Introduction: Paul Schantz

Greetings, EOWG members!

My name is Paul Schantz, and I'm the new guy around here :-)

I've been professionally involved with web development, design, and project management since 1997.  I've worked in Fortune 50 corporations, higher education, and as an independent consultant.  I have experience with a broad spectrum of web projects, from mom-and-pop web sites built on a shoestring, to corporate web site redesigns and complex web apps with multi-million dollar budgets.  Since 2006, I've been the director of the web and technology services department in the division of Student Affairs at CSUN (California State University Northridge).  My department is almost exclusively a web design and development shop.  When I'm not building things, I function as a part-time web accessibility evangelist.  At CSUN, I have the unique privilege of working with three very strong accessibility-focused groups:


 1.  The Center on Disabilities, which organizes the annual CSUN conference
 2.  Disability Resources and Education Services, which provides services for CSUN students with disabilities
 3.  The National Center on Deafness, which provides services for deaf and hard-of-hearing CSUN students

Additionally, I represent my division in the Cal State system's "Accessible Technology Initiative," or ATI.  The ATI's mission is to advance accessibility in three domains:  instructional materials, procurement, and web accessibility.  As you might imagine, the bar for accessibility is set pretty high for me and my team.  It intimidates me sometimes, and I'll be the first to admit that I'm not an expert.

Prior to working at CSUN, I had very little exposure to web accessibility.  Like many web professionals, I was aware that web accessibility existed, but didn't know much about (nor practice) it.  My personal interest in web accessibility is in practical application of web standards to build better online services for everyone.  I strongly believe that broad adoption of web standards is the best way forward for the entire industry.  By joining EOWG, I plan to do a "deep dive" into web accessibility, and hopefully contribute something of value back to the community, while meeting like-minded folks.

When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, playing video games, flying, and lifting heavy things.

I look forward to working with all of you!


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Paul Schantz
Director, Web and Technology Services
Division of Student Affairs
California State University, Northridge
phone: 818.677.3839
e-mail: pschantz@csun.edu<mailto:pschantz@csun.edu>
twitter: @paulschantz
www.linkedin.com/in/paulschantz<http://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschantz>

www.csun.edu/sait
System notifications:  @CSUN_SAIT

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