This is certainly something we have talked about in NFB's Research and Development Committee. There is no easy answer, but as you point out, it is an area that needs some work and effort.
Dave
At 06:34 PM 11/10/2002 -0800, you wrote:
>Hi all:
>Alicia Richards posted an interesting message on the NABS list and I'd like
>to post it here for comment. I think it is important and I'd like to hear
>what others have to say about it.
>RyanO
>Hi, all! This talk of movies has made me think of one more thing I've
>wondered about for a long time, and which I haven't seen discussed on the
>lists. Keep in mind here that as I speak, I'm in no way supporting the
>ACB'S fight to get all TV movies and things on DVS. This has nothing to do
>with that.
>
>We all know that DVD movies are becoming increasingly common. In fact, many
>stores that I've talked to say that in a matter of two or three years, they
>plan to phase out the selling of VHS movies altogether. Yet, I think you
>all know that the menus at the beginning of DVD movies remain inaccessible
>to blind people. Even to get the movie to play can be tricky, and
>necessitates the memorization of the proper sequence of buttons to press.
>That's to say nothing of looking at all the bonus tracks on the disk, etc.
>
>Why has the NFB done nothing about this? Watching movies is a part of
>people's every day lives, whether they be blind or sighted. Why must we
>need a reader to come read the screen to us every time we want to see a
>movie? What if I can't sleep and want to watch one at three in the morning?
>
>Perhaps the Federation has not taken a position on this because it is not
>seen as a necessity. However, as students, we all know that often colleges
>assign us to watch videos, and then to write a paper, or do something in
>reaction. Eventually, those "videos" are only going to come as a DVD. What
>do we do then? Yes, the first answer is to watch in a study group with
>friends who can control the menus, but we all know that this type of thing
>isn't always possible, or convenient.
>
>With all the bonus tracks and things that are put on DVD movies, I don't see
>how making them accessible would be that much of an inconvenience or
>financial expenditure. I'd really like to hear what you all think of this
>issue.
>
>Alicia
>
>In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests
>before you and wait in expectation.
>Psalm 5:3
>
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>
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>
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