- From: Jason White <jasonw@ariel.ucs.unimelb.edu.au>
- Date: Mon, 3 Apr 2000 13:16:10 +1000 (EST)
- To: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines <w3c-wai-gl@w3.org>
One point which is easily overlooked in these discussions, and which bears reiterating, is the centrality of language in the expression and communication of concepts. Whether it be a gestural, written or spoken language; and whether, in the case of a written language, the signs be pictographic or phonetic, ultimately, understanding of the language requires mastery of certain conventions by which meaning is represented, a grammar, and so forth. A linguist would be able to develop the details. If a person is unable to learn a language at all, then there is much that will be inherently inaccessible. This might perhaps be considered as a limiting case. Beyond this, there are those who can use language, but who encounter serious difficulties in so doing. This is where checkpoints 14.1 and 14.2 are valuable (leaving aside other checkpoints related to navigation, etc., which are also notable in this context). Non-textual representations of content can complement language and serve to clarify and communicate concepts. To this extent they serve a facilitating role. The fundamental question which needs to be addressed, therefore, is what guidance can be given to the designers of electronic documents to encourage appropriate use of non-textual forms of expression, in ways that will benefit individuals with cognitive disabilities? So far in these discussions, little has been offered by way of concrete advice in this direction. What should be added to the techniques document under the rubric of checkpoint 14.2? It is time to move beyond the generalisations and to start considering, in so far as this is possible, what should be included in broadly applicable guidelines to give substance to the requirement expressed in checkpoint 14.2. Please note: these comments are offered in my personal capacity and not in pursuance of my role as working group co-chair.
Received on Sunday, 2 April 2000 23:16:36 UTC