- From: Al Gilman <asgilman@iamdigex.net>
- Date: Wed, 13 Oct 1999 18:29:58 -0500
- To: <w3c-wai-ig@w3.org>
At 04:53 PM 10/13/99 -0400, Jamie Fox wrote: >I have to disagree here. I don't think that your example of a student >outside the class wishing to survey the notes is applicable. It is my >understanding that most universities don't make a practice of having class >notes accessible to any student outside the class who wants them. In fact, >I don't believe it is offered to students in the class unless there are >special circumstances necessitating it. It would likely lead to much >cheating. The example would be the same as saying that a live in class >demonstration must always be presented in a format accessible and >understandable to the deaf and blind even if no such students are present >in the class. I think we have different ideas of what is in these class notes. I took his example to mean the web content was on a class site and that the students all needed access to this information to complete the course successfully. If the notes themselves were a special thing prepared as an accomodation I see no reason why they shouldn't be AAA compliant with the WCAG. >As a learning body a school/professor has every right to demand a student >learn something new as long as reasonable accommodations are present if >necessary. It is the point of most education institutions to expand >horizons. That goal may well include using new technology. > >I am by no means making this same argument for physical accessibly such as >curb cuts etc. That is, they are/should be required where ever a disabled >person may wish to travel. Fortunately the law does not make such a sharp distinction as you have, here. On the other hand, I agree fully with Scott that these are knotty issues. I don't pretend to know how the specific case in question should be resolved. To paraphrase Cynthia's closing: Do not construe this as accommodation or ethical advice. If you need such advice, please consult a professional practitioner. Al
Received on Wednesday, 13 October 1999 18:29:30 UTC