Final Summary of Discussion
Websites: Implementation when?
Skip to issue§1. Who participated?
Two people commented on the proposed timeline for website accessibility; each made one comment. Moderators responded twice.
One commenter self-identified as a site designer or programmer. The other self-identified as a traveler with visual and mobility impairments who uses a cane and needs assistance with reading information on computers.
§2. General summary
One commenter (site designer or programmer/usability expert) responded to the proposal that completely new sites that come online 6 months after the regulations become effective” pointed out: “ That is often a year or more after they are approved. That seems long enough.” This commenter was concerned that it could end up taking five to seven years to achieve full compliance, and argued that there is no excuse for more delay: “Making a web site accessible is old technology. WCAG 2.0 was completed in 2006 or 2007. The Section 508 refresh advisory committee finished at about the same time. That’s already 5 years ago.”
The other commenter (traveler with visual and mobility impairments) emphasized her/his frustration with having to call airlines to make reservations and being told that because someone has to assist him/her with the reservation, s/he cannot receive the same prices and options as travelers who can access the websites. This commenter supports the proposal that travelers with disabilities should have equal access to opportunities available on the Web without having to incur extra charges.
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