AIR Overview

Does accessibility mean dumbing your site down? Does accessibility mean giving up all the widget-y, interactive, fun applications that make cutting-edge design so exciting? Is accessibility something that's just for government agency web sites?

No, no and decidedly no! In fact, accessible design ensures that your site is optimized for search engines, mobile devices and emerging technologies.

And each year, since 1998, some of the hottest designers in the world prove that good design IS accessible design when they compete in the annual Accessibility Internet Rally!

Accessibility Internet Rally FAQs

What is AIR?

The Accessibility Internet Rally is a web design competition that increases awareness of the tools and techniques that make the Internet accessible to everyone - including people with disabilities. AIR benefits local nonprofit organizations and schools by providing them with free, professionally designed ACCESSIBLE websites. Teams of professional web developers learn skills to create accessible web content and then use those new skills to create accessible websites for local community groups. The result: dozens of professionally designed, accessible websites are donated to nonprofit groups and hosted for free for one year.

Who competes in AIR?

AIR is designed for Web professionals, people who currently create on-line applications and who are proficient in HTML and other techniques for creating Web pages. Through AIR developers will learn accessible design techniques, have the chance to show off their skills, win prizes, and help local nonprofits do the work that benefits our communities.

When is it held?

This year, AIR will be held in Houston on November 12, 2011. Training (a variety of classes) will be offered throughout January and early February. Following the rally there will be an awards celebration in March at a location to be announced.

Why is this important?

The Internet creates unprecedented opportunities for people with disabilities - over 55 million in the US alone - to participate as producers and consumers in the information marketplace if the user interface is designed with access in mind. Emerging government mandates require compliance with accessible design standards. Websites can be designed for accessibility or they can shut people out.

How does AIR help?

AIR raises community awareness of the need for access to technology for children and adults with disabilities. With the understanding that technology can dramatically improve the independence of people with disabilities, AIR highlights and promotes accessible online content by building websites for community organizations. Participating groups are able to reach a wider audience via the Internet in service to the missions that make our community strong.

How can I participate?

If you are a professional developer, sign up a team of three to five members via the online developer registration. Besides the opportunity to win fame and glory, AIR provides plenty of benefits to participating developers. If you do not have web development skills, there are still plenty of fun volunteer opportunities.

I work for a nonprofit - how can we qualify for a free, professionally designed site?

AIR-Austin has built sites for the Boy's and Girls Club, El Buen Samaritan, Goodwill, the Girl Scouts, Keep Austin Beautiful, Lanier High School, Easter Seals, La Pena and dozens more. If you are interested and have time to prepare for your team effort, sign on today using the online nonprofit registration.

As a participant and competitor you will:

  1. Be matched with a budding artist or worthy arts organization.
  2. Create an exciting, interactive web experience that is accessible to everyone.
  3. Network with area artists, web professionals, and other really cool people.
  4. Attend an incredible Kick-Off party to meet your arts partner.
  5. Get to complete your development project in a more relaxed time frame - The development cycle is 30 days this time, giving your team the opportunity to create something really special.
  6. Continue to develop your skills with more training.
    • Basic Training Class
    • Advanced Training Class
    • Multimedia Training Class
    • Training Materials for each team

Finally attend a fabulous awards party where you will feast on fantastic food!!!!

So whether you want to enter the competition with the same team you brought to another AIR competition, form a team of all-stars from several teams, or form an entirely new team, now is the time to submit your registration and claim your spot.

Team Commitments

As a team participant, you will be a key part of making this program enjoyable, educational, and successful. Please read the commitments below before registering in the AIR program, as they are the things you will be expected to accept responsibility for as a participant.

Once trained, you will have access to our trainers at all times should you have a question or need assistance. No worries, we will be by your side the entire way, offering encouragement, support and of course the occasional laugh – to relieve stress of course.

After you register be sure to visit our "Developer Resources" page. There you will find “Tips and Tricks” on how to prepare your team, select a team captain and other information which will help you to make the best accessible site you can.

What is Expected of you:

  • Sign up ALL team members on-line, provide at least one phone number and email address for each person.
  • Designate a team Captain- this person will be responsible for making sure all team members are kept up to date with any program updates or information from the Program Manager.
  • Fill out the Team Questionnaire - in detail if possible - this will help us match you with the best "client".
  • Attend the kickoff - At least half of your team must attend.
  • Have at least two face-to-face meetings with your "client" after the Kick-Off - This helps you and the client understand each other better and allows for personalities to shine thru on the sites you create.
  • Meet with your team, or at least contact each other, and stay in contact at least weekly.
  • Do your share of the team-assigned items, and meet your team deadlines.
  • Attend at least one training session of your choice (Basic, Advanced or Multimedia)
  • Make arrangements with your NPO for updating the website after the contest. (Even if it's to hand them a list of for-hire web developers)
  • Come to the awards dinner!!

Training Classes

Developers (first-time Web developers participating in AIR) must attend one offering of Basic training, other classes are optional but suggested.

Nonprofit organizations must sign up for the NPO Orientation (mandatory to attend one of Four sessions offered) and the NPO Check-In (mandatory to attend two sessions).

Don’t Have a Team, But Want to Participate?

Please contact us, and we’ll connect you to other independent developers so you can form a team.