Re: A question of definition

[KPStrauss@aol.com]

IN RESPONSE TO RANDY DIPNER'S INQUIRY ON THE SCOPE OF 508:

It would seem to me that the law encompasses all the forms of computer access
needed for basic consumer/employee use -- for the most part, what you describe
below, as well as other forms that may not be enumerated here.  Unless an
individual has complete computer/technological access, he or she will be
seriously impeded in effectively utlizing computer and electronic technology
for employment.  For example, it would do no good to be able to simply type at
a computer, yet not be able to correct an error while working, or not be able
to control the various characteristics of the computer type/contrast, etc.,
that may be important to the production of a particular document..  Similarly,
where the average consumer is expected to be able to add or take away computer
parts, so too should the consumer with a disability be able to do the same.
Of course, Section 508 does not anticipate enabling employees with
disabilities to become experts of computer assembly (i.e., who can assemble
and dissassemble computer components at will), if that is not what is expected
or available to the average consumer/employee.

Karen Peltz Strauss
Legal Counsel for Telecommunications Policy
National Association of the Deaf

In a message dated 98-10-22 11:19:41 EDT, you write:

<< 
 FOR THE DEFINITION SUBCOMMITTEE
 
 It occurs to me that there are several levels of use of technology. I
 may sit in front of a computer and use it to generate a document such as
 this email message and that requires a certain level of accessibility. I
 may need to turn that same computer on or make casual adjustments to it
 such as brightness or contracst and this requires a different sort of
 accessibility. I may need to change the monitor or attach a new
 component to the computer or insert a new board in the chassis which
 requires yet another level of accessibility. An finally, I may need to
 diagnose an error condition that occurs while I am using the machine
 which could require certain disassembly and reassembly. My question is,
 how many of these levels of access are contemplated in the 508 rule?
 
 
 --
 Randy Dipner
 President
 Meeting the Challenge, Inc.
 3630 Sinton Road, Suite 103
 Colorado Springs, CO 80907-5072
 719-578-8448 (voice/TTY) 719-444-0269 (fax)
 email: dipner@mtc-inc.com
 
 
  >>