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Re: Web Accessibility For Notetakers

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From: Harrison, Rita L
Date: Nov 18, 2015 2:49PM

Good Afternoon List,

After reading some of the comments, I would like to share my observation and personal opinion as follows, for those who may not be familiar with Notetaking Devices.

First, I absolutely agree that there is no need to make sites simpler, if they are coded correctly. Individuals using Assistive Technology (AT), should be able to navigate without a problem, provided there is proper structure and all elements are labeled.

Braille Notetakers serve many other purposes than just surfing the web. Having and using a braille display is an important piece in braille literacy, which allows someone the ability to read and write with ease, as those who have vision read and write print.

I personally use and have done so for years, a Braille Notetaker and find it much more portable to use when I lead and/or attend meetings, when I'm doing a formal Presentation and for taking notes on the fly.

Rather than discourage someone from purchasing and using a Braille Notetaker, perhaps the focus should be on those who manufacture and sell these devices, to use a more current browser, so everyone using these wonderful devices, are able to access the information they need when they need it, because the cost of these devices is high and we should expect to be able to access information online using a current browser.

I absolutely understand some of the frustration voiced here and I thank you for affording me the opportunity to share my view.

I hope everyone is having a great Wednesday!

Rita L. Harrison, FDA 508 Coordinator
Lead, 508 Web Task Force
Chairperson, Advisory Committee for Employees with Disabilities (ACED)
OO/OIMT/DBPS/IIB
Web Support Team (WST)
Phone: 805-620-0203
<EMAIL REMOVED>