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Frequently Asked Questions About the AIR Program

What is AIR?
An acronym for Accessibility Internet Rally, AIR is a web design contest focused on creating web sites that are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities who may use assistive technology to browse the web. The purpose of the AIR program is to raise awareness and skills within the technology sector about how and why to make technology applications accessible.
Why is this important?
As more activities are available online for people to learn, to work, to access government services and to participate in consumer activities, it is critical that no one is denied access due to disability.
Who competes in AIR?
AIR is designed for web professionals, people who currently create online applications and who are proficient in HTML and other techniques for creating web pages.
How are the community AIR programs organized?
AIR-Indy, AIR-Austin and AIR-Houston are organized as one-day "web raisings." Teams of web professionals donate their design services to create simple sites for local nonprofit agencies that serve the needs of the Austin and Houston communities. Teams receive accessibility training, are introduced to a nonprofit "client" and after a one-week planning period, design a site for the nonprofit agency on one high-energy Rally Day on a Saturday in October. All entries are eligible for trophies awarded at an awards gala later in the month.
How is AIR-University different?
AIR-University is a contest organized for web developers with responsibility for web pages within a university, or college setting. Participants in AIR-U may attend trainings in any city and apply their new accessible design skills to their own department or other college-hosted web pages. Rather than a one-day contest, AIR-U participants apply accessible design skills throughout the development process of their project site.
How do I participate in a community AIR?
The sequence of activities for participating technology professionals in community-wide programs is this:
  1. Form a web design team of up to four professionals and register your team with an AIR programs in your area.
  2. Choose a training dates and sign-up to receive valuable accessibility training and access to free online accessibility testing software. Participants MUST attend the basic training. All registered team members also have the option to attend advanced accessibility training, which includes how to use CSS, javascript and other advanced technologies for maximum accessibility.
  3. Attend the matching kickoff party and meet your nonprofit "client."
  4. Use the lead time to plan the site with your nonprofit partner.
  5. Attend the Rally Day, collect your T-shirt and goody bag and build your entry web site for your nonprofit partner.
  6. Come to the awards dinner and celebrate the good work of everyone and recognize the winners...which might be you!