FodnessMemo32

Preface.

> The preface will describe how I got to where I am, and why I am choosing disability and cyberspace as a topic, and why it is currently relevant, including the NFB vs. Target lawsuit.

Introduction

> The introduction will include a literature review on disability studies pertaining to computing and cyberspace, and will outline the role that my work will play in filling in gaps and expanding knowledge on the subject.

Chapter 1: Underserved Users.

> This chapter will describe how individuals with disabilities are an underserved community in cyberspace. It will include descriptions of how individuals with disabilities interact with cyberspace, describing the hurdles and hassles they must overcome. It will describe how cyberspace is constructed for the disabled, and how disability is recontextualized in cyberspace.

Chapter 2: Technical Problems.

> This chapter will explain the technical aspect of accessibility and cyberspace, such as the proper design of XHTML pages, best practices, published standards, the fact that no one adheres to them, loose or nonexistent enforcement of accessibility standards at the browser level, etc.

Chapter 3: Policy Frameworks.

> This chapter will describe the current policies with respect to individuals with disabilities and cyberspace, and how these policies do not meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Chapter 4: Education.

> This chapter will go over the case studies of universities and trade schools that I will analyze for their integration of accessibility standards and focus into their IT coursework.

Chapter 5: Business.

> This chapter will describe the interviews and interactions with software designers and managers working in web development and how they integrate accessibility (or not) into their websites, whether it is a priority, whether they know about most of the issues involving accessibility, etc.

Chapter 6: Code as Law.

> This chapter will use Lessig's framework of Code as Law to evaluate how software like Dreamweaver enforces (or not) accessibility standards, and will include interview information from companies like Adobe that make software like Dreamweaver.

Chapter 7: Active vs. Passive Enforcement.

> Explains active enforcement (code of browsers / etc prevent nonaccessible code from being published at all) versus passive enforcement (relying on the good nature of programmers or laws to require programmers to code for accessibility, or end users to add accessibility features like subtitles). I will include a case study with YouTube and the ability for videos to be automatically subtitled based on voice recognition software instead of relying on end users (who are amateur content creators) to subtitle their own videos.

Chapter 8: Recommendations for Change.

> Here is where I get on my soap box.

Conclusion.

> Why this book was excellent.

Appendix A: Policy Debate Case.

> Because it's more fun than not including a policy debate case.