In August 11, 2006, after accepting the mandate of establishing a web accessibility adhoc group from the Philippine government, a team of web designers assembled together and adopted the name Philippine Web Accessibility Group or simply PWAG. We are a non-profit, government registered, association of web designers and advocates of web accessibility based in the Philippines.
Our mission is to "teach and promote web accessibility in the Philippines as a method of making information accessible to all including persons with disabilities (PWD)."
If you are a Filipino web designer/developer, advocate or simply want to learn how to make your web site accessible to everyone, we invite you to join PWAG for FREE.
The CSS training and workshop that PWAG pioneer Rey Mendoza conducted at National Computer Center from June 19-20 was successful thanks to the assistance of National Computer Center, National Council on Disability Affairs and PWAG.
Special mention goes for Ma'am Grace Amberong and Ms. Lanie Arminio of NCC, Ma'am Nelia De Jesus of NCDA and PWAG president Jojo Esposa. More than 15 participants attended and they were also very interactive. They asked a lot of questions which signified their interest.
Participants came all the way from Bacolod (Rebie Relator c/o Cataract Foundation), Aringay, La Union (Elvira Pajo), Bicol University (Jose Michael Appan) and from Phil Rice Institute in Nueva Ecija (Marlon Velayo and Arturo Arocena Jr.). There were also attendees from RCPI (Francis Leif Albacite, Rico Jay Villanueva, Reymar Fadriquela and Maurice Banaag), Ace Tech. Inc. (Brenn Cemanes), Philippine General Hospital (Dr. Darius Del Rosario), Manila Christian Computer Institute for the Deaf (Jefferson Cortez), NCDA (Dandy Victa), a student (Kim Selorio) and three personnel representing NCC.
Web Accessibility was promoted by Jojo Esposa and all participants were willing to be part of the solution after his talk, meaning they all want to make their sites aceessible after they learned about it. There will be more projects from PWAG so watch and read this e-group as we are looking to go to Cebu and conduct more trainings around the country.
Photos are available at Rey's Picasa website
Last June 17, PWAG president Jojo Esposa was invited by ATRIEV to attend a meeting in their office and to meet with guests from Malaysia and Vietnam. Mr. Silatul Rahim Bin Dahman, a top ranking official and an ICT Department Manager of Malaysian Association for the Blind was there to meet us together with another visually impaired leader from Vietnam, Mr. Phuc Hoai Dang, Director, Assistive Technology Expert for the Blind.
They were here to follow up from the recent workshops they had in Malaysia regarding web accessibility where Des and Julius attended. Here are what they told us during the meeting that would surely make PWAG proud:
PWAG in partnership with National Computer Center and National Council on Disability Affairs will be holding its first ever training on Cascading Style Sheets (Basic and Advanced) on June 19 and 20 (Thursday and Friday) from 8:00 in the morning up to 5:00 in the afternoon at the NCC Building, UP Diliman Compound, Quezon City.
Main lecturer will be Mr. Rey Mendoza, a PWAG pioneer and former web designer of DLSU and UST. He has been invited to lecture in many workshops related to web development and designs. Mr. Jojo Esposa will have a two-hour lecture on overview of web accessibility.
Workshop fee is Php4,000. Only 15 slots are available since this is a hands on activity. The "Basic Web Accessibility Guide for Filipinos" book will be distributed for free. Updates, maps, course outline and program details are available at - http://www.reymendoza.com/csstraining.php and you may contact him through mobile: 0927 9385210 and landline: 357 9573 • 850 6261.
After six years of deliberation and almost a year after its signing, the Philippines became the 23rd country that ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
This landmark event will have a simultaneous worldwide celebration on May 12, 2008 at UN Headquarters in New York City. For its part, the Philippines will also have a prayer and walk for unity on May 12 from 7:00 am - 12:00 pm at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Autism Society of the Philippines President, Erlinda Koe, was adjudged to be the emcee of the unity walk. Captain Oscar Taleon will be the in-charge of events security and together with Lauro Purcil, he will help for a courtesy call with Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary, Alberto Romulo. Sorongon will also help in security marshals. The organizers will also invite the SM Bands to add color and music to the walk. Carmen Zubiaga and Joy Garcia will make a miniature of wheelchair as a token for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. A program will also be held at Worshops and symposium will also be scheduled after the grand celebration.
