Technology denies access to people who can’t see, hear
June 19th, 2008From the Washington Post:
Olivia Norman, who is blind, is a skillful computer user and an error-free typist. But lots of doors in the technology world are closed to her because software and hardware often aren’t accessible to people who don’t see or hear well.
“It’s a curse and a blessing at the same time,” said Norman, 27, who lives in Cleveland Park. “The Internet has revolutionized my life, but there are basic things that are still completely inaccessible to people like me.”
Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) is introducing legislation that would mandate big changes in television, video and Internet phone services. Disability groups are supporting the bill. Tech industry groups say such requirements will drive up prices and dampen innovation.
“Now we’re full-blown into this digital era, and we, in general, need to upgrade the laws that ensure that there is accessibility for all the people who use these new technologies,” he said.
See earlier post here.
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on Thursday, June 19th, 2008 at 4:55 am and is filed under NOT2BEMISSED, accessibility, blindness/visual impairments, deaf/hard of hearing, law, politics.
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