FodnessMemo39

Change in Web Browsers

> I would like to see web browsers refuse to display code that isn't standards compliant and accessible. Web browsers should display error text (similar to a code compiler when the code doesn't meet the standards). This practice is already somewhat in place with XML validation in XHTML 1.1, although it is an opt-in framework for web developers to use, and browser handling isn't uniform between manufacturers. In the near term, browsers could implement a "name and shame" policy whereby an icon or message will be displayed if a website doesn't validate and/or isn't accessible. Browsers could also incorporate features where users could "report" websites that were not accessible to handle instances where the automatic scanner isn't able to determine if a site is accessible or not.

Change in Web Design Practices

> Web developers should all be programming standards compliant and accessible XHTML code. Hopefully my book will convince a few more web developers to start doing this. Web developers who do not do this should be criticized, and the norms of the web development community should shift such that non-compliant code is a mark of inferiority.

Change in Regulatory Frameworks

> The book's policy recommendations, if implemented, will significantly help the disabled cyberspace user community. Hopefully policymakers will read and apply my work to new policies and amendments to existing policies.

Change in Behavior of Activist Groups

> Activist groups can use the information in my book to direct more targeted attacks on policies, browser manufacturers, norms, and development practices to force change.

Change in Behavior of Disabled Cyberspace Users

> Disabled cyberspace users can use my book to educate themselves about the issues and network with existing activist organizations, create new activist organizations, and lobby on their own behalf in order to change policy frameworks, browser behaviors, and the norms and development practices of the web development community.

Change in the Legal System

> The legal system will be modified in one of two ways: the regulatory framework can be updated, forcing a change in the legal system by companies being sued or criminal charges brought if they do not adhere to the law; and/or activist organizations and disabled cyberspace users can file lawsuits against non-compliant corporations in the absence of federal regulation to create legal precedent for lawsuits and exert pressure on corporations to be compliant (as was the case with NFB vs. Target, 2006).