We invite everyone to come and support this activity. Philippine Web Accessibility Group is one with the PWD community in celebrating this momentous ocassion. We encourage our fellow web designers, bloggers, members of the media, academe and their friends to share this news and promote this activity.
As part of their thesis work, twenty four deaf students representing the graduating batch of Manila Christian Computer Institute for the Deaf attended in the yearly seminar-workshop on Web Accessibility held last April 2 and 3 conducted by Jojo I. Esposa Jr. and Sir Ervin R. Reyes at MCCID Lecture Hall.
The students then used the lessons they acquired for the web sites that they have created this summer. They have completed the design work and added accessibility features on the following non-profit organizations:
This activity is the students' way of helping empower these non-government organizations by having their web presence so that they may be able to reach out to potential donors and financial supporters. Four sites will have their own paid webhosting accounts while the rest will be hosted for free by MCCID Online.
Then last April 14, the graduating class presented their finished work to the officials and staff of National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA formerly NCWDP) led by Deputy Executive Director Mateo Lee and Technical Cooperation Center Chief Ms. Nelia De Jesus. Certificates were given to the successful participants with no less than NCDA Chairperson Mrs. Lovely Rosie Romulo attached her signature. She also paid for the snacks for all the students and NCDA staff.
After learning from the seminar-workshop attended by MCCID in 2004 at Tagaytay City, the school incorporated web accessibility on the www.mccid.edu.ph and at the same time include accessibility features in the websites that they will create for free to their selected institutions. The book "Basic Web Accessibility Guide for Filipinos" was the main resource material used. Selected websites that passed the evaluation of Philippine Web Accessibility Group was also presented as samples.
Accessites.org, the website honoring web designers that "meticulously and lovingly build artful yet accessible websites", presents the Official Website of Arielle B. Cruz the "Notable Universal Design Award".
Team Access, the group of well-known web designers/developers that form Accessites led by Mike Cherim commented that "The Arielle B. Cruz site is solidly built in terms of clean/well structured markup, strong semantics, accessibility enhancements and a clear purpose as to what the site has to offer. In addition, it has some effective JavaScript handling that takes enabling and disabling into account as well as a graceful way of displaying regardless of how the site is being viewed."
The website of Arielle Cruz is the second among the Filipino designed website that passed the very high web accessibility standard set by Accessites.org. The first one is the Official Website of Philippine Web Accessibility Group. Arielle is PWAG's Internal Auditor.
Visit their complete comments and permanent link of abcruz.com here.
The National Computer Center and the Philippine Web Accessibility Group will be giving out for the first time, a special award for the most accessible Web site among the e-LGU entries during the 10th Philippine Web Awards to be staged on November 23 at the Teatrino, Promenade, Greenhills.
As a start, the group decides to use the minimum criteria set by PWAG Maturity Stage 1 Checkpoints. The selected judges from PWAG are: Lourdes Borgonia, Lemuel Cabia, Jojo Esposa, Rey Mendoza and Ma'am Grace Amberong.
It is hoped that by next year, web accessibility will form part of the overall criteria in evaluating award winning websites. For more information, visit their news article at http://www.philippinewebawards.com/newsroom.asp?n=23
A whole-day seminar on Digital Accessible Information System or DAISY was held at the Manila Hotel last September 5, 2007.
The seminar introduces DAISY standards and Digital Talking Books (DTB). Mr. Hiroshi Kawamura, Chairman DAISY Consortium and Project Manager for Daisy for All was the main speaker. Mr. Monthian Buntan, President - Thailand Association of the Blind also gave a demonstration.
