sight-impaired browsers (was: [svlug] Tax money at work)

[Karen Shaeffer]

On Sat, Apr 21, 2001 at 08:50:07PM -0700, Derek Balling wrote:
> 
> I'm not saying I have a problem with "doing it right", because I 
> really do applaud the companies that go out of their way to include 
> everyone despite their disabilities, but mandating stuff like that 
> via law strikes at the heart of what I think is wrong with the world 
> these days.

The reality is that employment statistics for disabled folks, during the
years prior to the ADA, would prove that most employers did not hire disabled
people. And the further you go back in time--the harsher life was for the
disabled. It's history, don't take my word for it. And that history was the
motive force behind the movement to enact the ADA.

There are good and bad disabled folks, just like in the general population.
There are clearly disabled folks who have no character and who are
attempting to exploit the ADA. But the vast majority of disabled folks
respect the intent and spirit of the ADA. This vast majority do a good job
and don't cost their employers very much, if anything.

The ADA has enabled millions of disabled folks to live life with dignity,
enabling them to stand on their own feet and pay their own way in Life. It's
a small price to pay for the community. The macro-scale cost/benefit ratio
is very very positive. And the sad truth is that it took the force of law to
make it happen. The ADA is here to stay--as it should be.

c,
-- 
 Karen Shaeffer
 Neuralscape; Santa Cruz, Ca. 95060
 shaeffer at neuralscape.com  http://www.neuralscape.com