Re: Completed draft Accessibility page for new W3C website

Hi Shawn,

Shawn Henry wrote:

> EOWG, what do you think? To see what it would look like, I've added the 
> link in the version at 
> <http://www.w3.org/WAI/EO/Drafts/4betaW3org/accessibility-new-w3c20090909>

I think this is shaping up to be an excellent introduction to WAI's 
section on the W3C Web site. Congrats to everyone who has worked on it.

I just have a couple of comments.

The second paragraph of the "Why" subsection states :

"While accessibility focuses on people with disabilities, it also 
benefits older people, people in developing countries, people impacted 
by the digital divide, and other users."

I wonder about the use here of the digital divide. While I understand 
that a lot of the documentation out there does not mention people with 
disabilities when referring to the digital divide (which, in itself is 
actually an eloquent example of exclusion), I think we can all agree 
that this concept is an umbrella for all matters concerning lack of 
access, including accessibility. So I wonder why you have made it a 
separate issue when in fact it encompasses everything being given as 
examples in that statement and more. Personally, I would remove that 
part as I think it may confuse people as to what the digital divide is.

The last paragraph in the "How" subsection :

I feel that as this page is already very long as it is and that there is 
a bit of albeit required repetition, I would remove the last paragraph 
in bold. I do not think it really adds much as what it is saying has 
already been stated elsewhere, particularly in the second paragraph from 
the top.

Finally, I would like to comment generally on what I read in the minutes 
of your teleconference from September 4rth, particularly discussions on 
item 1 that concerned accessibility vs universality and people with 
disabilities vs everyone as a mission focus for WAI. Obviously, this 
issue will keep coming up as there is a lot of pressure out there as 
well as within. And while I think it is healthy for any organisation to 
have these discussions and to evaluate where we are and where we are 
headed, I feel that it would be most unfortunate should WAI decide to 
change its focus at this time.

The work that WAI does can benefit everyone whether they are aware of it 
or not. But more importantly, the work WAI does is essential for people 
with disabilities. Jutta once wrote "For people without disabilities, 
technology makes things convenient, for people with disabilities, it 
makes things possible." The same could certainly be said of 
accessibility. So basically, what I am saying is people with 
disabilities still need their advocates. WAI is one such advocate and a 
very important and, I think, successful one at that. I would hate to 
lose it.

Best regards,


Catherine


-- 
Catherine Roy
http://www.catherine-roy.net

Received on Thursday, 10 September 2009 16:18:54 UTC