[Accessibility] Mission Statement Revision Draft #3

[Kris Van Hees]

Although I have not been able to join the calls for a long time now due to
a very busy (read: hectic) schedule and some work changes, I have been keeping
up with the workgroup where time permits.

My only commentary on the third draft for the mission statement is the
following quote from the first sentence:
"to establish free and open standards on behalf of persons with disabilities"

I don't think the workgroup should make any claim (implied or otherwise) of
working on behalf of any group.  The remainder of the mission statement
already covers disabilities in what seems to me a more appropriate way.  I
do not think that adding the 'on behalf of ...' portion adds value here.
Even though 'on behalf of' is often meant to mean 'for the benefit', it is
also often read as 'as an agent for' which (to me) sends the wrong message.

	Cheers,
	Kris

On Wed, Mar 28, 2007 at 12:19:53AM -0400, Janina Sajka wrote:
> This draft attempts to simplify the language in the opening sentences.
> You will recall we need a revised statement to identify our FSG legacy
> and our current Open A11y identity. I have also taken the liberty to
> expand on our target audience somewhat, and to change a few verb tenses.
> You can see the current statement on our web page: http://a11y.org
> 
> /begin proposed Mission Statement
> Proposed Mision Statement (Draft #3)
> March 28, 2007
> 
> First chartered in 2004 as the Free Standards Group Accessibility
> Workgroup (FSGA), the Open A11y group functions today within the Linux
> Foundation to establish free and open standards on behalf of persons
> with disabilities that enable comprehensive universal access to various
> computer systems, applications, and services. Open A11y makes it easier
> for developers, ISVs, and distributions to support assistive
> technologies (AT).  Assistive technologies enable individuals who are
> blind or visually impaired to read online text, and provide the means
> for individuals who do not have the use of their arms and hands to write
> and correspond. AT also enable individuals who cannot speak or hear to
> participate on the telephony interfaces of today -- and will support
> their participation on the multimodal computer interfaces of tomorrow.
> 
> /end proposed Mission Statement
> 
> -- 
> NOTE: I suggest we also publish the original press release perhaps
> simply linked below this statement.
> 
> Janina Sajka,	Phone:	+1.202.595.7777;	sip:janina at a11y.org
> Partner, Capital Accessibility LLC	http://CapitalAccessibility.Com
> 
> Marketing the Owasys 22C talking screenless cell phone in the U.S. and Canada
> Learn more at http://ScreenlessPhone.Com
> 
> Chair, Open Accessibility	janina at a11y.org	
> Linux Foundation		http://a11y.org
> 
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