Please note that the Pilot Initiative is now completed and that the following is provided as reference/background information only.

Government of Canada
Industry Canada
Community Engagement Guidelines Used for the Pilot Phase
Web 4 All Pilot Project

Public Internet access sites have had a tremendous impact on their communities. The reason for this is simple: public Internet access works because it meets real needs and helps bridge the digital divide.

We are, therefore, pleased to invite you to participate in an innovative Industry Canada pilot program that is aimed at reducing Internet barriers for persons with disabilities or low literacy levels. The goal of the pilot is to establish networks of sites across the country with public access computers equipped with an assistive technology called Web-4-All.

Developed by the University of Toronto's Assistive Technology Resource Centre, Web-4-All's "smart card" technology enables computers equipped with a Web-4-All system to adjust to individual user needs, such as having typefaces enlarged or text read aloud. This technology will benefit a wide range of individuals with challenges, from seniors with failing eyesight to people with limited movement or literacy abilities.

Web-4-All is the first technology in the world capable of automatically loading individual user preferences on shared computers. Without this Web- 4-All technology, setting up a computer for multiple users requires expertise and technology that is not always readily available. (See the attached document titled Web-4-All System Requirements for a list of components and requirements for operation at public Internet access sites.)

People previously unable to use computers can now access information and participate on-line. Web-4-All's unique "URL Storage Bin" further facilitates on-line connectivity by enabling local Web-4-All networks to establish a Web presence on the Internet complete with local links and announcements. Each user is supplied with a customizable personal links storage tool that permits access from any location: www.web-4-all.ca.

Everyone in your community has the right to participate in public programs and services provided by your facility. Introducing accessible technologies such as Web-4-All can assist public Internet access sites to successfully connect with all citizens and eliminate the digital divide in your community. To determine whether your network is eligible to receive free Web-4-All packages, review the attached document, Web-4-All Site Selection Criteria.

In order to assist you in better connecting your community and making it accessible to everyone, we are pleased to offer the enclosed Community Engagement Guidelines in multiple formats. Also enclosed is a Web-4-All Loan agreement that you are welcome to complete and return to the Web Accessibility Office at Industry Canada so that you may receive a Web-4-All package to begin building your network of accessible community Internet access sites.

To ensure that your network of accessible public Internet access sites is sustainable, we recommend that you involve local disability and literacy organizations. These groups can assist you in marketing the Web-4-All technology and in identifying other resources that could further enhance your network and site.

As well, you should consider involving other local Community Access Program (CAP) sites from surrounding areas.

Attached is a list of steps to follow to set up a Web-4-All network in your community.

Quick Facts - Steps for Establishing a Web-4-All Network

(More detailed information follows)

Step 1 - Establish a Local Web-4-All Advisory Group and Local Champion

• Contact public Internet access sites in your community and surrounding areas to see which ones might be interested in establishing a Web-4-All network.
• Hold a meeting involving those sites interested in hosting Web-4-All. One of the main objectives of this meeting is to secure support for the network, and to create a Local Advisory Group. A brief description of the Local Advisory Group's roles and responsibilities follows.
• A Local Champion, who is responsible for coordinating the placement of Web-4-All packages throughout the network, should also be selected. A brief description of the Local Champion's roles and responsibilities follows.

Step 2 - Local Advisory Group submits Web-4-All application to Industry Canada's Web Accessibility Office

• Once a Web-4-All network is established and a Local Champion is selected, your Local Advisory Group must submit a letter of application, based on the guidelines (see next page), to Industry Canada's Web Accessibility Office.
• If your application is successful, Industry Canada's Web Accessibility Office will ship the Web-4-All packages, including training materials and manuals, directly to each participating public Internet access site.

Application Guidelines

• Provide complete contact information for your Local Champion;
• Provide a list of your Local Advisory Group membership;
• Provide a summary of your first Local Advisory Group meeting;
• Review Site Selection Criteria and explain, in writing, how your network will meet the criteria;
• Indicate the number of Web-4-All systems required for your network, and provide the information required for each Web-4-All host site as listed in the document titled, "Host Site Contact Information";
• Indicate which proposed Web-4-All host sites already participate in Industry Canada's "Community Access Program";
• Indicate the language preferred for each system (French or English).

Web-4-All System Requirements

Web-4-All consists of a number of assistive technologies. The software components include:

• Opera, a plain-text browser;
• HomePage Reader, speech synthesis for the blind;
• eReader, multi-sensory input for learning disabilities, low literacy, and FSL (French as a Second Language)/ESL (English as a Second Language); and
• Visual Dynamic Keyboard, alternative keyboard inputs for those with manual dexterity limitations.

Web-4-All includes an external card reader, a supply of blank smart cards and a track ball, which replaces the mouse. Installation, support, and training documentation in alternate formats (braille, large print, audio tape, and plain e-text) are included as well.