A traditional talking book is an analog representation of a print publication. A Digital Talking Book (DTB) is a multimedia representation of a print publication. In both instances the rendering of the audio is in human voice. This is very useful specially to the visually impaired and with learning disabilities.
Among those who presented include: NCWDP Executive Director Atty. Dulfie Tobias-Shalim, Ms. Lanie Arminio, Information Systems Analyst - NCC and PWAG member and Ms. Rebecca Arabain, Supervisor, PPHB-Department of Education. A group of librarians also attended. NCWDP was also represented by Mr. Dandy Victa and Ma'am Nelia De Jesus while Ma'am Eva Neri and Grace Amberong heads the NCC group. PWAG was represented by Jojo Esposa. The activity was spearheaded by Resources for the Blind through Mr. Randy W. Weisser Executive Director and Ms. Mayette Regala.
PWAG attended the formal launching of www.withnews.org, Internet News for the Disabled and the Poor, last August 28, 2007at Max's Restaurant, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City.
Its chairman, Dr. Hong Sung Wook gave the inspirational message. Mr. Choi, Eun Young is the Executive Director and Dr. Jose PM Cunanan is the Editor.
Withnews.org is a joint project of Withnews Philippines and Center for Asian Mission for the Poor (CAMP). Withnews is the internet media which preaches the Gospel and Love of God. It was established in Korea in 2002, and makes a hard effort to establish the rights of the minority and the disabled, for them to live together with non- handicapped people.
PWAG was represented by Mr. Jojo Esposa and another deaf member Glenn Ortega. The book "Basic Web Accessibility Guide for Filipinos" was also introduced to the audience who are mostly from the Persons with Disabilities sector.
As an offshoot of the successful staging of Baguio City Workshop on Accessible ICT held last February, focal persons for Persons with Disabilities of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 1 held an "E-Accessibility Forum" last July 20 at Zigzag Hotel, San Fernando City, La Union. The activity coincides with the Philippine celebration of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week (July 19 - 23, 2007).
PWAG Board Member and NCWDP Assistant TCC Chief Dandy Victa was the special guest speaker. He emphasized on the ICT tools and facilities that can now be used by the disabled persons. NCWDP particularly the Philippine Web Accessibility Group are enforcing and encouraging LGUs, NGOs and government associations to add accessibility features in their websites. The forum was attended by government web designers, provincial DSWD representatives and other government and non-government organizations.
Also in this event, the book "Basic Web Accessibility Guide for Filipinos" was launched. Many participants are interested to buy copies of the book.
Region 1 was the first group from Baguio workshop that implemented their commitments for accessible ICT. Ms. Virginia T. Sessay, Region 1 Focal Person for PWD spearheaded the activity. A plaque of recognition was given to her by PWAG and NCWDP.
Continue reading DSWD Region 1 Press Release.
The 102 page book "Web Accessibility Guide for Filipinos" is now officially published and copyrighted. This is one of the crowning achievements of PWAG. Some of the articles there are in the PWAG website and Yahoogroup but most of the contents are new.
The book contains definition of web accessibility, types of assistive devices available, laws affecting disability in the Philippines, statistics of Filipino PWDs and Filipino Internet user statistics. It also details the history of web accessibility initiatives in the Philippines from 2003 up to the present.
The book also lists down the basic manual accessibility checklist and detailed description on how to comply with Manila ICT Design Recommendations as well as PWAG Maturity Stages 1 and 2. It also features accessible websites from House of Representatives, Dela Salle University, Arielle Cruz Website, Manila Christian Computer Institute for the Deaf, Vision Office, National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons and Emilio Aguinaldo Colleges.
The book is sold for P250 each. Proceeds will go to PWAG funds. Special thanks to MCCID for shouldering the printing expenses. For details on how to buy this book, please email us info@pwag.org or call us at Tel. Nos. 02412-9447. The book will soon be available in National Bookstore.
PWAG Evaluating Team has certified accessible the Official Website of Cebu City Government. Cebu City web development team headed by Engr. Conrado A. Ordesta III - MICS Asst. Department Head renovated their website to conform with PWAG's Web Design Accessibility Recommendations Maturity Stage 1.
