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RE: Coding for Standards--comments please

for

From: David R. Stong
Date: Mar 17, 2004 9:43AM

Bryce wrote:
>That's not my premise... There is a set
>of known, recognized standards, that if we follow, should allow access to
>everyone. Why is it then our fault if the manufacturers' of assistive
>technologies don't adhere to those standards. Why doesn't the LEGAL
>and moral burden then fall on
>the assistive technology manufacturers if their product fails to produce the
>results specified by the standards?


I do see your point Bryce, and that of David Hoffman. I concede that
if you do everything to standard and some people are still excluded
it's very frustrating.

There are too many questions, beginning with "which standards?" and
short comings that Julian points out, that a designer such as
myself, anyway, has to decide which battle to fight and which to only
observe. In the end, I can't sit by and say "it's somebody else's
fault/problem" if I have the skill, talent, or insight to make the
site not only compliant, but accessible.

I am glad to hear there are warriors who want to take on Microsoft,
Freedom Scientific and GW Micro. I really admire the vision. I think
though that the assistive technology manufacturers do feel a
responsibility (and financial need) and are working to improve their
products in the ways you mention. I guess I'm not so sure that
browser manufacturers and designers are as concerned with this same
specific field.
--
David R. Stong
Microcomputer Information Specialist (Graphic Designer),
Education Technology Services, a unit of
Teaching and Learning with Technology
Information Technology Services
The Pennsylvania State University
Phone 8148651843

212 Rider Building II
227 W Beaver Avenue
State College, PA 16801-4819

Working for Universal Design: http://tlt.its.psu.edu/suggestions/accessibility

Download Penn State's visual identity marks:
http://www.personal.psu.edu/drs18/mark.html


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