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TVWorldwide.com's
AbleTV Channel to Webcast Pangea Foundation and Microsoft Announcement of "Abilities
Networks" Launch
Thursday,
February 28, 11AM PST Live
Press Release
Abilities
Networks is a web-based technology designed on Microsoft's new VS.NET software
platform, and is intended as an "electronic curb cut" to help organizations in
the State of California to create online content and applications that are accessible
to people with disabilities. Currently, much of the content of the Web does not
meet accessibility standards for users with disabilities. The Abilities Networks
system will provide the tools and hosting environment free of charge to any community
agency that serves people with disabilities. The free webcast will feature AbleTV.net's
live captioned video streaming or "webcapting" sm process to assist on-line participants
with disabilities and serve AbleTV's growing audience nationwide. The web cast
will originate from the Microsoft's San Diego Field office, with the launch event
emceed by TV and Radio Personality Bree Walker, and keynote given by Mike Paciello,
author of "Web Accessibility and People with Disabilities."
"We
are thrilled to be releasing this technology via the accessible webcast format
of TVWorldwide.com and Able TV," commented Christine Williams, Microsoft Field
Marketing Specialist. "The impact that it will have on bridging the digital divide
for people with disabilities is tremendous."
The
webcast will be supported by Jeff Pledger, President of AbleTV.net, who lost his
sight 17 years ago due to illness. "We are pleased to provide captioned streaming
for this live event webcast with TVWorldwide.com, " remarked Pledger. "Pangea
Foundation with the help and support of Microsoft is setting a new standard in
supporting on-line accessibility for the nation's 56 million citizens with disabilities."
"We're
excited about the prospect of supporting Microsoft and the Pangea Foundation in
offering this important Abilities Networks launch event for accessible on-line
participation, " stated Dave Gardy, Chairman and CEO of TVWorldwide.com. "AbleTV
is renowned for its webcasts addressing issues important to the disability community
and we welcome everyone tuning in from California and worldwide."
The
program will be archived with the captioning for later viewing after the webcast
at www.abletv.net, www.tvworldwide.com or www.microsoft.com/presspass Participants
should have the free Windows Media Player installed prior to the event. Questions
can be directed to info@tvworldwide.com before and during the event and direct
phone communication to the TVWorldwide.com webcast staff at (703- 961-9250, ext.
223.)
About
TVWorldwide.com and AbleTV.net
In addition to being a video streaming service provider, TVWorldwide.com is building
a network of community-based Internet TV channels, each underwritten by a strategic
partner, "aimcasting" to targeted B2B and special interest audiences worldwide.
TVWorldwide.com has worked with one of its first aimcast channels, AbleTV.net,
to pioneer live and archived video streaming with open captioning to aid web site
accessibility for people with disabilities With this advance, AbleTV.net has received
charter sponsorship from Microsoft Corporation, Sun Microsystems and NCR. TVWorldwide.com
was recently named one of the streaming video industry's "Hottest Companies" by
Streaming Magazine.
About
the Pangea Foundation
Pangea Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that develops technology
solutions to ensure all segments of the community can enjoy the vast benefits
of technology. In addition to Abilities Networks, the organization has several
other programs aimed at bringing technology to underserved communities. For more
information, visit www.pangeafoundation.org
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