2004 Summer Institute : Final Report

Using Accessible Technology to Support Growth & Innovation

Diversity Commitment

Accessibility initiatives are framed within our commitment to leverage diversity

Diversity for growth and innovation is a core RBC value and considered a key factor to success

Stage One -Accessibility

Presently the primary focus is on providing accessible information and technology for individuals with disabilities.

Stage two -Accessibility

RBC Royal Bank has a dedicated web site to describe and detail accessibility and related guidelines within IT.

Accessible to intranet users, the IT site identifies the RBC Royal Bank guidelines for accessible application development.

Project Lifecycle: Certification

The purpose of accessibility certification is to ensure that accessibility of browser or non-browser based development has been accounted for, planned for, and incorporated into the individual project’s life cycle.

The goal is to provide end users with the highest quality experience when accessing information through the use of adaptive or non-adaptive technologies.

Support Infrastructure

Integral to the process is the ongoing maintenance and support of the equipment. Initiatives have been implemented to ensure continued operation of the technology, such as:

• Ongoing testing with RBC Royal Bank approved systems
• Training end user
• An adequate process is in place to repair, replace or upgrade legacy technology
• Ensuring that we maintain relationships with our vendors

Communication across the organization must be factored into the initiative for its’success.

Dedicated Roles -1

Accessibility Consultant(mandated 1999)

• Identification Implementation and Governance of accessibility within Information Technology(IT)
• Provide consultative services to application development teams
• Provide subject matter expertise within the organization and to vendors while sharing information within industry

Dedicated Roles -2

Adaptive Technology Analyst (mandated 2000)

• Develop a “Centre of Knowledge”of Adaptive Technology as it relates to IT
• Source, test and qualify the selected hardware/software products
• Fund Adaptive Technology accommodations

Dedicated Roles -3

Adaptive Technology Scripting Consultant (mandated 2002)

• Develop, support and deploy custom code for internal applications used with screen readers
• Research industry trends and best practices relative to adaptive technology scripting

In Summary

Supporting Growth & Innovation

Technological accessibility will increase a company’s market and employee base by creating an opportunity to take the competitive advantage through providing a technologically accessible environment for everyone.