>
Again as stated by others before this is just my personal opinion NOT
my employer's, so here's my two cents in:
It is a bit disappointing to read that 'there has never been, nor will
there ever be, a completely accessible website' or even worse that
there is much worse around. So, does it mean we shouldn't even try?
these sounds to me like like major excuses to actually do nothing. I
would like to think that there is many out there that are trying VERY
hard to include as many people as possible when they are designing both
content and layout of websites. I can sympatise with Peter actually and
I understand his frustration. Major museums should really lead the way
in that sense. Or are we reiterating the idea that museum access is for
a selected group of people like in the 19th century? It is 2004, it
isn't a matter of what we SHOULD do, it is a matter of what we MUST do.
The DDA applies to the web and, as I am sure everybody knows, starting
late this year applying it is not an option anymore. I was just reading
an article about how they are prepared to hand out fines to people that
have non-accessible sub AA standards websites, and not a moment to soon
I think. I honestly don't think it requires that much more effort to
keep in mind who we're are writing/designing for. Especially since
Macromedia and all major software companies have put tools out there to
make our life a lot easier when developing websites. All it takes is a
little effort and a little awareness. Certainly nothing will ever
happen if we all adopt the 'why bother?' attitude. Didn't you come to
the 'Museum and the Web' Conference this year in Leicester? It was very
interesting indeed and a lot was discussed on this topic. It was also
sponsored by this very group.
pardon the diatribe/off the soapbox
Samantha Cichero
The Multimedia Team Ltd
Kestrel 3D
9 Kittle Yards
Causewayside
Edinburgh
EH9 1PJ
Tel: + 44 (0) 131 466 8016
Fax: + 44 (0) 131 466 8018
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