Hello all,
One of our major goals for this year is to promote awareness of the Web Access
problem. Below is a draft copy of a letter we are preparing to use in this
effort. It will be sent to ISP's, some of the major web site managers, the
media and others. We would greatly appreciate your suggestions and ideas.
Thank you
Pete
--draft--
CE Disabled Services
Dr Clyde Shideler, Director
P.O. Box 495
San Luis Rey, CA 92068
(760) 967-8109 Voice and Fax
Dear Friends,
"The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of
disability is an essential aspect." Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director and Inventor
of the World
Wide Web.
We are seeking your assistance and cooperation to make the World Wide Web
accessible to all.
Around the world there are many millions of people with a variety of
disabilities already
using computers and the World Wide Web with more every day. For some, this is
done as
part of their work place duties, for others it is how they obtain educational
information as part
of their education. For those who are blind, low vision or otherwise "print
disabled", use of
the Web is limited due to the extensive use of "graphics based" Web Sites, Web
Pages,
browsers and other software. The people in this group use special
"screenreaders", other
software and "talking browsers" that are unable to recognize and read most sites
and pages
because of these graphics. An "accessible web site" provides a "text version"
option at the
top so those in this group can switch to "text" while everyone else can utilize
the "graphics
based material". In the end, everyone gets the same material and information,
but in a
format that meets their individual needs. It does not alter the Web as it is
today, It is simply
adding an option so that ALL can benefit, equally, from the World Wide Web.
Information and assistance on specific facts and requirements can be obtained
from the "Web Accessibility Initiative" at: http://www.w3.org/WAI
Their mission: The W3C's commitment to lead the Web to its full potential
includes
promoting a high degree of usability for people with disabilities. The Web
Accessibility
Initiative (WAI) in coordination with organizations around the world, is
pursuing accessibility
of the Web through five primary areas of work: technology, guidelines, tools,
education and
outreach, and research and development.
"Bobby" is a web-based public service offered by CAST that analyzes web pages
for their
accessibility to people with disabilities, as well as their compatibility with
various browsers. In
addition "Bobby" will give recommendations of how best to perform any needed
alterations.
"Bobby" can be accessed at: http://www.cast.org/bobby
One final item that is provided as "informational material only".
In 1996 Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa requested a ruling regarding internet access
for people with disabilities. The response from the Civil Rights Division of
the Department of Justice states:
"The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires State and local
governments and places of public accommodation to furnish appropriate auxiliary
aids and services where necessary to ensure effective communication with
individuals with disabilities, unless doing so would result in a fundamental
alteration to the program or service or is an undue burden. 28 C.F.R. S 36.303;
28 C.F.R. S 35.160. Auxiliary aids include taped texts, Brailled materials,
large print materials, and other methods of making visually delivered material
available to people with visual impairments.
Covered entities under the ADA are required to provide effective
communication, regardless of whether they generally communicate through print
media, audio media, or computerized media such as the Internet. Covered
entities that use the Internet for communications regarding their programs,
goods, or services must be prepared to offer those communications through
accessible means as well."
I hope this answers your questions, if not please let us know we are here to
provide assistance.
Thank you
/s/
Dr Clyde Shideler
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