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

Hi Shadi,

Thanks for your comments. Let's talk and I'll fill you in on what EOWG is trying to do with this.

Best,
~Shawn


Shadi Abou-Zahra 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
>>
>>
>

Received on Saturday, 29 August 2009 19:51:48 UTC