e-learning standards

The Commonwealth Government’s Govt 2 task force produced a report, called Engage: Getting on with Government 2.0   http://www.finance.gov.au/publications/gov20taskforcereport/index.html , which was published by the Chairman, Nicholas Gruen, on 22 December 2009.

The recommendations on Accessibility could be read IMHO to water down the normal mandatory requirements to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.  

See the Accessibility recommendations at (#9, p xxi – xxii), especially 9.1.2 :

9.1 Significant cultural change is needed to enable greater support for the adoption of

accessible Web 2.0 tools, collaboration and online community engagement activities, and

PSI delivery projects. The taskforce therefore recommends that:

9.1.1 agency compliance with the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content

Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as the minimum accessibility level for all online

community engagement and online PSI provision is required. Data provided on the

primary PSI site, data.gov.au, should be provided in full compliance with WCAG

 9.1.2  where an agency is considering a Web 2.0 project where strict compliance with

WCAG accessibility guidelines risks preventing a project from proceeding, AGIMO will

provide guidance on options to facilitate maximum access for people with disabilities

 9.1.3 where an agency elects to proceed with a project that is not fully compliant they

must publish an online statement explaining site accessibility, together with an

outline of where and why it does not meet a specific WCAG guideline, and what

alternative options for accessible access were considered or are provided and plans

for compliance within a reasonable timeframe

 9.1.4 a central register of accessibility compliance statements should be maintained on

data.gov.au

 9.1.5 in consultation with relevant agencies, the lead agency should establish awards

for agencies that recognise outstanding practice in the application of accessibility

principles and guidelines to Government 2.0 tools to improve agency interactions

with citizens, business and community groups.

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•  Any comments on your reading of the Accessibility Recommendations, especially 9.1.2?