[Ohio-talk] Greyhound Site

[Robert Spangler]

Hello:

 

I would like to initiate a discussion on this matter as I believe it is of
great importance to blind travelers.  

 

Over the past five years or so, the Greyhound web site has had accessibility
issues, making it difficult or even impossible for some to order tickets.  I
myself just recently got the hang of selecting my start and destination
choices.  These fields are nonstandard dropdown edit boxes which are
confusing to someone who, rightfully so, expects to find controls with which
they are accustomed.  

 

Last night, I went to the Greyhound site to look up an itinerary and, guess
what, it's completely different now and I was unsuccessful in figuring out
anything.  I was forced to call them.  Let's not even talk about the hell I
dealt with searching for their phone number.

 

This is not a situation of who has the ability to figure out a challenging
web site.  I should be able to go to this site and book a trip without
having to figure out how to use the site each time.  It should work for me
as it does for sighted individuals.

 

I called the national center regarding these issues and they suggested that
I call the disability line at Greyhound and ask that they assist me in
purchasing my ticket.  In addition, they suggested that I request that they
waive any fees I would incur by ordering over the phone since I am unable to
utilize the site as equally as those who do not use screen access
technology.  At the time, I put this off because I figured out workarounds;
however, these workarounds are no longer effective and I'm just plain fed
up!  So, the next time I order a ticket, I will be forced to take this rout.

 

I would like to hear other people's thoughts on this matter.  I am not an
expert on the Target case, but didn't that set a precedent that, since a web
site is a public place of conducting business, it has to be accessible just
like brick and morder locations?  I'm not suggesting that we go jumping down
their throats just yet (attempting a peaceful resolution is always
preferred) but I certainly think that we should start making some noise
because this is absolutely ridiculous.

 

Looking forward to hearing some thoughts!

 

Thanks,

Robby