e-learning to support wide range of learner needs. Currently working for TechDis as senior advisor - wrote or edited TechDis staff training packs, co-writing Accessibility Essentials series, supporting range of agencies and educational projects in post-16 education. Currently writing Senior Manager Accessibility Briefings for UK FE institutions.
Higher Education Academy
York Science Park
York
YO10 5BR
UK
alistair@techdis.ac.uk
Telephone: 078 7056 7659
Laura Muir, The Robert Gordon University
Field of expertise: Content-Prioritised Video for Sign Language Communication (PhD Research)
Profile: Video communication systems (video telephones and video conferencing systems) currently provide poor quality and performance for deaf people using sign language, particularly at low bit rates. Our research has included eye movement tracking of deaf people and analysis of visual attention mechanisms for sign language communication. The aim of our research is to prioritise important image content for deaf users to enable optimisation of video coding system performance. We have demonstrated the potential to develop content-prioritised coding schemes, based on viewing behaviour, which can reduce bandwidth requirements and provide best quality for the specific communication needs of the user. Our research has been published and a proof of concept funded project is currently taking this work forward.
Centre for Video Communications
The Robert Gordon University
Schoolhill
Aberdeen
AB10 7QE
UK
l.muir@rgu.ac.uk
Telephone: 01224 263853
Ruth Myers, TAG
Field of expertise: Electronic communications, but particularly broadcasting
70 Blacketts Wood Drive
Chorleywood
Rickmansworth
WD3 5QQ
UK
r.myers@merula.co.uk
Fax: 01923 283127
Della Osborne, Canonical, Ltd.
Field of expertise: LLN, ICT
Profile: Curriculum development worker at GNPN. We currently run ICT classes for the visually impaired and have strong inclusion policies which allow students with barriers to learning access and achieve academic and personal success.
City Works
Alfred Street
Gloucester
GL1 4DF
UK
della@gnpn.co.uk
Telephone: 01452 541295
Fax: 01452 541352
Henrik Nilsen Omma, Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Projects Network
Field of expertise: Assistive Technology on Linux
Profile: Ubuntu is a Linux-based operating environment for laptops, desktops, and servers. It is community developed, commercially supported and free of charge. Ubuntu includes the very best in translations and accessibility infrastructure that the Free Software community has to offer, to make Ubuntu usable by as many people as possible. The accessibility team works to improve and extend the assistive technology support. For more information, please check www.ubuntu.com.
35 Frenchay Road
Oxford
OX2 6TG
UK
henrik@canonical.com
Telephone: +44 1865 553668
Narendra Parmar, Leicestershire Centre For Integrated Living
Field of expertise: ICT for disabled people
Profile: As well as working at the Leicestershire Centre For Integrated Living (LCIL), I also work for the Leicester City Council. This is at many of their colleges and learning centres. Many of my students have disabilities and/or learning needs.
I started learning IT myself after sustaining a head injury. Now I can use my own experience of learning to help my students when I teach them IT skills. I have also helped to raise awareness of disabilities and the need to learn IT using available media options.
5-9 Upper Brown Street
Leicester
LE1 5TE
UK
naren501@hotmail.com
Telephone: 0116 2225005
Bill Pechey, Computency Limited
Field of expertise: Accessibility related to deafness
Profile: Long experience of telecommunication standardisation. Currently Rapporteur (chairman) of ITU-T group working on accessibility. Leader of UK delegation to ITU-T Study Group 16. Vice-chair and trustee of TAG (http://www.tagcomm.org.uk/). Trustee of Stagetext (http://www.stagetext.org/). Joint author of Ofcom study on alternative relay services. Writes a regular column in ITWeek magazine (http://www.itweek.co.uk/). For more details see company website (http://www.computency.co.uk/).
Jays Lodge
Crays Pond
Reading
RG8 7QG
UK
bpechey@computency.co.uk
Telephone: 01491 681236
Fax: 0870 432 1905
Textphone: 01491 682780
Matthew Pepper
Field of expertise: Communications Aids & Powered Chair Access
Profile: Head of Rehabilitation Engineering
Involved in posture management, specialised powered chair controls and communication aids.
Responsible for the development of a Rehabilitation Engineering Service in East kent.
Background in Electronic Engineering and Computing.
Medical Physics Department
Kent & Canterbury Hospital
Ethelbert Road
Canterbury
CT1 3NG
UK
matthew.pepper@ekht.nhs.uk
Telephone: 01227 864083
Gillian Price, University of Wales Aberystwyth
Field of expertise: ICT and Disability Matters
Profile: About 10 years ago I developed the Computing Advisory Service here at the University and was the service team leader. I have been involved in initiatives to introduce suitable hardware, software and enabling equipment/technologies into our central services and have been involved in disability matters for about as long. My current remit is Learning Technology Team Leader, and I am the CHEST software agreement site rep., and the disability officer for our large department.
