Friday, June 27, 2008

Accessibility on the Internet

Hello all.  Today marks the last day that chairman Bill Gates sits in the hot seat at Microsoft.  Lots of journalists, enthusiasts, and writers have done extensive montages dedicated to BillyG, so I won't bore you with it all.

So today being the day, I figured http://www.microsoft.com would get in on the action as well.  They have, and right up on the first screen is an ad for a video montage about his early years and such.  Great! I thought.  Microsoft has always been great about having their online videos captioned if you have that option enabled in your computer settings.  So I clicked it and no captioning.

Hmmm.

Okay, maybe it's because I'm in Firefox, I mean FF3 DID just come out.  I'll try IE7. 

Still no captions.

ARGH!

Okay check the settings, setting are fine. 

I'm told on Microsoft's ENABLE page that "Our vision is to create innovative technology that is accessible to everyone and that adapts to each person's needs. Accessible technology eliminates barriers for people with disabilities and it enables individuals to take full advantage of their capabilities."  Well it sure doesn't look like the reigns will be handed down if THIS is considered accessible.  I demand that Microsoft transcribe all of the montage videos or caption them.  I'll say now that I am a beta tester for them and this does not make me happy one bit.  I've tested accessibility in products, but it seems some have been forgotten.  WE however will not be forgotten about.

6 comments:

Kim said...

You know-- the Gate's offer philanthropic support to many causes, and especially education. Recently they gave about a quarter-million to our Deafness Center here in the Seattle area.

http://www.gatesfoundation.org/UnitedStates/Education/EarlyLearning/Announcements/Annouce-070605.htm

Anyway-- yeah Bill has been in the hot seat, but I have mixed feelings about him because he gives so much back to the community and also world causes.

My son just got hired on there. Yep-- let them know what you think about the lack of captions. It was probably just an oversight.

Dena Reiter said...

Wow Kim, I hadn't heard they had given the money to the HSDC. I'm very pleased to know that. Now if they had just given that money when the CSCDHH was still around, it might still be standing. Anyway, yes Bill gives alot to the Seattle school district, however, not in the surrounding areas. I lived inbetween Renton HS (Renton School District) and Rainier Beach HS (Seattle School District), and boy was there a huge difference as far as money :( Don't get me wrong, I love what he does and continues to do. He's kept all of us living on the shores of Lake Washington happy with jobs and industry. Sorry I know I jumped alot of topics. i hope you understand me.

Anonymous said...

http://billcreswell.wordpress.com/2008/04/08/deaf-actress-terrylene-in-enable-part-6-of-6/

Kim said...

HA! I didn't know you were in the Seattle-metro area. Are you on the eastside? Have you ever seen Bill's house?? Lord it's big!!!

Dena Reiter said...

Kim, I no longer live in the Seattle area, I miss it though! I live in Illinois now. I lived in Renton, on the West side (Skyway area) a few streets away from Lake Washington, and a good place to watch the hydro races :) Yes, I've seen his house, the outside of it, it's huge and right on the water.

iMuslim said...

Assalamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullah sister

I pray that you're well.

I found your blog while searching for Deaf Muslim resources and groups online. Alhamdillah, I am hearing, but I am learning BSL online (I'm in the UK), and wanted to know more about the Deaf Muslim community.

It's a shame you're in the US - only cos you sign ASL, and not BSL, otherwise you could help me learn, hehe.

Anyway, nice to come across your blog. You're welcome on
mine any time, insha'Allah.


Wa'salam

Sis iM