Software development company Intergen is delighted to have played a key role in the success of the CommunityNet Aotearoa website in the inaugural accessibility accreditation (AccEase) awards.

“Intergen was involved right from the start of the CommunityNet initative and we totally support the reasoning behind the AccEase Awards,” says Intergen Business Development Manager Wayne Forgesson.

“A website that is not accessible might as well not be there."

"As the minister for the community and voluntary sector, the Hon Winnie Laban, pointed out in her acceptance speech, the Internet can be a tremendous tool for those with disabilities, those who are housebound and those who live in remote areas. It can be a window into the world, a pathway and a way to participate on the same footing as others,” Mr Forgesson says.

But, he says, Intergen also recognises that just because the net is available, doesn’t always mean it is accessible.

“And that is why we were so committed to our work on www.community.net.nz,” Mr Forgesson says.

“We were delighted to have the input of Intergen’s Paddy Payne who managed the building of the website, and that of Nick Urry who makes technical changes to the site ‘with amazing speed and accuracy’ (Winnie Laban’s own words) publicly acknowledged.  It proves we understand – and value - accessibility.”

Co-director of AccEase Judy Knighton said, “Accessibility is an attitude, a way of thinking that ensures sites are barrier free.”

“And that’s the way we think at Intergen,” Mr Forgesson says.