AWP and Accessibility

A few days ago I wrote on Facebook that the pdf conference schedule for the upcoming Associated Writing Programs conference is inaccessible for people with disabilities. A friend forwarded my post to AWP and I received a very gracious note from Christian Teresi who is the conference organizer. She wrote:

 

Hi Steve, 

 

I saw your post on Facebook and wanted to take a minute to get in touch.  

 

There are actually three versions of the schedule on the website. 

 

There is an HTML version here: https://www.awpwriter.org/awp_conference/schedule_overview 

This is the most up to date version. 

 

But there is also both a PDF and HTML version here: http://www.pageturnpro.com/Progress-Printing/48749-2013-Conference-Program/index.html#1

 

Both HTML versions should be accessible by any screen reader. 

 

I’m guessing that you were looking at the version of the program that defaults to the PDF that is not accessible, but please note the problem is easily resolved by clicking on HTML button at the top of the screen. This button is tagged and any screen reader should be able to see it.  

 

The PDF/HTML version of the schedule is really just to supplement the main, most up to date, HTML version on the website. 

 

If you are using a reader that cannot access the HTML programs please do let us know. Even though we make efforts to ensure that they are accessible we have no way of testing compatibility with every kind of reader here. 

 

We work hard to make the schedule accessible to everyone, and it is a great help to us to hear from our members when problems arise so we can work on a resolution. 

 

Let me know if you have any questions. We’re looking forward to see you at the conference again. Best, Christian 

 

**

 

I am certain that Christian Teresi is a good hearted person, but In point of fact the second link highlighted above leads blind readers to an entirely inaccessible website. The first link is also inaccessible. What’s interesting to me is the idea that some things should be inaccessible, that it’s ok. 

 

About six or seven years ago I had such a bad experience at AWP (inaccessible podiums, hotel annexes without wheelchair ramps, etc.) that I decided to stop talking with AWP about issues of accessibility. I’m not fond of being the accessibility guy. 

 

But AWP has goofed.  The stuff posted can’t be read by people who use assistive technologies. I wasn’t wrong in this. 

 

SK