Blind and Physically Handicap Still Largely Excluded from the Use of Cyber Space and Software Applications

The blind community, as well as those who are physically handicap, are infuriated that website and software accessibility is still an issue, as they are still being excluded from the convenience of the Internet and other technology. These people rely on assistive technology, and the lack of accessibility makes it very difficult or impossible to use such software and websites. Though there are laws that have been established to protect the rights of such individuals, many businesses in cyber space either do not know about the existence of these laws: or, they feel that there is not enough of a demand to spend the money to get the resources to make sure accessibility is a priority. Reina Brown, owner and founder of Waldorf PC, has made up her mind that she’ll do whatever she can to bridge the gap making sure that all will be able to have fair use of software, as well as all aspects of the web.

“I was tired, first of all,” says Reina, “of dealing with companies who did not take my needs into consideration. When I told them I was blind and that I had trouble using their site, they were indifferent about it.” People did not understand that this is an important issue. She even reports that some of the customer service people she ran into during her venture told her that the blind and handicap do not use the web: thus, the need for making such adaptations wasn’t necessary.

“I was fuming!” Brown says, “As that was one of the most ignorant statements I heard yet.” Numerous individuals of the blind and physically handicap communities agree.

“After I heard the ignorant comments,” said Brown, “I told them that there were laws in place to insure accessibility and that they needed to make some changes to their site to be in line with accessibility laws and standards. They disputed me by telling me that there wasn’t enough of a demand for that. In other words, it didn’t matter that they were excluding millions of people from being potential clients.”

“accessibility has gotten much better," she says, "but it still has a long way to go.”

Reina, along with some friends, have started a number of petitions to several companies to make changes to comply with accessibility laws and standards. These petitions will soon be posted on Waldorf PC’s website for anyone who is interested in participating in making accessibility happen.

Waldorf PC was opened in December of 2007 with the purpose of bridging the gap between business owners and the blind and physically handicap. The company not only offers PC repair services and custom computer builds, they also offer consulting services to all businesses who have websites or to those creating and distributing software. Website and software developers can consult with Waldorf PC on how to make sure what they are developing is user friendly and accessible, so those who rely on assistive technology can utilize the web and software applications the same as the rest of the general public. Business owners with websites or software and website developers are encouraged to go to www.waldorfpc.com to not only consult with experienced professionals, but to get their hands on a plethora of free information and resources to further their knowledge in dealing with the concerns of the blind and physically handicap.

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For more questions, or to conduct an interview, contact Reina Brown at 301-535-3733. All inquiries are welcome.

Reina Brown
www.waldorfpc.com
Phone; 301-535-3733
Email; waldorfpc@gmail.com

Waldorf PC was opened in December of 2007 with the purpose of bridging the gap between business owners and the blind and physically handicap. The company not only offers PC repair services and custom computer builds, they also offer consulting services to all businesses who have websites or to those creating and distributing software. Website and software developers can consult with Waldorf PC on how to make sure what they are developing is user friendly and accessible, so those who rely on assistive technology can utilize the web and software applications the same as the rest of the general public.

This release was published on openPR.