Greetings to Everyone:
We should look at trying to come up with specific positions that
NFB might take regarding accessibility to electronic information
and graphical displays. Consumer electronics are always
something we have to be concerned about. I know we could talk
for hours without arriving at any useful position. Nevertheless,
we should acknowledge that the issue does require some
discussion.
I think we should, as a practical short term project, look at the
feasibility of designing a nonmagnetic, audible compass. In my
view, this represents the most immediate thing that we could do
in the area of enhancing the ability of the blind to travel more
independently and efficiently. Yes, GPS systems are fine to
think about and discuss. But will the average blind person
acquire such a system within the next decade? I think not.
On the NII discussion, I should have more information by the time
of our meeting. On January 23-24, I will be attending a meeting
of the advisory committee for the Universal Access Project,
headed up by the World Institute on Disability. This project is
aimedd at developing position papers and the like to ensure that
*ALL* disabled persons have accessibility to electronic
information, next generation and otherwise. I think that the
Federation can do much to provide some political motivation and
influence in this important area. I think further that we should
develop our own positions based upon what we learn from the
thinking and efforts of others. In no way should our actions be
controlled or unduly influenced by forces outside of and inimical
to the Federation, however.
Reagrds,
Curtis Chong
curtisc@winternet.com
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