Information Services
Penglais Campus
Llandinam Building
Aberystwyth
Wales
SY23 3DB
UK
gmp@aber.ac.uk
Telephone: 01970 622493
Fax: 01970 622455
Paul Ralph, First Digit Ltd
Field of expertise: Accessibility for visually impaired people
Profile: Providing support for the creation and testing of accessible web sites. Production of information in accessible formats such as braille, large print, audio and electronic text. Installation, operation and use of access software including, JAWS, ZoomText, braille embossing software, Dragon Dictation software and similar products. Development of custom built applications when off the shelf solutions don't offer an appropriate solution.
Conference House
152 Morrison Street
Edinburgh
EH3 8EB
UK
info@firstdigit.co.uk
Telephone: 013 1200 6032
Fax: 013 1200 6200
Ian Retson, Leicestershire County Council
Field of expertise: ICT for Disabled, Older People and their Carers
Profile: Leicestershire CareOnLine is a partnership, led by Leicestershire Social Services, includes Health and Voluntary organisations as well as members of the community. It helps isolated Older People, Disabled People and Carers experience how computers and the Internet can enhance their quality of life, independence and well-being.CareOnLine works with individuals who have difficulty leaving home and Community locations such as Sheltered Housing and Day Centres. We have trained 300 people in their own homes and given 2500 people the chance to experience the internet.
Room 317
County Hall
Glenfield
Leicester
LE3 8RL
UK
iretson@leics.gov.uk
Telephone: 0116 305 7352
Fax: 0116 305 8179
Tony Rucinski, University of Wales, Newport
Field of expertise: Employer, Registered Blind employee, Leadership
Profile: Director of Library and Information Services (including IT, media etc) - and the only registered blind person in this position within the UK HE sector. Also a guide dog owner.
PO Box 179
Caerleon
Newport
Gwent
Wales
NP18 3YG
UK
Tony.Rucinski@Newport.ac.uk
Telephone: 01633 432108
John Rudkin, Blackpool Council
Field of expertise: ICT, Education, Community
Profile: eCommunity Manager for Blackpool Council, Board Memeber Lancashire Digital Development Agency, Trustee of TheCademy, Moderator ADCE, Member of..
Leading in the creation of blueIRIS (disability solution @ www.blueiris.info), leading the development of Blackpool4Me (community solution @ www.blackpool4me)
Interested in Audio technologies, technologies of all kinds... and getting best fits with people's real needs.
Queens Chambers
16 Queen Street
Blackpool
FY1 1PD
UK
john.rudkin@blackpool.gov.uk
Telephone: 01253 478103
Peter Russell, Community Lives Consortium
Field of expertise: Learning disabilities
Profile: Supporting adults with learning disabilities to live in their own homes.
24 Walter Rd
Swansea
SA1 5NN
peter.russell@communitylives.co.uk
Telephone: 01792 646640
Rosie Sherry, Driven Systems
Field of expertise: QA and Software Testing
Profile: Principal QA and Software Testing consultant for Driven Systems. Rosie Sherry heads up the QA department known as DrivenQA, who focuses on core software testing services, including usability, accessibility, compatibility, functionality and automated testing.
www.getdriven.com
www.drivenqa.com
Tower Point
44 North Road
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 1YR
UK
rosie.sherry@getdriven.com
Telephone: 0845 0580 546
David Sinclair, Help the Aged
207-221 Pentonville Road
London
N1 9UZ
UK
david.sinclair@helptheaged.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7239 7562
Martyn Slyper, Adapt-IT
Field of expertise: Accessible computer equipment and software
Profile: Specialising in the area of accessible computing, Martyn advises day centres, special educational needs coordinators, health and safety offers and many other professionals as well as individuals on equipment and software suitable for their special needs.
His company also supplies equipments, software and services, including training to service the needs of these users.
Churchill House
Stirling Way
Borehamwood
Herts
WD6 2HP
UK
mslyper@adapt-it.org.uk
Telephone: 0845 644 1712
Fax: 0871 247 1207
Tom Stewart, System Concepts Ltd
Field of expertise: International standards in accessibility and usability
Profile: Tom has been active in British, European and International standards since 1983. In his spare time Tom chairs the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) - a charity which aims to integrate able and disabled people through the challenge of tall ship sailing and is President of the Ergonomics Society.
Tom's company offer independent consultancy and training in usability and accessibility, including expert reviews, testing, user research and user centred design.
2, Savoy Court
Strand
London
WC2R 0EZ
Telephone: 020 7240 3388
Andrew Taylor, Capability Scotland
Field of expertise: Virtual Youth Worker / Web Developer
Profile: I am a Virtual Youth Worker running a secure & moderated chatroom for children and young people with disabilities. This chatroom has various accesibility features and part of our remit is helping our users develop IT skills.
1/6 Appin Terrace
Edinburgh
Eh14 1nn
UK
Andy@Chatability.org.uk
Telephone: 079 7676 9630
Stephen Thompson, University of Wales, Newport
Field of expertise: Interaction Design
Profile: Stephen Thompson MA(rca) is an industrial and interaction designer and programme leader of MA Design. established his career working for a number of design consultancies in Britain and Germany establishing his own design practice before coming to Newport.
