March 2003 Columns

An Introduction to Single-Sourcing | Toronto SS SIG Launched | Recipe for Building Modular Documentation!

Taking the 'Dis' out of 'Disabilities':
Special Needs SIG Seeks Support

Just a reminder as the STC membership renewal process creeps up on its February 28 deadline … the Society's newest SIG, the Special Needs SIG, is still looking for new members to support them in their twin mission to assist technical communicators with disabilities in the practice of our profession and to provide all technical communicators with information that will help them make our communication products more accessible to users with disabilities. A detailed mission statement is available at the Web site.

The SNSIG has already made significant progress: a comprehensive Web site (see http://www.stcsig.org/sn/index.shtml); an online newsletter (first edition is posted at http://www.stcsig.org/sn/newsletter.shtml); and extensive support to the 49th STC Conference, including publication of Guidelines for Persons with Special Needs and an Addendum thereto, a successful progression, and several articles in the Proceedings (conference materials available at http://www.stc-orlando.org/prodev/49notes/SNC.asp).

But there is much yet to do, and to accomplish it, the SNSIG needs more people. It is looking both for Active members, to join their initiatives; and Patrons, whose affiliation will help the SIG secure the budget it needs to fulfill its objectives.

If you wish to support the Special Needs SIG, you have two options: (1) If you have not yet submitted your STC membership renewal, simply check the SNSIG box when you do. (2) If you have already submitted your STC membership renewal, download the SIG sign-up form from http://www.stc.org/PDF_Files/sigform.pdf and submit it directly to the Society Office. In either case, in order to be added to the SNSIG's newsletter and/or listserv without delay, contact daniel.w.voss@lmco.com or jvinegar@myranch.com.

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