Ed. Note: As we prepare for the 2010 Nonprofit Technology Conference, we wanted share a wee bit of the wisdom our speakers will be serving up, so as not to overwhelm you when you get to Atlanta. We're asking them all to share their answers to five very important questions.
Speaker: Cindy Leonard, Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University
Session: Access for All: Basics of Website Accessibility and Section 508 Compliance
1. What's the most important trend in nonprofit technology for 2010?
I'm seeing social media as a still-growing theme. Nonprofits are still puzzling over how to leverage it for marketing and fundraising, it seems. I'm also seeing a lot more discussion on outcomes tracking.
2. Why do you think your session topic is important for nonprofits to address?
Nonprofits have been mostly satisfied until now simply to have a website. Unfortunately, that not enough, especially if the organization receives federal grant funding. Incorporating Section 508 standards for website accessibility into your nonprofit's website will make the site more user-friendly for everyone, not just those with disabilities.
3. What's the one thing you want attendees to remember from your session?
You don't have to be a super-coder-geek to understand the Section 508 standards and most people can implement them without too much difficulty.
4. Which Muppet do you most identify with and why?
Gonzo! Frequently when I try to do something new or innovative, I get mixed results. I've not blown anything up (lately), but I've made a number of messes and singed my hair a few times in the past year with my "experiments." My co-workers would be surprised to hear this, because I'm fairly tame and benign at work. My creative instincts get the best of me when I'm not at the office. My philosophy is "how hard could it be?" which is where the trouble begins. On a good note, my husband has made me promise not to attempt anything that involves an open flame anymore. :)
5. Where can people follow you online (twitter, blog, etc.)?
- Blog: http://bayercenter.wordpress.com
- Twitter (and almost everywhere else) @cindy_leonard