how pwd use web

When I got a quick response from the group that the document was sort of
"behind the times" because of changes that have taken place in techniques,
etc. in the content I went back and looked and frankly, don't find that to
be the case.

However, I always have thought that this document was not for us who are
fairly aware of how pwd use the Web, but rather for the overwhelming
majority of people who don't even understand how it would be possible that
"they" could ever use the Web.

This is not a document for people who know what a screen reader is or who
might be aware that it is possible to do mouse-like functions using a
keyboard or operate a computer by using a single switch that might be
operated by a foot switch or a sip/puff control. It is to make clear that
the digital divide is a consequence of exclusionary practices on the part of
Web designers and authoring tool vendors, etc.

As originally produced it had one editor and unless something remarkable is
being overlooked, I think she got it quite right. I propose that we mark
this with "finis" and get on with aspects of our mission that we are more
suited to deal with. It needs to be "out there" and if it's dated in some
sense, so be it - it still gets the point across that these are accurate
representations of real people whose interests are less than well-served by
much Web material, and there's already ways to improve that service.

If this were published in the AARP journal and Disability-Directed journals
it would truly serve to widen our outreach. We need to disseminate this to a
much larger audience than those likeliest to be visiting the W3C or WAI
sites.

Love.