Re: Definition of Accessible

Hi,

I think that people unfamiliar with the issue of accessibility will look
for that if they are scanning the document.  Does there need to be
something in the document which will explain how the word "accessible"
be used and why?

Scott

> I think we need to watch our use of terminology here.  
> 
> Especially the term "accessible". 
>  
> 
> If we say that things are accessible - we need to say that everything is
> accessible or nothing is ever accessible.  There is no middle ground if
> we are going to make blanket statements.
> 
>  
> 
> 
> Proposal:
> 
> 
>  
> 
> 1)  We NEVER declare something as accessible or not.
> 
> 
> 
> 2)  We ONLY talk about 
> 
>     a) things being accessible to individuals or to people with
> particular characteristics. 
> 
> Or
> 
>     b) things meeting particular accessibility standards.
> 
>  
> 
> If we talk about (a) things being accessible to groups of individuals
> then we should carefully and fully list the characteristics including
> presence or lack of any other disabilities  - including cognitive level)
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> 
> Rationales
> 
> 
> Rationale for not ever declaring things as accessible or inaccessible
> overall.
> 
> 
> There is always someone who cannot use something - no matter how we
> design it.  If we make blanket statements that things are accessible we
> will always be wrong. (unless we mean accessible to some - which is
> always true and therefore not useful). 
> 
>  
> 
> 
> Rationale for only talking about accessibility as applying to
> individuals or as compliance
> 
> 
> The only thing that seems to be accurate is to talk about whether some
> person can use them.   But we need to be specific or we end up saying
> that people with XYZ disability can use it - when only people with XYZ
> who are also computer literate or don't have any other disabilities or
> ...
> 
>  
> 
> We CAN say that things meet a particular standard.  When we talk about
> accessible buildings, that is what we are saying.  They are not usable
> by everyone.  But they do meet a standard.
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> Your thoughts?
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> Gregg

Received on Wednesday, 12 June 2002 15:28:33 UTC