[nabs-l] Confused regarding suit against Google Aps

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

But do we pursue negotiations before slapping law suits?  Do we reach
out and seek diplomatic talks before engaging in legal suits?

All institutions should follow fair and equal standards, and they must
be accountable, but I understand the sentiments of those who are wary of
the law suits.

I am curious if anyone knows what, if any, the NFB does before filing
suits?  Do we extend an opportunity to fix the problem before dropping a
law suit?

We don't want to be known as a litigious organization.  In fact, many
people-- members and non-members-- have asked me why the NFB sues
everyone.

We certainly have an image to maintain, and we must demand equality, but
should we become the bulldog on the block?

Just food for thought.

Bridgit

Message: 5
Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2011 13:19:23 -0500
From: "Sean Whalen" <smwhalenpsp at gmail.com>
To: <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] confused - regarding - NFB Google Apps complaint
Message-ID: <002701cbe4cf$d7f8c880$87ea5980$@com>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="us-ascii"

Hi,

 

Alex and Mary have got it pretty much right on point, but I will share a
couple brief additional thoughts:

 

We are filing against the academic institutions and not Google itself
because the law (ADA and IDEA, I think) have requirements for
accessibility for all students. There is no law requiring corporations
to make their software products accessible. That is part of what NFB is
driving at with the Tech Bill of Rights.

 

The complaints are being filed against the four schools because these
schools have actual instances of blind students or faculty not being
able to use the applications. You cannot sue or file complaints based on
hypothetical situations, there must be actual harm being done to an
actual person to have standing. That is my understanding anyway. And,
yes, it does set a favorable precedent when we win these cases. Fewer
institutions will implement technologies that are inaccessible if they
know they are just one lawsuit away from being forced to revamp what
they are doing.

 

The idea that this is just some publicity grab, as some might consider
the blind driver challenge, of which I myself am skeptical, is
inaccurate. This is a case of an organization standing up and taking
action to protect the rights of, and increase opportunities for, its
membership. This, in my opinion, is some of the bread and butter of what
NFB is for.

 

There is nothing wrong with filing lawsuits. That is how laws are given
teeth. Laws on the books are useless unless they are enforced, and it is
incumbent upon those who want them enforced to ensure that they are.

 

Take care,

 

Sean