RE: usability issues with JavaScript (fwd)

[Kelly Pierce <kelly@ripco.com>]

On Thu, 27 Jan 2000, Barrett, Don wrote:

> Good question.  Can we really tell folks they can't use Javascript,
> especially when most Windows screen readers handle it okay.  At what point
> can we say that Windows is accessible enough so that we can't demand that
> pages be all character-based and work with Lynx or other character-only
> browsers.  I am not taking sides, but merely raising the questions.  

Don,

You raise a larger issue:  when do we decide access in a given area has
been achieved to a degree that while it is not optimal it is usable and
generally considered "accessible."  What is missing in your analysis is
consideration of cost.  Switching to Windows from dos or even buying an
updated version of a Windows screen reader is not free.  It can cost
hundreds of dollars and easily approaches and sometimes exceeds a
thousand dollars or more.  Accessibility is one part of the legacy issue,
cost is another.  With three-quarters of blind persons unemployed, upgrade
costs from legacy software are part of the access equation for many.  Not
everyone can afford the latest and greatest that will enable them to enjoy
maximum accessibility.

kelly