Hi all,

We seem to have a reasonably accessible Web based Library catalog and
database system. Some aspects of the databases are difficult but with
support especially a concerted effort from myself and the database
librarians experienced students blind seem to be having reasonable success
even with the infamous "OVID" databases. It does depend obviously on the
browser and the screenreader being used.

Trevor


At 14:28 21/04/99 -0500, you wrote:
>I don't have a direct answer, at least specifically in terms of
>library catalogs.  I suspect that the issues you raise are common to
>many interfaces, not just library catalogs.
>
>I just took a look at "'Handicapped access' hits the Web" on ZDNet,
>the Ziff Davis Web site.  Go to www.zdnet.com and look for that title.
> One of the links is to the US Department of Justice documents on
>Section 508 for givernment agencies.  Go to
>www.usdoj.gov/crt/508/508docs.html and take a look at the "Component
>questionaire" segments on software accessibility,  Web page
>accessibility, and Information/Transaction Machine accessibility.  I
>think we should all be requiring vendors to toe the line on this
>stuff.  If we demand it, they'll resond eventually.
>
>BTW, for those who don't know it, Section 508, added in August 1998
>to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, requires federal agencies to make
>their computer and Internet systems accessible to American with a wide
>range of disabilities.  The American Foundation for the Blind was
>involved in getting this legislation passed.
>
>Thanks to Dick Banks of EASI for the referernce to the ZDNet site!
>
>Audrey
>
Trevor Wilks - Manager
Adaptive Technology Centre
Student and Academic Services Division
Auchmuty Library
University of Newcastle
University Drive Callaghan
NSW 2308 Australia
Ph-02 49217046
Fax-02 49217410
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