RE: other expression for disabled people (Don't worry Graham, I'm bringing it back on topic)

Jon,

>...This relates to one of the reasons why I prefer to think of
>accessibility wrt the web in terms that include people using
>text-only browsers, mobile devices, etc. as well as people with
>disabilities. While using a text-only browser I am, in web terms,
>someone with limited functions, and the fact that I can choose to see
>images as well is irrelevant at that moment. ...

>...In terms of an accessible web I think our main focus is not so much
>to assist people with disabilities, but not to handicap any of our
>users. If something makes use of our websites more difficult than it
>needs to be then there is a problem there, whether this is because of
>a physical or cerebral disability isn't important, or even any of our
>business. ...

I agree completely.  In fact, this is how I am presenting the subject of 
accessibility to the groups and businesses that I am talking to about the 
subject.  Don't think of accessibility as something only for the 
"disabled," but as a way to make sure that everyone can use the web.

I talk about baby boomers with failing vision, people listening to the 
web/email being read to them in their cars, people with carpal tunnel, 
people using wireless devices, people with broken arms, people in low-light 
environments, people who are color blind, people who for whatever reason 
have slow connections or old computers,etc. -- providing statistics with 
figures in the tens of millions.  That gets my audience thinking in terms 
of something different than "we don't have any blind people using our website."

Once they start realizing that they probably do have potential customers 
who can't use their websites, or that their customers have employees and 
customers who need accessible websites, it is easier to get them to 
seriously consider making their websites accessible.  Then we can get down 
to the WCAG, section 508 and 255, etc.  standards.   Or even better, get 
past the section 508 standards (or relevant statutes in other countries 
than the US) -- the "law" -- and just start talking about how to make their 
websites accessible.

Terry




Terry Brainerd Chadwick, InfoQuest! Information Services
mailto:tbchad@tbchad.com   1-503-228-4023   http://www.tbchad.com
Accessibility isn't just the law; it's good business.
Optimizing Websites for Accessibility, Content, Search & Usability

Received on Saturday, 25 August 2001 01:57:27 UTC