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Re: Looking for feedback,how will this affect current accessibility measures

for

From: Mark Magennis
Date: Jun 7, 2006 3:50PM

I can't see any reason it will have any effect on Web accessibility
standards and practices.

Firstly because it will not be used as an interface to the Web in
general, but only to certain types of Web content. The article refers
to a "walled garden" approach and the inventor himself says "being
able to render the content of so many websites in a sensible form
would not be technically feasible".

Secondly because one of the goals of accessibility is device
independence. So accessibility guidelines don't deal with
accommodating the needs of specific user agents, such as Internet
Explorer, particular mobile phone browsers or this new "SpeakOn" device.

Thirdly because the number of users of this device will be tiny so it
will be unrealistic for any but a few niche content providers to
cater specifically for its needs. The SpeakOn is aimed at people with
no vision, which is a very small proportion of the Web user
population, or even the disabled Web user population. Further than
that, it is aimed at a subsection of blind people who cannot use a
computer yet would still like to use a device to access MP3 music
files, radio stations, podcasts and online newspapers.

I'm not criticising the device of course, just pointing out why it
won't have any effect on Web standards and practices.

Mark


Dr. Mark Magennis
Director of the Centre for Inclusive Technology (CFIT)
National Council for the Blind of Ireland
Whitworth Road, Dublin 9, Republic of Ireland
www.cfit.ie

<EMAIL REMOVED> tel: +353 (0)71 914 7464


On 7 Jun 2006, at 21:16, Marilyn L Greenwell wrote:

> An interesting BBC article claims "Blind inventor makes web
> accessible"
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/5038590.stm
>
> I am looking for comments and remarks on how this new device will
> affect the current accessibility standards and practices - or will it
> have any impact at all?
>
> Thanks!
>
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>
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