SCN: government website accessibility

[Lorraine Pozzi]

As I understand it, governmental sites are supposed to be available
to people with various disabilities - so a plain text version should
be accessible.  Blind people, among others, use the Internet in 
some surprising ways.  They've lobbied hard for access in a graphical
environment.  So if the site doesn't work - maybe a note to the Web-
master (person) pointing out violation of the ADA regs would be
useful.

Lorraine
-------------------------- 

On Tue, 26 Mar 2002, patrick fisher wrote:

> as anyone tried to hit a government web site, only to find out that they need the
> latest and greatest browser? And to have that browswer they may need the latest adn
> greatest operating system? And to have the OS, they may need the latest and greatest
> hardware, possible?
> 
> And have you gone online to a government site to apply for a job and you need the
> lastest version of MS Word? Not everyone has the lastest version of Word. Not
> everyone owns a PC. Some of us have Macs and can't afford to have MS Office.
> 
> Why does the government make such a stink out of accessiblity for all people (which
> is good, don't get me wrong), when information on its sites are restricted to a
> certain class of people?
> 
> Why should I have to have the lastest browser (according to the Washington State
> Parks site) in order to view a stupid park map? 
> 
> I must give credit to the Washington State Park system people for now telling me
> that I can use Netscape version 4.7 and higher (their site said I needed the
> lastest/greatest). I was pleasantly surprised at their responsiveness, and that they
> did not tell Mac-me to go out and get a PC.
> 
> The county was recently helpful when something did not work right on their site
> because I use a Mac.
> 
> Anyway, I assume that those who pass the laws probably have computers and DSL and
> all that and are not considerate to the entire population. They eat their Prime Rib
> and seven course meals at the capital while they cut food programs.
> 
> As you can probably ascertain, I have a certain opinion about this topic. I really
> feel, that among all things, access to information (and education and all that good
> stuff) is probably the most valuable asset a society can have. 
> 
> I suppose that this topic has been overlooked by the people who run the state and
> local governments. Maybe not enough people have complained.
> 
> Even for some of us, we have internet access at work, we are using ancient browsers
> (that is how things work in corporate America sometimes), and we can't have access
> to sites as well.
> 
> What is my answer to this? I don't think SCN can influence legislation without
> getting into trouble (I think, please don't quote me on this, and I don't think it
> is SCN's mission). However, SCN can provide a place for forums to discuss this, as
> part of the long-range plan to have more content and drive eyeballs to SCN.
> 
> My personal opinion on this: My suggestion is that I hope people with "lesser"
> browsers and computer systems, will take the time to complain on this issue to those
> sites that limit accessibility.
> 
> Okay, off my soapbox, and thank you,
> Patrick
> 
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> Seattle Community Network
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