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Funka


Updated no 1 - 2021
 

News from Funka
Swedol logo heart Funka logo. Illustration

Swedol chooses accessibility - for the benefit of their customers

Even though only public sector organisations are covered by the EU-regulations so far, still more commercial companies strive for increased accessibility nowadays. These organisations chose to work with accessibility because they know it makes business sense.

A laptop, a light bulb and a hand making V-signs. Illustration

Free webinars: Research and Innovation

We are happy to share our knowledge and we love to get questions about accessibility. You get the chance to learn new things and be inspired. Attend our Friday webinars - it's completely free!

EU symbol, a ring of stars. Illustration

Funka in a new strategic assignment: Review of the Web Accessibility Directive

How does the European accessibility regulations work – should something change? That is what Funka is going to investigate, on behalf of the European Commission.

A book and a judge's hammer. Illustration

Norway one step closer to the Web Accessibility Directive

This spring, the Norwegian Parliament will vote on the introduction of the EU Web Accessibility Directive into Norwegian law. This will give our neighboring country the same requirements and rules, which benefits both users and the industry.

A person in a wheelchair using a tablet. Photo

Take care of the expertise of the users

In a new EU-funded research project, Funka focuses on users' experiences of accessibility. We develop methods and training so that users with disabilities can contribute in a positive way to increased accessibility.

Inera logo heart Funka logo. Illustration

Inera and Funka are working together towards increased accessibility

Many of our customers choose to bring in Funka's experts as a kind of independent third party to ensure that the requirements for accessibility are met. Others chose a more collaborative approach.

A person using a smartphone and face recognition. Photo / Illustration

When new technology supports the users

Funka's Chief Research and Innovation Officer Susanna Laurin on technology that really provide support but still make people wonder.

Three questions
Christer Janzon. Photo

Three questions to Christer Janzon, front end developer and accessibility expert at Funka

You have recently certified yourself as a WAS. Why is it important for you to become certified?

It is a way to prove my knowledge and it also makes it easier to know at what level I should talk about accessibility. If I meet someone who has a WAS certification from IAAP and who is already in the accessibility industry, the conversation will be more detailed.

Have you noticed an increase in demand for certification in accessibility?

In the customer contacts I have, I notice that some people are very familiar with IAAP and their various certifications. This type of customer feels reassured when getting help from a certified consultant and is more than happy to see their internal developers certified. I get more surprised when I talk to project managers or developers who have some type of accessibility responsibility within their organisation and who have not heard of certifications.

As I see it, within a few years certification will be a matter of course and perhaps even a requirement in procurements.

What do you think is the most exciting thing in the field of accessibility right now?

It is obvious: that so much is being invested in accessibility now, which is a big difference from just a few years ago. I have to say that I think it will be exciting to see how web agencies, authorities and municipalities will handle this in the slightly longer term. There are so many people who have been given responsibility for the organisation's accessibility over the past year and who have too large knowledge gaps. I hope that they want to increase and spread awareness and competence on accessibility within their teams and really walk the talk. Too many are only focusing on fixing the accessibility statement right now.

CPACC-certification - Preparatory training courses

WAS-certification - Preparatory training courses

International Association of Accessibility Professionals: IAAP

Other news
Simon Wheatcroft running. Photo

Wearable tech helps blind runner compete in ultramarathons

Wheatcroft was the first blind person to attempt to run the race by himself. Usually, blind runners compete tethered to a sighted running guide. But instead, Wheatcroft wore a Wayband on his wrist -- a device that uses super-precise GPS to direct the wearer with small vibrations.

An elderly and a young person. Photo

Dementia design can enable people to live in their own homes

Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) report on dementia-related design and the built environment.

A person in a wheelchair using a hand warmer. Photo

Students design wheelchair hand warmer

Aiming to enhance lives, a team of University of Manitoba biomedical students has produced autonomous designs - including a wheelchair hand warmer for those living with muscular dystrophy.


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