Sir Tads was one of the officials who organized the Philippine Webmasters' Interface on Accessible ICT for PWD held at Mango Park Hotel, Cebu City from May 16 - 18, 2006.
By designing an accessible site, Cebu City Government is now an official institutional member of Philippine Web Accessibility Group. Congratulations Sir Tads and welcome to PWAG family!
Continue reading about "cebucity.gov.ph".
Regular ICT Sub-committee Meeting was held at the residence of it's chairman, Sir Noli Agcaoili of Nova Foundation. Those who attended include a representative from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Sir Lauro Purcil from Special Education Division of Department of Education, Capt. Oscar Taleon of Akap-Pinoy, Ms. Nelia De Jesus and Rene Angat of NCWDP and Jojo Esposa of PWAG.
Agenda of the meeting includes the Creation of Online Registry for Persons with Disabilities in the Philippines and offering free medical transcriptions and call center training for visually and orthopedically challenged persons through TESDA's PGMA Scholarship Program. PWAG for its part, presented its accomplishments from January to May of this year as well as other future plan of activities.
PWAG is the newest member of NCWDP's Sub-committee on Information and Communications Technology.
Great news for our PWD brothers and sisters! Republic Act No. 9442, an act amending RA 7277, otherwise known as the "Magna Carta for Disabled Persons and for other Purposes" was signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last April 30, 2007.
Highlight of the amendments is the treatment of disabled persons similar to senior citizens. A PWD can now be entitled of:20% discount from all establishments like hotels, restaurants, etc.; 20% discount on admission fees charged by theaters, concert halls, amusements, etc.; 20% discount for purchase of medicines in all drugstores; 20% discount on medical and dental services; 20% discount on fare for domestic air and sea travel; 20% discount in public railways, bus, etc.; educational assistance through scholarships, books, etc.; discounts in special purchases; provision of express lanes in all commercial and govt. establishments; and additional tax incentives.
Another important provision in the Amendment is the act of making fun, mockery and contemptuous imitating them (public ridicule) due to their impairments. These also include slanderous, abusive statements and inciting hatred.
Penalty for these violations are: P50,000 or imprisonment of six months - 1st offense; P100,000 or imprisonment of six years - subsequent violations.
Read the complete RA 9442 law here.
PWAG Evaluating Team has certified accessible Blinding-light.com web site. Designer Miko Reznor renovated her web site to conform with PWAG's Web Design Accessibility Recommendations. Blinding-light.com offers free web layouts, Photoshop brushes, a variety of graphics and coding tutorials.
By designing an accessible site, Miko is now an official member and the first under the newly registered Philippine Web Accessibility Group. Congratulations Miko and welcome to PWAG family!
Continue reading about "blinding-light.com".
Another great news for PWAG!!!
Infotech Support Provider, Inc., a premier Information Technology Outsourcing company which is based in Metro Manila, gave Philippine Web Accessibility Group free 500 megabytes of webhosting for two years. Based on the company's rate of Php500/month, that's Php12,000 (US$260) savings for PWAG!
This donation was quietly given to PWAG by its co-owner and newly invited PWAG e-group member Kernan Butalid Motoomull. In his personal email, Kernan said "We want to keep this private and we do not intend to get anything in return (no link exchange or any promotions). This is our way to give something back to the community especially to our impaired brothers and sisters." However, PWAG core team decides to announce the gift to everyone as our way of expressing our appreciation.
Techsupport.ph provides cost effective Information Technology (I.T.) products and services to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). Aside from that, Kernan is also the Enterprise Applications Manager of www.asp.com.ph and Co-owner of www.1pesohosting.com, another webhosting company. In behalf of PWAG Board, thank you very much for your donation.
Great news for all PWAG members especially web designers and developers!!!
