Re: ADA FTA Complaint re Inaccessible Web Site

Well, this is good, but WHOSE "Metropolitan Transit Commission" -- MTC --
are we speaking of? Boston? Chicago? Minneapolis? Nowhere do I see this
info.


				Janina Sajka, Director
				Information Systems Research & Development
				American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)

janina@afb.net


On Fri, 19 Nov 1999, Waddell, Cynthia wrote:

> Members of the list may recall that an administrative ADA web site complaint
> was filed against the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)for
> failure to incorporate accessible web design elements into their web site.
> 
> According to the response by MTC, "MTC intends that the websites it creates
> are readable by screen readers and browsers utilized by people with visual
> disabilities.  With the assistance of MTC's Elderly and Disabled Advisory
> Committee (EDAC), MTC staff has identified improvements to these websites
> necessary to assist people with visual impairments to better navigate the
> sites.  Many of the improvements have already been, or are scheduled to be,
> implemented.  To the extent that a specific screen reader or browser in
> combination may have difficulty with reading a particular MTC website, MTC
> is prepared to provide the same information in formats usable by persons
> with visual impairments (e.g. audio tape, Braille)."
> 
> I am enclosing a copy of the response by MTC regarding their response.  This
> is a public document.
> 
> Cynthia D. Waddell
> 
> -----------------------------------------------
> 
> 
> October 7, 1999
> 
> Ms. Roberta Wolgast
> ADA IHU Leader
> Office of Civil Rights
> FTA 400 
> 400 Seventh Street, SW
> Washington, D.C. 20590
> 
> Ms. Mary-Elizabeth Peters
> Equal Opportunity Specialist
> Office of Civil Rights
> FTA 400 
> 400 Seventh Street, SW
> Washington, D.C. 20590
> 
> RE:	FTA Complaint No. 98259
> 
> Dear Ms. Wolgast and Ms. Peters:
> 
> I am writing on behalf of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission ("MTC")
> in response to Ms. Wolgast's subject letter, dated September 2, 1999 and
> received at MTC offices on September 21, 1999. 
> 
> MTC maintains that its websites are not operated in any manner that would
> constitute a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
> ("ADA") or any applicable Department of Transportation ("DOT") ADA
> Regulations. 
> 
> MTC intends that the websites it creates are readable by screen readers and
> browsers utilized by people with visual disabilities. With the assistance of
> MTC's Elderly and Disabled Advisory Committee (EDAC), MTC staff has
> identified improvements to these web sites necessary to assist people with
> visual impairments to better navigate the sites. Many of the improvements
> have already been, or are scheduled to be, implemented. To the extent that a
> specific screen reader or browser in combination may have difficulty with
> reading a particular MTC website, MTC is prepared to provide the same
> information in  formats usable by persons with visual impairments (e.g.
> audio tape, Braille).  
> 
> MTC's TransLink(r) demonstration project, funded with federal support, is
> still in its design and build stage. It will fully comply with applicable
> ADA regulations. Further, MTC staff has actively sought the participation of
> members of the disability community, through EDAC, including the visually
> impaired, in order to ensure its accessibility for all users.  It is our
> intent to continue to seek full participation of the disability community
> throughout the planning and implementation stages of the project.
> 
> EDAC was first established in 1991, succeeding an earlier group established
> in 1976, and has advised MTC in transportation issues relevant to elderly
> and disabled persons. A copy of Attachment A to MTC Resolution No. 2276,
> which outlines the roles, tasks, membership and meetings of EDAC, is
> attached for your information (Attachment 1). 
> 
> Also attached pursuant to your request are:
> 
> Attachment 2. Copies of correspondence between MTC and Mr. Tamez. MTC staff
> and EDAC have actually sought Mr. Tamez's assistance in helping review MTC's
> website for readability by the visually impaired. Mr. Tamez uses a screen
> reader program called "JAWS." However, it is important that issues such as
> website accessibility are addressed comprehensively and not on an ad hoc
> basis in response to a single complainant with a specific screen reader or
> browser. 
> 
> Attachment 3. Copies of recent agendas for MTC's EDAC meetings where MTC's
> websites were discussed. EDAC meets every other month and not only receives
> staff briefings, but also provides staff with guidance and recommendations. 
> 
> Attachment 4. TransLink(r) Design Review Guidelines dated August 18, 1999
> and conformed contract documents for the TransLink(r) project dated June
> 1999.  
> 
> Attachment 5. A memorandum from MTC project manager Russell Driver, dated
> October 4, 1999, describing the TransLink(r) design/build phase of the
> project and consultation efforts with representatives of the disability
> community in regards to the project design. 
> 
> MTC staff is continually upgrading MTC's websites and intends to further
> improve accessibility as more advanced tools and techniques become
> available. MTC staff would be pleased to provide you or your staff with a
> tour of its websites, to respond to any questions you have about the
> operations of any of MTC's websites, or to review in greater detail the
> design and future operation of the TransLink(r) demonstration project.
> 
> 	Very truly yours, 
> 
> 
> 	Francis Chin
> 	General Counsel
> 
> FC: lt
> Attachments
> cc: 	Lawrence D. Dahms
> 	Steve Heminger
> ---------------------------------------------------
> Cynthia D. Waddell   
> ADA Coordinator
> City Manager Department
> City of San Jose, CA USA
> 801 North First Street, Room 460
> San Jose, CA  95110-1704
> (408)277-4034
> (408)971-0134 TTY
> (408)277-3885 FAX
> http://www.rit.edu/~easi/webcast/cynthia.htm
> http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/access/waddell.htm 
> 
>

Received on Friday, 19 November 1999 16:21:29 UTC