Often what I call “dumb policies” that prevent users at companies and government agencies from upgrading to newer browsers and AT – are just that – dumb policies. Screen readers users and other AT users already have unique configurations, and should be allowed, in fact encouraged and supported to upgrade to later browsers and AT so that the burden to test and support older inefficient and inaccessible technology is removed or at least reduced. Governments and public policy has a role too in areas where AT or support is not available yet in a native language – they should more wisely support the lower investment in AT than to require the higher costs in providing duplicate or dumbed down interfaces. We had this debate when moving from command line interfaces to graphical user interfaces (e.g. DOS to Windows), we had it when moving from static HTML to e-commerce, and we’re having it yet again moving to RIA and HTML 5. Persons with disabilities deserve access to the front door like everyone else. Lets educate the policy makers that there are smarter investments and trade offs.
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Back to the Articlephilljenkins
Often what I call “dumb policies” that prevent users at companies and government agencies from upgrading to newer browsers and AT – are just that – dumb policies. Screen readers users and other AT users already have unique configurations, and should be allowed, in fact encouraged and supported to upgrade to later browsers and AT so that the burden to test and support older inefficient and inaccessible technology is removed or at least reduced. Governments and public policy has a role too in areas where AT or support is not available yet in a native language – they should more wisely support the lower investment in AT than to require the higher costs in providing duplicate or dumbed down interfaces. We had this debate when moving from command line interfaces to graphical user interfaces (e.g. DOS to Windows), we had it when moving from static HTML to e-commerce, and we’re having it yet again moving to RIA and HTML 5. Persons with disabilities deserve access to the front door like everyone else. Lets educate the policy makers that there are smarter investments and trade offs.