TurfSite Computing, Inc., one of the premier webhosting company in the Philippines owned by newly joined PWAG e-group member Robert DC. Reyes, offered 20% discount across all webhosting plans valid for new accounts, renewals and transfers. Aside from that, the company also offers 10% discount on domain name registrations, renewals and transfers of all top-level domains.
Reyes also made an additional offer of 35% discount for members who were able to design websites that follow PWAG's Web Design Accessibility Recommendations.
This means a 100MB webspace with 2.0GB bandwidth and unlimited POP3 which is offered at Php1,500/year (US$32.6) will only be offered as Php1,200/year or a Php300 discount! That's great value for your money. For accessible web designers, that's Php975/year or a Php525 discount!
Bob gave this wonderful offer as his gift to support the group and to entice members to make their websites accessible to everyone. PWAG will be using this offer as one of its perks in joining the group. Simply inform their Sales Department at (+63) 916.320.1513 that you are from PWAG and with proper verification, your discount is automatically deducted from your account.
TurfSite Computing, Inc. was established on 08 November 2003.It aims to give top-notch quality webhosting services to the average Filipino. They have evolved from a home-based business to an emerging name in the Internet Presence Provider business in the Philippines. They specialize in RedHat Linux Server website hosting and domain name registration services.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved Philippine Web Accessibility Group, Incorporated as a non-stock, non-profit corporation based on the submitted Articles of Incorporation and By-laws.
SEC has issued PWAG a Registration No. CN200707035 and company Tax Identification Number of 006-726-164 given last May 8, 2007. The data appears on the Certificate of Incorporation.
With this certificate, SEC has granted PWAG a judicial personality as a corporation and not just a loose community. Based on it's approved objectives, PWAG is also allowed by the Philippine government to transact business, receive membership fees, accept donations, endowments, grants, legacies and instruments/devices conformable with existing applicable statutes. Expect more worthwhile activities and an even stronger advocacy campaign to come from the group.
The certificate was issued by Mr. Benito A. Cataran, SEC Director for Company Registration and Monitoring Department.
Go to the "About Us" link to view our updated objectives.
Accessites.org, the website that "showcases and provides awards-recognition for certain websites and designers that shatter the misconception that accessible web sites are boring and basic" wrote an informative article introducing the Philippine Web Accessibility Group.
The website features the group's mission, objectives and recent accomplishments. This is another feather in PWAG's cap. Being recognized by an international group belonging to the top sites on web accessibility such as Accessites.org is truly an honor and our advocacy to be heard by the rest of the world. Again, thank you very much for this wonderful recognition Team Access!
View the complete article link from Accessites.org here.
One of the major accessibility concerns of persons with disabilities is the inclusion of closed captions in any video format. Under the PWAG Web Design Accessibility Recommendations, it states that users must provide transcriptions for all audio and video clips. This is very useful especially for the deaf and hard of hearing people.
With this in mind, PWAG created demo of digital video files using the three most popular formats; Windows Media Video (.wmv) of Microsoft, Movie File (.mov) of Apple Quicktime and MPEG-4 (.mp4) of RealPlayer.
Continue reading "Sample of Closed Captioned Video Formats"
Accessites.org, the website honoring web designers that "meticulously and lovingly build artful yet accessible websites", presents the First Edition Official Website of Philippine Web Accessibility Group the "Notable Universal Design Award".
Team Access, the group of well-known web designers/developers that form Accessites led by Mike Cherim commented that "The Philippine Web Accessibility Group site proves to be a solidly built and easily navigable site. Great attention has been paid to making the site accessible with clean markup, a breadcrumb trail and extended image descriptions."
Started in 2005, Accessites has been giving recognition to websites that combine both accessibility and artistry. Web designs must pass through their very rigid minimum criteria in order to be evaluated like, among others; the use of table-less layout, valid CSS, passing the WCAG 1.0 Priority 1, functional even with images and CSS are disabled, color contrasts, "Strict" doctype, fluid layout and semantically correct elements, original design and of course it must look great.
Visit their complete comments and permanent link of PWAG here.
