Re: A question of definition

[Janina Sajka <janina@afb.net>]

I don't believe we succeed by specifying some particular iteration of
technology must be accessible. We should be more generic if at all
possible.

In the case of the floppy disk, the generic issue is sharing data --
exchanging files. It would be reasonable to say -- "send me that on the
net" rather than trying to insist that all means of data exchange must be
made accessible. 



				Janina Sajka, Director
				Information Systems Department
				American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)

janina@afb.net


On Thu, 22 Oct 1998, Randy Dipner wrote:

> 
> 
> Gus Estrella wrote:
> 
> >
> > l might not know the answer to this questioin, but l think l have another
> > level to consider. The level is, the disk drive and the diskets themselves,
> > since they carry the information regarding technology!  A person with a
> > disability has to have access to both in order to either do their job, or to
> > transfer the information so others can do their jobs. This is just a thought
> > that l thought should be bought up.
> >
> 
> I agree that this is another aspect to consider. It brings up an interesting
> question -- It is tough to make a 3 1/2 inch diskette any bigger than 3 1/2
> inches and that may make insertion into and extraction from the computer
> difficult for some people. There are however a number of AT products that can be
> attached to the diskettes to make them easier to use for some people. The
> question I have is how do we deal with this sort of issue where AT can make
> something accessible. Does this meet the spirit of 508 which I take to be more
> alligned with universal design and access rather than using AT to make an
> inaccessible thing accessible? I might extend this question a bit by asking
> about distributed software on a diskette or on a CD. I can look at that diskette
> or CD and tell what is on it by the label. Does 508 require that the information
> on the diskette or CD label be presented in Braille as well? If so must the
> Braille be on all copies of the diskette or CD or only on some of them?
> 
> --
> 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
> 
> 
>