[SEC508] Web-based training and meeting software

[Lynnette <labanning@comcast.net>]

Good afternoon.


We are looking for a web-based training and meeting application and have

come up against several accessibility issues.


The training department wants to use Macromedia Breeze, which has

several features all on the same screen.  1) simultaneous video with

audio (the presenter), 2) a chat area for all participants, and 3) a

presentation area where the presenter, or other attendees, can share

applications, documents, or web pages.  Unfortunately, as may be

expected, this product is deemed not in compliance with the Section 508

standards.


It appears that TTY and relay conference captioning, or similar

solution, may enable a person who is deaf or hard of hearing to

participate with this software.  The inaccessibility is most aggregious

to the blind and low vision community who would have to follow in 3

different mediums, namely: 1) the presenter; 2) chat area; and 3)

presentation area.



For the training use of this software, if no accessible application

contains these features, would you believe this falls under the 1194.3

Fundamental Alteration category and perhaps offering one-on-one training

with those requiring an alternative method would be acceptable, or even 
preferable?



To complicate matters, even if that is acceptable for a training

scenario, it seems to me that it may have a different slant, as far as

fundamental alteration is concerned, if it is rather a participatory

meeting that is being conducted online in this manner.  A one-on-one

alternative would not be an equivalent solution, of course, in that

case. 


I understand WebEx is supposed to be accessible.  We have a request in 
to have the vendor contact

us and to send us their VPAT if they have one.  Has anyone heard of 
this?  Is it truly accessible?



I would be most appreciative to learn of known web-based applications

that are considered to be 508-compliant and would also appreciate

opinions on the applicability of 1194.3 if no accessible solution

exists.



Thank you!


Respectfully,

Lynnette Banning
Section 508 Accessibility Consultant




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