We were delighted, and honoured, to be announced as the runners up in the Access category in the Nominet Awards coming second to a very deserving Computer Aid International.
While it’s fantastic to be recognised for the work we’ve done, it could not have been achieved without the support of people of all disabilities working with us to help us better understand their needs, as well as our partners and customers; all of whom have contributed to raising the profile of accessibility both within the UK and internationally.
Nominet went looking for examples of British creativity and innovation in use of the Internet. They found a vibrant and thriving scene where a diverse spectrum of stakeholders tackled today’s challenges in innovative ways. We were delighted to receive such high quality entries, across all four categories. Many provided encouraging evidence of creative and determined
attempts to overcome obstacles, and demonstrated flexibility in providing adaptable solutions that delivered significant benefits for users.
Of RNIB specifically they said:
The RNIB has always held accessibility at the heart of its strategy and, over the past seven years since its inception, its Web Accessibility Team has achieved international recognition and respect. The team offers a wide range of services from research and development of web accessibility to provision of a commercial expert consultancy service that assists business to develop and maintain accessible web sites to recognised standards.
The RNIB has developed creative solutions to the challenges of making web sites accessible to the blind and partially sighted and striven to share these with others. Examples of these initiatives include its Web Access Centre, a free online resource about making web sites accessible that provides advice on current best practice, and its ‘Booksite’, an innovative web platform for delivering talking books, magazines and newspapers.
As well as these practical solutions, the RNIB’s entry demonstrated excellent proactive work with key stakeholders worldwide, with results that are far-reaching in terms of decision-making and standards setting. The judges commended RNIB for its ‘universal design for all’ message and
commented that RNIB has a record of undertaking solid hard work that is effective at both the policy and practical level.
JackP | 17/10/2007 at 13:23 | Permalink
Congratulations. It’s always nice to get some positive feedback, isn’t it?
For what it’s worth, you do all deserve an award; what the text you’ve quoted doesn’t seem to mention is the attitude you have: you’re always more than willing to help others, to offer advice, to answer queries and usually are shining examples of netiquette even when other people are disagreeing with you quite strongly.
You have my heartfelt congratulations on a well deserved almost-getting-an-award award. I understand that Computer Aid are indeed deserving, but I think you probably deserve an award all to yourselves anyway.
You can officially be my favourite charity web access team of the year 2007. I’m afraid there is no dinner or awards ceremony, though…
Rob Mason | 18/10/2007 at 8:40 | Permalink
Congrats guys, well deserved. On a personal note I always find your articles and research really useful. Keep up the good work and enjoy the celebrations.
Karl | 18/10/2007 at 13:33 | Permalink
I’m closer to London than Jack so I might stand a sushi lunch for a couple of you ;-)
Congratulations everyone, an extra round of job satisfaction for you all today!