Steve's research and teaching extend many of the experimental ideas he has brought to design. He has been on the leading edge of design thinking from his time at the Royal College of Art and is widely recognised in his field as a provocative and sometimes controversial thinker who maintains a continually challenge to how designers understand the technological future we will share.
Steve's current research project explores how design can engage with emerging biotechnologies and how humans can incorporate technology seamlessly into their experience of being. Many of the worlds interaction designers have been taught by Steve and he continues to lead in the field of new interaction techniques.
University of Wales
Caerleon
Newport
Sth Wales
NP6 1YG
UK
stephen.thompson@newport.ac.uk
Telephone: 079 7471 2029
David Travis, Userfocus ltd
Field of expertise: Web accessibility
Profile: Userfocus is a specialist usability and accessibility consulting company based in London. Common to all our consulting services is direct observation of users. Direct observation allows us to provide an objective analysis of how technology is used in real life. Our clients are continually astonished at how this differs from the way they thought their products would be used.
211 Piccadilly
London
W1J 9HF
UK
david.travis@userfocus.co.uk
Telephone: 020 7917 9535
Zenda Trim, Gloucestershire Neighbourhood College
Field of expertise: Working with Visually Impaired Students & ICT
Profile: We currently run a workshop for VIP students. This is run by a blind tutor and support staff. So far we have about 14 students on our books, all benefitting from this workshop and using ICT at home. We also have a member of RNIB from their employment services who is at hand to help with any employment issues.
City Works
Alfred Street
Gloucester
Gloucestershire
GL1 2DF
UK
zenda.trim@tesco.net
Telephone: 01452 541395
Léonie Watson, Nomensa
Field of expertise: Accessibility
Profile: Léonie heads the Accessibility Research Programme at Nomensa, pioneering accessible design technology for the Internet. Léonie has participated as a delegate in international conferences, on the PAS78 review panel and was a co-author of the United Nations Global Audit of Web Accessibility. She is on the board of trustees for the British Computer Association for the Blind (BCAB).
Nomensa
King William House
13 Queens Square
Bristol
BS1 4NT
UK
lw@nomensa.com
Telephone: 0117 929 7333
James Watts, The Richmond Fellowship Scotland
Field of expertise: ICT Development
Profile: I am ICT development officer for TRFS. My job is to look for ways that we can support people with learning disabilities, mental health problems, aquired brain injury and who are older people to get involved in ICT. TRFS supports 1800 people in Scotland and has a staff of 2500. www.trfs.org.uk
jwatts@trfs.org.uk
Telephone: 077 3326 3325
Ian Westbrook, FutureDream Media Ltd
Field of expertise: web site interface design/architecture
Profile: I work in the new media industry as a User Experience Architect/Information Architect: as such I am very interested in keeping up-to-date with developments in the fields of usability and accessibility, and ensuring that the sites I design comply with best practise in those areas.
55 Bournemouth Road
Folkestone
CT195AZ
UK
ian@futuredream.net
Telephone: 07939 510 812
Frank Wilson, Interaction Design Ltd
Field of expertise: People-centred design and usability
Profile: Frank is an Ergonomist and Human Factors Engineer working in product and service development in a wide range of commercial and governmental areas. He was one of the initiators of the ISDAC initiative aimed to get people with disability involved in research and design as experts in the domains of interest. Frank has managed European collaborative projects supporting people dealing with mobility and hearing issues, and provides services to the European Commission in support of programme definition and review.
13 Stonehills House
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6NH
UK
fwilson@i-d.co.uk
Telephone: 01707 338 751
Malcolm Wright, ITV plc
Field of expertise: Provision of sign language access for all platforms
Profile: ITV SignPost is the UK's leading provider of on-screen sign language access for Deaf people. A multi-award winning bi-lingual company, part of ITV plc, we have developed the protocols and standards for streaming video in sign language on the Internet. Our site is recommended as a free educational resourrce by BECTA, hjas received awards and publicity worldwide and puts the UK at the cutting edge of harnessing the power of broadband to create real access for sign language users wherever they live.
Television House
The Watermark
Gateshead
NE11 9SZ
UK
malcolm.wright@itv.com
Telephone: 0191 404 8900
Fax: 0191 404 8970
Aejaz Zahid, Barnsley Hopsital
Field of expertise: Assistive Technology, ICT, Engineering
Profile: I have worked for over 8 years in the NHS designing Assistive Technology solutions for disabled persons, using both off-the-shelf technologies and bespoke systems. The main areas of my work are; access to ICT, environmental controls, electronic communication aids, specialist wheelchair controls and integrated systems.
Barnsley Hopsital
Assistive Technology Service
Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering
Gawber Road
Barnsley
S75 2EP
UK
Telephone: 01226-730000 x2159
Fax: 01226208159