WebAIM - Web Accessibility In Mind

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Re: LIFT Transcoder being pimped

for

From: Jared Smith
Date: Aug 5, 2004 8:36AM

On Thu, 5 Aug 2004, tim.beadle wrote:

> No, in an ideal world web sites would be coded correctly and all markup,
> presentation and behaviour layers kept separate, leading to sites that
> serve all users regardless of ability, platform or browser.

In my mind, the real danger of such approaches to accessibility is
that people begin to believe that a text-only version of their site
somehow means that they are accessible. Or even worse, that the
text-only site can be an alternative to an otherwise inaccessible main
site. I know this is not the approach that LIFT takes, but it is the
mentality of many who are purchasing it. Besides, I don't believe it
possible to automatically create an accessible text site from content
that does not have accessibility features implemented in the first
place (garbage in, garbage out).

For those who choose to or are compelled to comply with Section 508,
it's important to note that Section 508 says that a text-only site can
only be used as an alternative when the main site itself cannot, in
any other way be made accessible - and I've seen very few that cannot.
The implementation of a text-only site can be an important piece of an
accessible site, but developers should understand that it only serves
a VERY limited audience and that its no excuse for an inaccessible
main site. And those who take the steps to make their main site
accessible typically find a text-only version unnecessary.

Jared Smith
WebAIM (Web Accessibility In Mind)
Center for Persons with Disabilities
Utah State University