Thread Subject: Re: 1194.22(b) in Group A:Distinguish OS fromsoftware apps

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From: Li, Alex
Date: Fri, Oct 20 2006 3:40 PM

Hi all,

Just want to remind the group the rationale to review 1194.21 and
1194.22 together is that much of what needs to be done is similar
whether it is a web-based application and desktop application and that
many experts who work on web accessibility also work on desktop
application accessibility. But it would be wise to keep 1194.21 and
1194.22 separate because 1) there are still some difference between web
applications and desktop applications, 2) there are still many simple
government websites that would not fit so well with application
standards, and, 3) most importantly, no existing accessibility standard
has yet to consolidate the requirements of desktop applications and web
applications. Trying to consolidate 1194.21 and 1194.22 would require
significant investment in time, effort, and expertise in order to invent
something new. Given the timeline of TEITAC, it would be very difficult
to do so. Also, we should try to harmonize with other standards and
guidelines such as WCAG 2.0. Merging 1194.21 and 1194.22 would blow our
harmonization theme/objective out of the water. This same argument also
applies to the idea of trying to separate OS requirements from desktop
applications requirements. Trying to make the separation would get us
into trouble with harmonization and require extraordinary effort to
determine what OS should and should not do.

All best,

Alex Li
Manager, Accessibility Standards and Policies
SAP Labs, Inc.
3410 Hillview Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94304
T (650) 687-4770
F (610) 492-2961
M (202) 492-4592
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