24th Dec: Final Day at Media Access Australia
The 24th December draws to a close three months of project work at Media Access Australia. I have been fortunate to work with Dr Scott Hollier, Alex Varley and all the team who dedicate themselves to the important goal of making media accessible to all. I have learnt a lot, most of which can be found in the post ‘A Social Twist in the Modern Day Gold Rush‘. One thing is for sure, I will now have a new approach to all media, web and development projects I undertake from here on in.
I also hope, in some small way, that I have been able to contribute to the cause. During my time I have been afforded the opportunity to prepare and publish a comprehensive ‘Social Media Accessibility Review‘ and ‘Social Media Access Guide‘ that has been cited across across the W3C, ABC, Australian radio, New Matilda and Online Opinion. We have also introduced social media tools across all activities of the business directly resulting in site visits increasing by 40%. I also look forward to seeing a number of new products being launched by MAA in the new year that I was pleased to support with investigative research and design work.
Thanks again to all the team, and as I leave my desk I will leave you with one final pause for thought.
“When I think about social media I tend to think about social spaces. Think about your local park, for example, and everyone you expect to see there. People walking their dog, mothers picnicking with their children, grandfathers feeding the ducks, and teenage romance blossoming under the apple tree. What you don’t expect to see is a gate that restricts entrance to those with a vision, hearing or physical impairment. The park is open to all. Social media should be no different, and as it gradually usurps the social function played by the park, coffee house or the town square – the gate must be open to all.”
