Re: comments on beta accessibility page (was Re: Phrase with "from using the web" - Re: w3.beta Comments for discussion)

Hi Shadi and All,

You wrote:

> My comments are on the exchange below and on this version of the page:
>   - <http://www.w3.org/WAI/EO/Drafts/4betaW3org/accessibility-new-w3c>
>
> I have several concerns with the following paragraph as it stands now:
>
> "The web is a flexible medium that enables most people with impairments to
> use the web just as well as anyone. Thus, there is inherently no such thing
> as a disability using the web; the web removes barriers to communication
> and interaction for most people. However, badly written websites and web
> tools that are not accessible create barriers that exclude people."

[snip]

I share your concerns and agree with your rationale.

Here is a suggestion to replace that paragraph...

"The Web is a flexible medium that can enable people with disabilities
to explore, participate and contribute just as well as anyone. It can
be phenomenally successful in removing barriers to communication and
interaction. However, badly written Websites and Web tools that are
not accessible create barriers that exclude people from taking equal
part.

Rationale:

1. Removes the two blatant over claims, "no such thing as a disability
using the web" and "the web removes barriers".
2. Replaces "people with impairments" with "people with disabilities"
for clarity.
2. Removes the word "most" contradiction.
3. Reiterates the point about the potential of the Web with "It can be
phenomenally successful".
4. Adds "from taking equal part" phrase to empathize human rights.
5. Changes spelling of "web" to "Web" for consistency style consistency.
6. Replaces "use the web" with Catherine’s text "explore, participate
and contribute" to be more illustrative as to how people with
disabilities might use the web.

Best Regards,
Laura

On 8/29/09, Shadi Abou-Zahra <shadi@w3.org> wrote:
> Hi Shawn, all,
>
> My comments are on the exchange below and on this version of the page:
>   - <http://www.w3.org/WAI/EO/Drafts/4betaW3org/accessibility-new-w3c>
>
> I have several concerns with the following paragraph as it stands now:
>
> "The web is a flexible medium that enables most people with impairments
> to use the web just as well as anyone. Thus, there is inherently no such
> thing as a disability using the web; the web removes barriers to
> communication and interaction for most people. However, badly written
> websites and web tools that are not accessible create barriers that
> exclude people."
>
> #1: "there is inherently no such thing as a disability using the web"
>   - I'm unsure what is exactly meant but this seems to be a blatant over
> claim in my opinion. I have a disability every day in using the Web,
> regardless of how accessible it is. There are limitations to what I can
> or cannot do but an inaccessible site certainly excludes me from being
> able to use it (or to use it effectively).
>
> #2: "the web removes barriers to communication and interaction for most
> people"
>   - Note that the Web may sometimes also introduce barriers, for example
> for those who may not have access to it (broader aspects of the digital
> divide). I think Alan had noted some comments in this direction too.
>
> #3: "The web is a flexible medium that enables most people with
> impairments to use the web just as well as anyone"
>   - Does the word "most" in this sentence contradict the next sentence?
>
> #4: "The web is a flexible medium that enables most people with
> impairments to use the web just as well as anyone"
>   - I'm wondering if there are specific reasons for using the term
> "impairments" rather than the term "disabilities".
>
> #5: "However, badly written websites and web tools that are not
> accessible create barriers that exclude people"
>   - I prefer this wording over "disable people", I just never felt very
> comfortable with that word-play.
>
> #6: "However, badly written websites and web tools that are not
> accessible create barriers that exclude people"
>   - Consider reiterating the point about the potential of the Web for
> people with disabilities, maybe something like "exclude people with
> disabilities from taking equal part on the Web".
>
> #7: spelling of "web" versus "Web"
>   - Had we previously agreed that EO resources will capitalize the word
> "Web" when it is a noun (like "the [Web|web] is a flexible medium")?
>
>
> Best,
>    Shadi
>
>
> Shawn Henry wrote:
>> catherine wrote:
>>> Finally, I reiterate that, for the content at the aforementionned URL,
>>> second paragraph, last sentence, it is preferable to convey that
>>> innaccessible ressources exclude people (and not "disable people"). I
>>> really do feel that it puts a negative spin on the state of disability
>>> that is unnecessary in this context.
>>
>> Hi Catherine,
>>
>> Several EOWG participants like the phrase as it is at the end of this
>> paragraph:
>> "The web is a flexible medium that enables most people with impairments
>> to use the web just as well as anyone. Think about what this means:
>> There is inherently no such thing as a disability using the web.
>> ...However: When websites and web tools are not accessible, they disable
>> people from using the web."
>>
>> With the addition of "from using the web" does this still bother you?
>> Can you say more about it to help us understand your perspective?
>>
>> (Note that that paragraph is likely to be rewritten -- but it still
>> helps us to know your perspective so the rewrite can take it into
>> account.)
>>
>> Thanks,
>> ~Shawn
>>
>>
>
> --
> Shadi Abou-Zahra - http://www.w3.org/People/shadi/ |
>    WAI International Program Office Activity Lead   |
>   W3C Evaluation & Repair Tools Working Group Chair |
-- 
Laura L. Carlson

Received on Saturday, 29 August 2009 09:01:20 UTC