The NYS Forum (The Forum) has been named to the 2005 Associations Advance America Honor Roll, a national awards competition sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), in Washington, D.C.
The Forum received the award for its committee work to develop a training program for making New York State websites accessible and usable by the disabled and then affording that training to over 2000 NY state government web site developers. The recognition also acknowledged the role that The Forum's IT Accessibility Committee had in the shaping the New York state policy and standards for government web site accessibility. The Forum's Committee is co-chaired by Deborah Orton of the NYS Governor's Office of Employee Relations, Mike Short of the NYS Department of Civil Service and Lisa Hebert Ryan of MicroKnowledge, Inc. The Committee includes members from a wide spectrum of New York state government agencies.
Now in its 15th year, the prestigious Associations Advance America Awards program recognizes associations that propel America forward-with innovative projects in educations, skills training, standards setting, business and social innovation, knowledge creation, citizenship and community service.
"The NYS Forum's program truly embodies the spirit of the Associations Advance America campaign. It is an honor and an inspiration to showcase this activity as an example of the many contributions associations are making to advance American society," remarked Associations Advance America Committee Chair David Gabri, President and CEO, Associated Luxury Hotels International.
On behalf of The NYS Forum, it's Executive Director, Gregory Benson, Jr., commented that: "This recognition is an honor for our organization and wonderful acknowledgment of the contributions being made by our committee that has devoted such a superb effort to ensuring that government web sites are usable by all of our state's constituents, particularly those with disabilities."
The NYS Forum is a member organization of information management leaders representing New York state and local government agencies and technology corporations. The Forum's mission is to promote policies and practices for effective development, use and management of information resources in New York State. For further information about The Forum's programs call (518) 443-5001 or email info@nysfirm.org. Visit The NYS Forum online at http://www.nysfirm.org.
August 2005