Thread Subject: Re: Second Life

Note

This archival content is maintained by WebAIM and NCDAE on behalf of TEITAC and the U.S. Access Board . Additional details on the updates to section 508 and section 255 can be found at the Access Board web site.

From: Will Pearson
Date: Sun, Aug 05 2007 11:00 PM

Jim wrote:
"Isn't this the same as the web and software convergence issue?"

I believe it is; I also believe that the web and software convergence issue
shows something about the true nature of accessibility. One idea that I've
been developing over the past three or so years is that accessibility is not
a technical problem but rather one of communication. Accessibility problems
and solutions can be modelled in terms of modifications to standard models
of communication, such as the Shannon-Weaver five stage model. In this
communications view of accessibility accessibility problems come about as a
result of the choice of encoding and communications channel and these are
typically linked to the media and presentation type.

Jim wrote:
"If we
commit to create more generic categories like "text content", "interaction
object", etc., I'm sure we can cover all the ground necessary and eliminate
the platform dependent terminologies."

I believe this would be a better approach than technology centric guidance.
To me the approach can better address the real nature of accessibility than
technology centric guidance can. Producing guidance based on media and
presentation type as welll as role is also more future proof than providing
guidance on specific technologies given that technology is constantly
evolving.

Will

WebAIM is an initiative of:
Center for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) Utah State University