[html4all] Accessible to whom (or to which groups)

[Vlad Alexander (XStandard)]

Philip wrote:
> it will remain an uphill battle to gain support
> for the precepts of acessibility all the while there are
> suggesstions ... that accessibility is "for the benefit
> of those with disabilities" rather than "for the
> benefit of all".
I agree with this assessment.

Regards,
-Vlad



-------- Original Message --------
From: Philip Taylor (Webmaster)
Date: 2007-10-29 9:10 AM
> 
> Joshue O Connor wrote:
>> Hi Phil,
>>
>>> And that is
>>> why I dislike the divisive language of WCAG 1.0 and
>>> WCAG 2.0 
>> I never thought of it as divisive.
> 
> Let me start by apologising to those whom my previous messages
> upset, and in particular Laura, whom I know is worried about
> the possibility of a schism within the group.  As I hope has
> become clear now that the dust has settled, it was never my
> intention to offend (and certainly not to accuse anyone of
> racism : it is still unclear to me how anyone could have
> though otherwise), but rather to point out that -- in my
> opinion -- it will remain an uphill battle to gain support
> for the precepts of acessibility all the while there are
> suggesstions (in some cases, very overt suggestions) that
> accessibility is "for the benefit of those with disabilities"
> rather than "for the benefit of all".
> 
> [...]
> 
>>> I would like all of us who believe
>>> in equality and equitability of treatment to state
>>> that we believe that the web should be accessible
>>> to /all/, not just to one particular group.
>> And me. But in order to do that minority groups, like people with
>> disabilities, have needs that must be addressed. This takes up time,
>> resources, energy etc and some may say that it is possibly
>> disproportionate, or skewed,  if a minority group require extra
>> attention and extra resources. However, this is necessary and in a sane
>> society - the way it should be. Lest we just become solipsistic,
>> selfish, impersonal and uncaring.
> 
> With all of which, I too agree.  The problem (IMHO) is that
> not everyone shares these views, and whilst it might be nice
> to think we could gain accessibility-for-all through the
> goodwill of those who /do/ share these views, it is more
> realistic (IMHO) to accept that we will achieve accessibility-for-all
> /faster/ if even the non-altruistic can perceive some benefit.
> 
> ** Phil.
> 
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