Helping the handicapped

[ST0RMCHASER]

I run a computer list of 250 plus members. Out of these members I have about 28% of them that are handicapped. Some more handicapped than others. Because the Internet is evolving. There options for finding content on the web is getting lower instead of being steady, or creating more opportunities for them. They are locked out of some websites all together because of how the website is constructed. Or they have access to content that is old, and not updated any longer. I don't see many trying to be compliant online. Plus I don't see text to speech software evolving fast enough. Especially for the blind. I also don't see many IT's catering to the handicapped. Have any of you considered this? Or are you just not interested because of the demand? I am curious about this only because it was brought to my attention. Plus I have observed it myself. Just would like your two cents worth on this subject if you don't mind.

 

[BocaBurger]

I feel the problem is that the companies that make money from Web sites don't think the disabled are a sufficiently large market.

Personally, I don't like the term "handicapped". I prefer disabled. I have a disability, but I am not handicapped by it.



BocaBurger
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The pen is mightier than the sword, but the sword hurts more!

 

[Sympology]

If it's a UK based firm they are breaking the law if they fail to take resonable steps to ensure access for all:


It's called the Disability Discrimination Act 1995

For info see:

http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/PublicWebsite/public_legalcase.hcsp

Stu..

Only the truly stupid believe they know everything.
Stu.. 2004

 

[BocaBurger]

US has something like that, but how do you enforce a law if the web site owner is from one country and hosted in another, both of which are not from the country whose law they are violating?

How many web sites have a text only link for the blind?

Not even this one.



BocaBurger
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The pen is mightier than the sword, but the sword hurts more!

 

[chiph]

The US federal law is called Section 508, and anyone doing work for the feds is required to follow it.

At the state level, coverage is mixed:

http://www.ittatc.org/laws/stateLawAtGlance.php

Many large companies require that web content produced for them follow at least some of Section 508's requirements.

Chip H.


____________________________________________________________________
If you want to get the best response to a question, please read FAQ222-2244 first

 

[ST0RMCHASER]

I used the word handicapped. I realize too, most prefer disabled, or disability. I prefer it myself being disabled myself also.

I chose the word "handicapped" because even though they are disabled their disabilities were a handicap to them online. If they wasn't handicapped online, I never would of used the word, and of course there would of been no need for this post.

I agree there are laws on the books for this. But it's very hard to enforce.

And telling a company they have to at least follow a few of the rules in section 508 is like a joke.

The only ones that seem to really be following the law to some extent is Government websites. Quite a few online companies are not.

It's a shame that some feel the disabled market is not large enough. For quite a few disabled their only line to the world is through the internet.

I hope this changes for the disabled, and everyone complies. But I wont hold my breath.

 

[lespaul]

Amazing that this topic came up! I'm currently writing a paper that includes Section 508. It's part of a bigger act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is the topic of my paper.

When researching the act, i was amazed to discover that it specifically included electronic and information technology. I don't think any of our websites or information kiosks in the courthouse comply with the regs.

Luckily our new Deputy Administrator is in the same Masters program (Public Administration) and will hopefully start enforcing some of these requirements.

Leslie

Anything worth doing is a lot more difficult than it's worth - Unknown Induhvidual

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