[Irl-dean] Disability Bill and ICT accessibility

[Mark Magennis]

Dear all,

Something very important is happening in Ireland. The publication of the
Disability Bill has provided an opportunity to enforce state
organisations to make their ICT-based services (websites, information
kiosks, emails, etc.) accessible to people with disabilities.
Legislation has been very successful in other countries (US Section 508
and UK DDA for example) in waking people up to the issue and encouraging
action, so this is a real opportunity for us in Ireland. Not just for
those with disabilities, but for anyone with a vested interest in
encouraging the growth of a market for accessibility services.

However, having read the published Bill
(http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?fn=/documents/bills28/bills/2004/3
904/document1.htm), I see that the wording of the sections dealing with
ICT accessibility is seriously flawed. In particular:

- ICT-based services may not be covered at all, so people with
disabilities might legitimately be served using "alternative" methods.
- The full range of ICT scenarios (websites, information kiosks, emails,
etc.) may not be covered even if some are.
- Accessible electronic communications may not be required for people
with disabilities other than visual impairments.

I have written the attached argument as part of a general NCBI
submission on the Bill. Can I urge anyone who thinks this Bill is
important to read the appropriate sections, come to your own conclusions
and make a submission. I don't think we should waste this opportunity.

All the best,
Mark

Dr. Mark Magennis
Centre for Inclusive Technology
National Council for the Blind of Ireland
Whitworth Road, Dublin 9, Republic of Ireland

mark.magennis at ncbi.ie   tel: +353 (0)71 914 7464
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