On May 9, we invite you to join us for the first Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). The purpose of the day is to get people talking, thinking and learning about digital (web, software, mobile, etc.) accessibility and users with different disabilities, especially among the design, development, usability, and related communities who build, shape, fund and influence technology use and change.  While people may be interested in the topic, the reality is that they often do not know how or where to start. Awareness comes first.

On May 9 we encourage everyone to take part in activities to experience first-hand what it is like to need  accessibility features when using different technology. Ideas include Unplugging the mouse for an hour and using the keyboard alone, or turning on mobile device's accessibility features and surfing the web or using favorite mobile apps. Ideas and resources are on our website. After spending an hour exploring and experiencing, we invite people to reflect and share what happened using their blog, Twitter, or other social media. We will have blog space for those of you who do not have one. In addition, join us on May 9 for a public introductory talk on digital accessibility or a networking event planned in cities in Australia, Canada, India, The United Kingdom, and the United States.

Full details on our website (in English only this year)http://www.globalaccessibilityawarenessday.org. Show your support for the effort and stay up to date by Liking and sharing the event's Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/globalaccessibilityawarenessday.