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Subject: Internet Explorer 4.0
For those interested in the accessibility of MS Internet Explorer 4.0,
the following is the text of a letter the NZABPB sent to the Human
Rights Commission and the Commerce Commission as soon as it was
confirmed that Active Accessibility was not a part of Internet Explorer
4.0.
Please post to other lists.
Re - accessibility of Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0
I write on behalf of the New Zealand Association of the Blind and Partially
Blind, the blind speaking for themselves in New Zealand.
Blind people use computers with the aid of a voice synthesiser, Braille
display or large image system. In most cases, software known as a screen
reader is also used, so the synthesiser or Braille display can receive
instructions as to the information the user requires.
With the advent of the Microsoft Windows operating systems, access to
software which is essential for blind people to obtain or retain employment
has been difficult and challenging, although access to Windows 95 has
improved substantially over the last year as screen readers become more
sophisticated. Microsoft, however, has now developed its Active
Accessibility add-on to Windows 95, which will come bundled with Windows
98. In brief, Active Accessibility is a way of passing information to a
screen reader which allows the screen reader to provide information in a
helpful, intelligible way to a blind person. Adaptive technology vendors
have made considerable efforts to incorporate hooks for Microsoft's Active
Accessibility into their screen readers. It is important to emphasise that
the mere inclusion of Active Accessibility in a screen reader is not
sufficient. The software application itself, such as the word processor,
spreadsheet package, database management software, or web browser, must also
expressly support Active Accessibility.
Last week, Microsoft released its long awaited Internet Explorer 4.0.
Blind people had been advised that it would not be appropriate for them to
download the platform preview releases, since Active Accessibility was not
incorporated in these previews. However, on several Internet e-mail lists
frequented by blind people interested in access technology, we were advised
that Active Accessibility would be incorporated into the released version
of Internet Explorer 4.0.
Many blind people downloaded Internet Explorer 4.0 last week, only to find
that Active Accessibility had not in fact been included. We therefore wish
for Microsoft to be investigated under New Zealand's Fair Trading Act, and
either fined or the product removed from shop shelves and web sites in New
Zealand until the breach has been remedied by the inclusion of Active
Accessibility. Wee were given an assurance by a Microsoft employee which
has not been met, and therefore the product has been downloaded, or in some
cases purchased on CD-ROM under false pretences.
We also wish to lodge a formal complaint against Microsoft under the Hunan
Rights Act 1993, on the grounds that Microsoft has discriminated against
people with disabilities. The technology now exists for Microsoft to make
its products accessible. Indeed, Microsoft has told people in the adaptive
technology field that incorporating Active Accessibility into application
software is a fairly simple process. As a leader in the computing
marketplace, Microsoft must follow the standards it seeks to set for other
software manufacturers.
Now that such technology does exist, it is entirely inappropriate for the
blind to be treated like second class citizens by Microsoft. Microsoft
would not dream of releasing a product where the ability to use a mouse was
not yet working, yet its blind customers are told that we must wait until
they get around to releasing a patch to the software before we can use it.
We trust that this matter will be given urgent consideration. Media
statements will be issued advising of our complaint.
Yours Sincerely
Jonathan Mosen
National President
New Zealand Association of the Blind and Partially Blind
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