[stylist] CD Baby removes accessibility for blind musicians and fans

[LoriStay at aol.com]

I'm not a techie, darn it, but a possible solution for this would be for us 
to start our own website for musicians and keep it accessible.   Note, I 
don't say blind musicians--because that might be too restrictive.   But to 
keep it accessible?   That would make sense.
Lori

In a message dated 10/30/09 12:25:40 PM, penatwork at epix.net writes:


> Hi Friends,
> Recently, posts have begun to appear on other NFB lists about the
> inaccessibility of CDBaby's
> new site for those of us who rely upon text to speech
> software. We are no longer able to use the Preview functions (which
> access audio clips from the CDs), making the
> Discover new Music option also inaccessible.  Some have also been unable
> to complete the purchase function.
> 
> CD Baby was always accessible to us in the past, and many blind
> musicians & NFB members, such as Lisa Ostrow along with the musicians
> featured on the "Sound in Sight" CD which supports programs of the NFB's
> Performing Arts Division are CD Baby artists. One of my own CDs has been
> there for years.
> 
> As you all know, independent musicians struggle against many odds. The
> same is true with blind musicians, few of whom are ever signed by
> national labels.  Ask yourself, for instance, to name a nationally known
> female singer or musician who is blind. I'm sure you will find it to be
> a very short list -- not that there's a lot of blind guys in the
> national spotlight.
> 
> As blind artists, we count on the sales we get from blind music
> lovers, who can no longer access our CD Baby pages. A letter to one
> blind fan from CD baby states that they removed the accessibility
> function when designing the new site. They expressed regret, but
> indicated that they have other priorities.
> 
> I am researching an article for the American Chronicle, and would be
> happy to include any concerns any of you are having with the site. If
> you wish to participate in the article, please contact me off list at:
> dwhill at epix.net
> 
> Also, please re post this. If there is any other way any of you can help
> us or any other ideas, we would appreciate it.
> 
> Thanks,
> Donna Hill, Head of Media Relations
> Performing Arts Division, National Federation of the Blind
> Media Specialist, NFB of PA
> 570-833-2708
> dwhill at epix.net
> --
>