Re: [tdf-discuss] the Meaning of "access" in manifesto

Hi,

At 22:28 8/02/2011, Johannes A. Bodwing wrote:
> Hello,
>
> what does "access" mean in the manifesto: "to eliminate the digital 
> divide in society by giving everyone access to office productivity 
> tools free of charge to enable them to participate as full citizens 
> in the 21st century"
> Is it only the possibility for someone to download from TDF/LO-Sites 
> or a more active way like a distribution by pre-installed LO on PC too?
> What does TDF really/precisely understand with "access"?

There is one other meaning of "access" that has not been diccussed in 
this thread: accessibility for persons with disabilities. In this 
sense, inaccessible software is software that does not implement an 
accessibility API [1], that does not allow full keyboard access, that 
does not inherit desktop themes (colour combinations, large text & 
icons, ...), etcetera. Inaccessible software creates or contributes 
to a digital divide between people with disabilities and other users. 
This would affect, for example, 18.7% of the US population (in 2005 
[2]), so it is not a marginal phenomenon.
Elderly users often have similar needs, as their vision, hearing and 
mobility decreases with age (but they don't want to be considered as 
"people with disabilities", it's all just part of getting old). I 
assume you are all aware of the demographic shift in many countries [3].
In addition to this, some governments (e.g. the US federal 
government) are not allowed to buy inaccessible software.


[1] <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Accessibility_API>
[2] 
<http://www.practicalecommerce.com/articles/1417-Accessibility-How-Many-Disabled-Web-Users-Are-There->
[3] <http://www.w3.org/TR/2008/WD-wai-age-literature-20080514/>.

Best regards,

Christophe Strobbe


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