Jojo Esposa’s Shared Query
>I got this from the GAWDS main web site and from the e-group. >After knowing that roughly three of top 100 web sites of every country >are accessible to persons with disabilities, the British Broadcasting >Company (BBC) through Mr. Mark Gristock is now accusing, >"Accessibility consultants and organisations for the disabled >clutch their knowledge of user requirements to them like they are the >key to future profits - which indeed they are. " >"If they had any interest in raising standards, they would be >sharing their findings with the world and opening dialogue with the >design and business community about how best to integrate techniques >with standard processes." >Visit this site for complete details: >http://elgg.net/slimjimb/weblog/142346.html >Wow! I hope PWAG will not be accused of this now or even in the near >future. We are here to promote, share and educate people about the >benefits of web accessibility while aiming to raise the standard of >Philippine designed web sites.
Mel Pedley’s Response
>Total rubbish! >I think this person, who is part of a company (Foviance) that carried >out usability testing on some of the sites that were probably tested and >failed, is currently feeling more than a little threatened by such a >damaging report and is looking for somewhere - anywhere - to place the >blame. >I was particularly interested to note that Foviance are not members of >GAWDS, so it would appear that, not only does the company not practice >what it preaches, it fails to avail itself of the free and open >accessible web design dialogues that *are* available.
Lemuel Cabia’s Response
>Very nice point Mel. >to all, >I might be guessing that this would also be the case of the group *if* >CICT-NCC and NCWDP to which PWAG is under its support banner and advocacy, >cannot comply with even the minimum levels of accessibility for their >web sites (as soon as possible). -- not mentioning of so many >*reasons* that may arise. but... typically, whatever the reason is not >the issue, yet it is the timely and fair access to information and >services - how they (users) want it, where they want it, and when they >want it! >Like the foviance (usability firm na 'yan ha?!), to mention mel's >comment again -- "it would appear that, not only they (foviance) not >practice what it preaches, it fails to avail itself of the free and >open accessible web design dialogues (and even guidelines) that are >already available." >di kaya huli na kung sasabihin pa nila na..."papunta na kami dyan". eh >na-accuse na sila... >so sa part natin, ano pang hinihintay natin? pasulong tayo, we are not >procrastinating because of so many (logical?) reasons.
Abner Manlapaz’ Response
>Thank you Jojo for sharing your thought about this matter... >I hope this group will be known as the pioneers here in the Philippines >who promoted the web accessibility and sharing your skills and knowledge >to benefit all...
Rey Mendoza’s Response
>Sing with me..... >"wag kang bibitiw bigla...." >Kidding aside, we the core group are from mostly private institutions >and most of the time and money we spend are form our own >(that's why it's called advocacy) and what we expect from the government >is just support to attain the missions and goals of this group. >Accessibility is just starting to gain ground here. It may be a long journey, >but a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. >I'm really surprised that we still dont have any line-up of things to >do for the government, we already made known our intentions to help them. >Sorry to be blunt about it, but I was expecting to participate in >e-accessibility day and we did not get any news about how can we help.
Sonny Villafania’s Response
>Yup, same here. I was waiting actually for an invitation last Dec. 4, >2006. I guess I am hooked already on this accessibility thing. I've 4 >more sites to update or redesign. >I do hope that that interesting meeting/seminar at the NCWDP will not >be the last.
Nelia De Jesus’ Response
>It will not be the last Sonny, rest assured. Quiet kami but count >on us, ok? Lani of NCC is helping us with our site before uploading it, >then we shall ask all your help to enhance it..be patient pls!