Re: Cognitive issues (was Re: woodcutter)

if they go in, i suggest P3


----- Original Message -----
From: Jason White <jasonw@ariel.ucs.unimelb.edu.au>
To: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines <w3c-wai-gl@w3.org>
Sent: Sunday, April 02, 2000 11:16 PM
Subject: Cognitive issues (was Re: woodcutter)


> 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 Monday, 3 April 2000 00:02:26 UTC