RE: Hello? and accessibility issues annoying?

Lauren

	I think I can appreciate a bit of your frustration as far as approaching
some of the issues from a select point of view.  However, speaking as
someone who works with people with disabilities I am always reminded of how
much of "our" world tends to be shut off from "them".  For instance -
thinking that a "text-only duplicate" is sufficient might appear as a
compromise initially.  What is missing is bringing the visual richness and
texture into the text material.  If you have a site that is well presented
with a balance of visuals and text for the typical viewer this is great.
But why should a vision impaired indidivdual be left with the bare bones?
If the text is taken, re-written to incorporate all elements in order to
present the material that is a more effective compromise but now, does this
approach the "needs" of individuals who require other elements given their
disabilities (of a different nature!)?

	I believe that one of the most basic principles is to try and have an
awareness of what other individuals may require in order to get the most
that they can from the information/presentation of the site you build.  Do I
have to go back and redo some of my sites - most definately.  One of my main
objectives is to redo alt texts to be more "rich" in description.  My
primary field of work for the last 15 years has been working with adults
with developmental disabilities.  Many of our folks have other challenges as
well (deaf, blind, non-verbal, diminished motor skills, etc.).  Opening up
the world to them through the WWW is one exceptional way to expand the
boundaries of many of their lives.  Information sharing is the priority,
tho, especially for those who need to reach out to others who share some of
the same challenges and frustrations.

	Efficiency, although important, cannot be the determining factor for life
nor can it be used to shut people out.  If effeciency was the name of the
game, then we wouldn't have wheelchair accessibility (albeit somewhat
limited in areas).  I see no justification for approaching life or my work
only through the eyes of the truly enabled.  I also see the web as an
exceptional place to share information, thoughts, art, music, science,
yadda, yadda :) .  This is for people from all walks of life.  I'll be the
first to admit that I have a lot still to learn, as well as do, especially
as far as website designing is concerned - but the first big step is really
just to establish an awareness of life outside my realm and to even the
smallest degree, appreciate it from someone elses.

hth

Shelley

> I'm here John, and have been watching with hesitated interest. Please, be
> don't be disgusted, but I find accessibility issues annoying. Tell me why
> one must study, on top of all the other studies that are required
> to keep up
> with this ever-changing, and highly competitive field, to make a site
> accessible for the visually impaired, when if this is desired, all that's
> really needed, as far as I understand, is make a "text only"
> duplicate of an
> existing site? Am I wrong? Short-sighted? After all, the Web, *is* a
> visually based medium, as is television. Of course, I am in agreement that
> easily accessible *information* be available for the visually impaired on
> the net, just annoyed that a separate and specialized technique must be
> learned and employed to make a basically visual site easier to see for the
> visually impaired --it just doesn't make sense in the efficiency
> department.
>
> On the other hand --since North American governments are establishing
> compliancy requirements, and since there are so few designers
> with knowledge
> in this area, I'm game to learn...
>
> Just my quick, unguarded, and conflicting personal thoughts...
> Lauren
>

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