SWG-A N 315, Correspondence from the JTC 1 Chairman Concerning JTC 1 Web Site Accessibility Issues

JTC 1 SWG-A N 315

2008-05-14

Document Type:	Correspondence
Title:	Correspondence from the JTC 1 Chairman Concerning JTC 1 Web Site Accessibility Issues
Source:	Scott Jameson, JTC 1 Chairman
Action ID:	ACT
Requested Action:	For consideration at the June 2008 SWG-A meeting.

JTC 1 SWG on Accessibility Secretariat
ITI/INCITS
1250 Eye Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005
jgarner@itic.org

Karen,

While in Geneva last week, I had the opportunity to talk to some of ISO's staff regarding the JTC 1 website. As part of this, we discussed the JTC 1 Resolutions regarding the accessibility of the website. Some of the problems are well known, such as the use of image maps, but ISO requested we provide specific comments on other problem areas, and also inform them of any tools we're aware of to aid in improving the site's accessibility. They also asked if we thought the iso.org site has similar issues.

I'd like you to consider this request in the SWG-A, and try to develop detailed feedback to aid ISO in responding to our resolutions. Please send the results of the SWG-A's deliberations to Lisa Rajchel (JTC 1 Secretariat) and she can then incorporate them with the output from the Web Site Improvement Ad Hoc in addressing the necessary changes with ISO staff.

Thank you,
Scott Jameson
Chairman, ISO/IEC JTC 1

Excerpt from JTC 1 N 8426 - Final Resolutions Adopted at the 21st Meeting of ISO/IEC JTC 1 - 13-17 November 2006 in South Africa

Resolution 18 – Accessibility of Livelink Web Sites

Based on the report of the SWG-Accessibility contained in document JTC 1 N 8355, JTC 1 urges the ITTF to ensure that the Livelink sites for JTC 1 and its subcommittees are made universally accessible immediately. Current issues with the design of the site (for example the use of image maps) make the web site inaccessible to significant sectors of the community and exclude them from full participation in standardization. JTC 1 acknowledges that the request to make the website accessible may involve substantial work but believes that making the web sites accessible should be a priority task.

Unanimous

Excerpt from JTC 1 N 8804 - Resolutions Adopted at the 22nd Meeting of ISO/IEC JTC 1 - 8-13 October 2007 in Australia

Resolution 3 – Accessibility of Livelink Web Sites

JTC 1 reaffirms Resolution 18 of its 2006 Plenary meeting in South Africa regarding accessibility of Livelink web sites. JTC 1 continues to urge the ITTF to ensure that the Livelink sites for JTC 1 and its Subcommittees are made universally accessible immediately. Current issues with the design of the site (for example the use of image maps) make the web site inaccessible to significant sectors of the community and exclude them from full participation in standardization. JTC 1 acknowledges that the request to make the website accessible may involve substantial work but reiterates its belief that making the web sites accessible should be a priority task. JTC 1 requests that ITTF provide a status report at the 2008 Plenary meeting in Japan.

Unanimous