Hello everyone,
Although this might be a bit too far from the US, I think it might be
interesting for someone.
Regards,
Thian.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 4 Nov 1998 21:11:43 +0700
From: Monthian Buntan <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: 041198_Database01.html
Bangkok Post November 4, 1998
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INTERNET / LEGAL AFFAIRS
Graphics-heavy Web sites may be subject of lawsuits next year
'Equal access' to information should include the disabled
Sasiwimon Boonruang
The Internet can bring a better life for the disabled with improved
work possibilities and an enhanced social life, but the way that some
web sites use graphics to display the Thai-language can deny these
benefits to the blind and could be unconstitutional.
Discrimination against handicapped people - as well as many other
sorts of discrimination - is forbidden under Article 30 of the New
Constitution, and during an interview with Database, Ratchasuda
College of Mahidol University Prof. Monthian Buntan said that he was
planning to sue certain Thai Web sites that are not easily accessed by
the disabled.
As an example, he cited the Web site of Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai
<http://www.chuan.org.th>, which relies heavily on graphics and
thus, is not accessible to people with certain types of disability.
Disabled persons who rely on computer programs which read text out
loud, for example, will find their text-to-speech program cannot cope
with graphics-heavy sites.
Article 30 states that people have equal protection under the law and
may not be discriminated against because of differences of race, place
of birth, language, sex, age, physical or health condition, status,
economic or social status, religious background, education or
political opinions.
Ratchasuda College of Mahidol University Prof. Monthian Buntan said
the Internet was a knowledge source for everyone, especially persons
with disabilities.
Blind in both eyes, Mr Monthian noted the Internet was a crucial
alternative for him and other disabled people as it allowed greater
access to information, aside from the limited information available in
Braille.
"I spend the morning from 4-6 a.m. everyday surfing the Net and read
mailing lists since there are a great many issues of interest to me
such as human rights, the environment and so on."
He uses a screen reader and speech synthesizer to be able to "read"
information displayed and have it broadcast out loud. The speech
synthesizer can also read key strokes when the user presses the
keyboard.
As well, there is a Braille translator program that can translate text
into Braille characters on a special pad which the user can then read.
He said many Internet Web sites render these technologies unusable.
"These can be identified as 'prejudiced' Web sites," Mr Monthian
pointed out, noting that Web site design should offer alternatives and
ensure that everyone has access.
As well, under Article 78 of the New Constitution, the government is
called upon to decentralise power to rural areas and to develop local
economies and infrastructure and distribute "information
infrastructure throughout the country equally".
Debate on this article has led to the "Universal Access" issue, which
has become part of the National Information Infrastructure draft,
which calls for people to have equal access to information.
Mr Monthian noted that "Universal Access" has, until now, only focused
on physical aspects, as well as geography and the economy, and has not
yet addressed equal access for all to information.
When the Governance Court is established next year, he said
"prejudiced Web sites" would be sued because the disabled were not
able to access information equally.
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