- From: Paul Davis <paul@ten-20.com>
- Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2000 14:34:09 +0100
- To: w3c-wai-ig@w3.org
AH hem! (polite cough) I'm not trying to make a sales pitch here, I just think it makes sense to look at the overall picture in making any kind of decision like this. Terry PD. oh yes you are!!!!!!!!!!! Dick Brown wrote: "The glossary for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 provides this definition: "Accessible "Content is accessible when it may be used by someone with a disability. "That's not the comprehensive definition you are seeking, but it's the bottom line we need to keep in mind." I think we ought to keep our focus on our core mission -- making the Web and Web tools usable by people with physical and mental disabilities. That task is tough enough -- can you imagine drafting guidelines for how to make the Web accessible to the economically disadvantaged? PD: Do I detect a defensive action from Microsoft here. Is this what "WE" need to keep in mind? or what Microsoft planned developments have kept in mind? Please do not misinterpret me. I am actually a bit of a fan of Microsoft, remembering it was they who paved the way in the first place that made this group possible in an oblique sort of way (even if another did make the paving slabs!!!) It was Bill Gates who saw the real potential and possibilities adapted and repackaged it and pushed it like hell. And all the best to him. I would however point out that when it comes to being god like in one's approach to situations, even Caesar had a man walk behind him reminding him "thou art but a man, thou art but a man" Dave Wooley wrote: Governments probably don't care if dodgy sites remain of low accessibility! PD: Dave, governments do not really care period. There is no mileage in it. Any statements from governmental circles are merely sound bytes. If they really cared, then having taken the time and trouble to pass a law they would be enforcing it. They are not, the reason being the commercial lobbyists carry greater weight than a few non important voters...........until election time that is. I would like to point out the well worn phrase that the Houses of Parliament is the only lunatic asylum in the world where the rules are made by the inmates. Besides in the UK how many inaccessible .gov's can you find? an easier task for you, how many accessible ones? maybe we should add designing for government ministers to the accessibility list of priorities, in the making things easier to understand department. It is a sad reflection on our lords and masters that most are now dead chuffed that they have at last got to grips with the principles of sending an e-mail, some can even download e-mails, the others still have a secretary do it for them. I have had better results with the social services departments at local government levels, but then they are at the sharp end. Herts CC is very forward thinking here. I was impressed at a meeting I had a couple of months back. The really interesting factor here is in the last few days we have got both IBM and Microsoft to offer comment, err... I think this is progress or concern or whatever. By the way Charles will email you later. Also the defining accessibility challenge. Got to go out now. smiles Paul Davis www.ten-20.com The UK portal site for disabled people and associated professionals.
Received on Tuesday, 24 October 2000 09:34:08 UTC