[nabs-l] Any thoughts on Washington Seminar

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

Joe and others,

I agree with your point about the Technology Bill of Rights.  In theory
it is great, but how practical is it?

We certainly have rights and should have equal access to technology, but
shouldn't everyone then?  This legislation creates a huge mountain when
you begin to think about all the people who can not use current
technology with traditional means.  Is it fair to enforce accessibility
for one group, but exclude others?  Blind people are not the only group
who require alternative means to technology.

Also, I understand the legislation would allow company's to create their
own means to alternative access, and we are not asking for the most
expensive route, or that everything must be audio.  But this is a huge
undertaking when you think about it.  Are we requesting literally
everything be made with accessible features out of the package?

For instance, most microwaves are not readily accessible, but I placed
Braille labels on my microwave after purchasing it.  Same with the oven
and washing machine.  It did not require much work to do this.

I am aware that more and more technology is developed with flat touch
screens replacing dials and buttons, and this includes appliances like
the ones mentioned above.  I recently attempted to purchase a hand
mixer, but the speeds were on a touch pad.  I now need to see one in
person to determine how difficult it may be to use.

But even simple alternative methods may take years before all technology
would meet the standards.  Or are we just talking about mainstream
technology like airport kiosk and mobile phones and elevators, etc.

Anyway,  I question the practicality of this Bill.  Without knowing the
specific language, I wonder to what extent we are looking at here.

I have only ever been told that the bill is meant to give equal access
to current and future technology, and it allows groups to develop their
own accessibility, but what are the specifics?  What role will the
Federation play?  Is there a timeline?

Before anyone accuses me of being anti-Federation, *smile* let me say
that I support this bill, and it would be great to have instant access
to technology, but I just wonder how feasible this is.

Bridgit

Message: 2
Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:31:38 -0500
From: "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com>
To: "'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'"
	<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Any thoughts on Washington seminar?
Message-ID: <629B16A89EE441B6B974CB1DC40C0752 at Rufus>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="US-ASCII"

A couple questions: 

1. Is the NFB planning on doing anything to reinforce or enhance the
21st Century Accessibility Act?  I would have thought much of what is
requested in the Technology Bill of Rights can already be covered in the
former.

2. How will the NFB battle states' rights mentality when it comes to
setting this national standard?  I think it's a great idea in theory,
but how feasible is it for states to give up their flexibility in favor
of a national benchmark?

I think the third legislative priority is an excellent one.  I'm already
an ethnic minority and can enjoy the tax benefits of owning a business,
but hopefully the expansion of coverage to disabilities will motivate
more people to venture out and start their own operations.

Thanks for any information on the first two points.

Joe

"Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their
sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up