deborah: the Library of Congress cataloging numbers for children's literature, technology, and library science (Default)
deborah ([personal profile] deborah) wrote2010-03-05 10:09 am

accessibility aggravation

I find it aggravating that WebAIM will be presenting at this year's CSUN (International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference) on "The Myth of the Typical Screen Reader User", since its representatives on the WebAIM mailing list have made it very clear that they believe there IS a typical screen reader user: a computer illiterate technophobe with total lack of agency who needs to be handheld for all computer use.

I also find it aggravating that CSUN isn't broadcasting any of the sessions. (You can charge people to see a webcast, you know!) Sure, they do seem to do a pretty good job for attendees with disabilities on site, but a lot of people with disabilities find it difficult to travel, you know? Not to mention how many people with disabilities have lower incomes than their able-bodied peers. A twitter feed is not a broadcast.
jesse_the_k: text: Be kinder than need be: everyone is fighting some kind of battle (expectant)

[personal profile] jesse_the_k 2010-03-06 12:37 am (UTC)(link)
Re WebAIM: I know it's frustrating to be condescended to, but in general isn't it better to be underestimated than overestimated?

Yeah, if anyone has the tech capacity to create a virtual con, CSUN should.