[Diabetes-talk] Accessibility questions, help needed

[Anita Adkins]

Hi,

I agree with Bridgit and some of the others. But here is my perspective. First, alert Weight Watchers of the problem. Depending on their response, move forward by moving to the next higher level employee in their organization until you reach the top, explaining the issue. If all fails, then you have to act to make change. I know the law requires that websites are accessible, and I also am pretty sure you aren't the only one not able to access this site. So when presenting to the company/website manager, you may point out how an accessible and usable website would benefit you as a member, but that it would also benefit other members with disabilities, members using smaller devices, etc. Start out by attempting to work with them. But, when this fails, then contact somebody like you did with Mike or, in your own case, maybe a lawyer. I think I've heard the name Dan Goldstein as a lawyer in the NFB. It might be Brown and Goldstein, but if not, you can research for a disability lawyer. I agree we need to use more Braille, but I also think you should be able to access the same material in the same way others do, meaning on this website if that is how it is presented here. In addition, making the material accessible on the web and in other formats would allow the material to be accessible to all. Good luck. Anita


-----Original Message-----
From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bridgit Pollpeter
Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 3:22 AM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Accessibility questions, help needed

Is there a person in your Weight Watcher's group who can assist you with getting info not accessible? This may also be a great opportunity to have an accountability partner too. 

Also try accessing the contact us link on the website and simply make your obstacles clear. I've not personally done this, but I know others who have contacted website admins when experiencing accessibility issues, and it seems to turn on a light initiating changes to said website. 

Also try contacting headquarters if your local group is not providing info in an accessible manner for you. One point, can you be given info in another format other than Braille such as via email or even voice record stuff with a Victor or some other digital recording device?
Braille, right or wrong, is sadly not as easily available as other accessible mediums these days, and if you really want information, you may need to make an effort to get it in some other format. Weight Watchers may also not know where to go to get material in Braille for you. 

It sounds like you really need to take charge and be the one dictating all this. Sadly, this is just a fact for those requiring info in alternative formats. It's not that people want to deny you or not be helpful, but because they don't have to "deal" with a similar issue, they are ignorant of what to do or where to go.

Sincerely,
Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Read my blog at:
http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/
 
"History is not what happened; history is what was written down."
The Expected One- Kathleen McGowan


-----Original Message-----
From: diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie Kline
Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 9:25 PM
To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Diabetes-talk] Accessibility questions, help needed


good evening,
i don't know if you guys remember, but a couple of weeks ago I had asked the question here about Weight Watchers and whether or not their website and online tools were accessible for someone using a screen reader. As a follow up to that question, I am very upset to learn that most of site I'd need to use is not at all accessible. it doesn't respond to screen reader commands and you can't navigate the thing because it's all flash and graphics. of course the sign up page reads beautifully. i brought this problem to our local Weight Watchers people and asked if I could have the material in another format like braille, but they will not give me a straight answer for this and the only thing they've given me is a pocket guide. do I have any recourse here? saying I feel cheated is pretty mild; I'm very upset that I'm not getting the same opportunities as other participants though I'm paying the same money, and while everyone else has multiple options for doing tasks, I don't even have one. if anyone can offer me somewhere to go for help with this, I'd appreciate any suggestions. if I'm just plain SOL AND THERE IS no recourse here, then thanks for letting me vent. julie sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________
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