[Stylist] NFB Access Campaign?

Wed May 23 17:42:12 UTC 2018

The problem isn't sight, or the lack thereof, but the problem is the lack of accessibility. As I said, the Federation has tried pushing through a tech bill of rights for years. The Writers' Division has no need to do something individually as it's a part of the Federation, therefore a part of any legislation efforts. We certainly can contact those at NFB HQ to state specific tech/sites we have problems with, and we definitely can contact our reps, encouraging them to sign onto any legislation. It's been an uphill battle to turn the tide on accessibility. Right now, the diabetes division is working with national to push for full accessibility with medical devices, especially insulin pumps. Collaboration can happen between HQ and divisions, so, reaching out helps national know where the greatest needs are right now.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: Stylist <stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Miss Thea via Stylist
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2018 12:09 PM
To: Writers' Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Miss Thea <thearamsay at rogers.com>
Subject: Re: [Stylist] NFB Access Campaign?

Hi, Todd.
I don't know about this for sure, but they always say In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
That is, any amount of sight you have that you can use and magnify, you won't be facing the same problems of someone totally without sight.
If you can see well enough to use Amazon independently, or anything else you like, you're blessed.
Anyway, thanks for Eric's number and email.
I'll send him a message.
Mind you, I'm not American, and don't know what NFB can do.
However, Amazon.com is, so maybe it doesn't matter where the original writer is from.
There must be others who use screenreaders exclusively.
Truth to tell, since NFB has a writers' division, I'm surprised they haven't yet taken up this challenge.
Thea

-----Original Message-----
From: Todd Elzey via Stylist
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2018 12:46 PM
To: Writers' Division Mailing List
Cc: telzey at twc.com
Subject: Re: [Stylist] NFB Access Campaign?

Good afternoon!  I have published via both Amazon and CreateSpace and haven't yet encountered any issues, but I use a screen magnifier (Zoomtext) not a screen reader such as JAWS.  The NFB does indeed work to improve access to websites and software programs.  In fact, the NFB has a staff person who takes on these challenges when appropriate. I would strongly suggest that any individuals who have experienced problems with Amazon's self-publishing platform (or any others) raise the issue with this individual.  His contact information is:  Mr. Eric Duffy, eduffy at nfb.org, 410-659-9314.  I have known Eric for more years than either of us would probably like to admit and know that if he can, he will help find a solution to the issues you are facing with Amazon's self publishing platform.

Sincerely,

Todd Elzey, Independent Author
www.beinformedbooks.com
telzey at twc.com or Todd at beinformedbooks.com

---- Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Stylist <stylist at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> The NFB is working on Tech access, which includes all tech and 
> websites, so, self-publishing would be emcompassed in this.

-----Original Message-----
From: Stylist <stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Miss Thea via Stylist
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2018 8:45 AM
To: Writers' Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Miss Thea <thearamsay at rogers.com>; writingblind at yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Stylist] NFB Access Campaign?

What’s up, writers?
Over the last few days, I’ve been trying to work with Amazon’s publishing tools.
Kindle Create is so inaccessible as to be not worth mentioning.
Anyway, someone told me I could publish a Word file.
Even so, I ran into some access issues:
Poo In The Face: A Murray B. Dolphin Adventure is now live on Amazon for a dollar and change.
I didn’t ask more because it’s a short story, and according to my research, such stories are offered for free or 99 cents.
Which is what I chose, but I guess Amazon added their thirty-five percent royalties, so I end up getting 99 cents a pop.

Secondly, I didn’t want anyone paying much for the story, because although I believe I’m a pretty good writer, and I’m sure you’ll like the story, (it’s fun, humorous and light-hearted), I’m equally sure the visuals will not be a turn-on.
Amazon’s cover creator turned out to be as inaccessible as it gets; no tagged images, no interaction between screenreader and program, so I could turn out something I was really proud of on all fronts.

Does anyone know of an NFB or other organization of the blind campaigning for the access rights of blind authors?
There’s plenty for blind readers, but I haven’t seen much on blind authors, or much for them, for that matter.
I know some of you use lulu and other author services.
I myself am using Tellwell to publish Lucy.
(Remember the little girl with the weird, blind teacher, who escaped her world’s final holocaust by escaping to Andorpha?) Well, I paid a lot of money I don’t have, thinking I was going to get lots of help, and still ran into access issues.
But that’s another story.
I was hoping Murray B. Dolphin would swim in smoother seas, but no such luck. The only thing I can say is that it didn’t cost me anything to put him in Amazonian waters.
Except I know I didn’t create the product I would have liked.
I would have liked to create a visually-appealing (I’m not even sure it’ll be legible on your device), fun story you can read over lunch hour or while you’re riding home on the bus.
I wanted to find an engaging picture of a dolphin and put him on my cover, write the title in ocean-blue ink, and promote the hell out of it.
I really enjoy this kind of work.
But when screenreader won’t interact with the program, and access becomes a stumblingblock, well, it isn’t much fun.
I just wondered who, if anyone, is the lone voice in the wilderness of blind authors, preparing the way for us.
Thea Ramsay
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