The package runs on a Pentium III or better computer with a CD-ROM drive, sound card and speakers, at least 256 MB of memory, and Windows 2000.

Web-4-All Site Selection Criteria

Public Internet access sites hosting Web-4-All systems in pilot areas will be selected by Local Champions and/or Local Advisory Groups in each of the pilot areas using the following criteria:

Each host site must:

• be located within one of the approved community Web-4-all networks;
• be open to the public;
• have a computer running Windows 2000 with a large (19"+) monitor, speakers, and a CD-ROM;
• provide Internet access;
• provide barrier-free access to people with mobility challenges;
• be willing to participate in marketing events and assist in the evaluation process; and,
• be willing to organize and/or facilitate user training and technical support.

Local Web-4-All Advisory Group
Each Web-4-All pilot area will have a Local Advisory Group, identified by the Local Champion.

Terms of Reference
The Local Advisory Group is to be made up of volunteers who have expertise/ experience in the delivery of services or in representing Web-4-All's intended beneficiaries.

Local Advisory Group Members may or may not represent future Web-4-All host sites.

The Local Advisory Group will meet on an as needed basis throughout the pilots.

Work Plan The Local Advisory Group's role is to assist and advise Industry Canada on the following:

• Review, modify, and approve the site selection criteria for their area to be used to identify potential Web-4-All host sites.
• Review, modify, and approve the implementation schedule of Web-4-All host sites.
• Identify local resources that could be used to deploy Web-4-All technology and for training people on its use.
• Work with Industry Canada to hold a major launch of the pilot for the entire Web-4-all network in one central location. (Information on planning a launch with Industry Canada follows.)
• Assist with the evaluation of the pilots by identifying best practices and lessons learned in their pilot area.

Role of the Local Web-4-All Champion
Each Web-4-All pilot area will have a Local Champion, endorsed by Industry Canada. The role of the Champion is as follows:

• Assist Industry Canada in identifying Members for their respective Local Advisory Group;
• Facilitate the work of the Local Advisory Group. This may include hosting or arranging meeting space, relaying information from Industry Canada to the Members, and preparing brief reports of Local Advisory Group meetings. The Champion will also ensure that the Local Advisory Group meets on a timely basis (see Local Advisory Group Terms of Reference);
• Participate in conference calls with other Champions and Industry Canada;
• Assist in coordinating the training of local Web-4-All technical support and training resources;
• Assist the Local Advisory Group in coordinating launch events of the Web- 4-All pilot in their area in consultation with the Web Accessibility Office and the Communications Branch of Industry Canada. Please note, information on holding a launch event follows.

The Champion may be requested to assist Industry Canada in resolving Web-4- All deployment issues.

The Champion will assist Industry Canada in following up with Web-4-All host sites during the evaluation process. This could include helping to arrange focus group sessions or encouraging host site administrators to have on-line feedback forms completed. The Champion will ensure that each Web-4-All pilot host site has completed and returned the Web-4-All technology loans agreement.

Planning a Network launch of Web-4-All systems with Industry Canada Why do a public launch of your network?

A public launch of the Web-4-All technology is a good way to raise awareness in your community about your initiative. Successful launches by other Web-4-All networks have resulted in stories appearing in the Globe and Mail (on-line edition) and major local papers.

Checklist on how to plan an event

• Should your network wish to hold a public event, you must inform Industry Canada's Web Accessibility Office at least 30 days in advance of any potential event. It should be noted that dates for events must be chosen that are convenient for all partners, including Industry Canada.
• Any public event should involve a federal representative, where possible. With advanced notice (30 days), the Web Accessibility Office can help you secure the participation of a federal representative, such as the Minister or a local Member of Parliament, for your launch event.
• To facilitate the participation of a federal representative, Industry Canada requires that events be scheduled on Mondays, Fridays and days when the House is not is session. (The Parliamentary calendar is available on the Internet at http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/about/ process/house/calendar/HseCal-e.htm )
• In selecting a date for your event, Industry Canada prefers that more than one potential date is given for each event. The department will aim to select the preferred date within 10 days of receiving appropriate notice.* (Appropriate notice is giving at least 30 days' advance notice of any potential event and planning a event on Mondays, Fridays or days when the House isn't sitting.)
• Industry Canada will provide communications support and materials for launch events. These materials include an Industry Canada press release, a backgrounder of Web-4-All, and a list of the Web-4-All sites involved in the launch event.

Host Site Contact Information
Application information required by Industry Canada for each Web-4-All host site:

Host Site Name:
Address:
City:
Province:
Postal Code:
Phone (including area code):
Fax (including area code):
Email:
URL:

Specify if this is a CAP Site:

Number of Web-4-All systems requested:

Language of systems:

Contact Person:
Phone:
Email:

Technical Contact:
Phone:
Email: