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The Using Virtual Worlds and Emerging Technologies for People with Disabilities event was kicked off by none other than Simon Walsh, and was very well attended. There were approximately 60 people in attendance, with the majority carrying the Non-Profit Commons tag. Glitteractica Cooke introduced Simon - and then Simon peeled out and made a poignant presentation. He made remarks similar to those heard from Atsuko Watanabe, Gentle Heron, Jondan Lundquist and Caroline Keats yesterday with his own flavor. He also pointed out that he had to fly down to where he spoke because there was no ramp.

Here are his opening comments:

[9:13] Simon Walsh: i would have no education
[9:13] Simon Walsh: and had spent my life in an institution
[9:13] Simon Walsh: thats was the 1st best invention
[9:14] Simon Walsh: the 2nd was the internet
[9:14] Simon Walsh: without it. i would not have a voice in the world
[9:14] Simon Walsh: i can sit here in my home
[9:14] Simon Walsh: for me personally, i would not be here without it
[9:15] Simon Walsh: but have a presenece around the world
[9:15] Simon Walsh: but it is not until the 3rd invention
[9:15] Simon Walsh: things get v exciting
[9:16] Das Wade: Second Life Wooohoooooo!!!!!!!
[9:16] Simon Walsh: 60 people here listening to me now
[9:16] Simon Walsh: in real time
[9:16] Simon Walsh: yep

Other important points Simon made were related to the ability of synthetic worlds to assist with social skills and even income for the disabled.

In discussion and Q&A, Simon covered a lot of ground which is continuing on the live web forum (not in Second Life) until 6 p.m. SLT.

The fact that there are no specific guidelines for people to follow when it comes to accessibility in virtual worlds, and I recalled Jondan Lundquist's recommendation of the Universal Design Principles. Section 508 also came up as a standard for web accessibility as well.

Go live web forumtake a look at the forums, and feel free to participate.