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The Mic Is On: Glenda Watson Hyatt Is Talking About Accessibility

May 19, 2009 by Liz Leave a Comment

It’s Like Open Mic Only Different

The Mic Is On

Here’s how it works.

It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.

There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.

With Guest Host Glenda Watson Hyatt


Watch Glenda’s Video From SOBCon09

How POUR Is Your Blog?

Blogs need to be Perceivable, Operable, Understandable and Robust.

  • Have you ever tried working without your mouse?
  • Are your tags written for readers who can’t see the pictures they mark?
  • Does content work across all operating systems and mobile devices?
  • How can you put your community at the center of your blog?

Join us tonight and bring links and your questions to add to the discussion.

The rules are simple — be nice.

Do be nice. πŸ™‚

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related article
What is Tuesday Open Comment Night?

Filed Under: SOB Business, Successful Blog Tagged With: blog-promotion, dialogue, living-social-media, Open-Comment-Night

Comments

  1. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 6:59 PM

    Hi Liz!

    Reply
  2. Suzie Cheel says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:00 PM

    Wow just saw you message at FB
    The video is great you look stylish

    Reply
  3. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:01 PM

    Glenda who? πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  4. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:01 PM

    Hi Suzie, thanks!

    Reply
  5. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:03 PM

    Hey Joe. πŸ˜‰

    Did you have a chance to try TextAloud?

    Reply
  6. Amy says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:04 PM

    GLENDA! I’m here but from my iPhone… So this could be interesting. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  7. Suzie Cheel says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:04 PM

    am i on the right page? this is great Blogs need to be Perceivable, Operable, Understandable and Robust.

    I will have to see how my keyboard works
    and my blog is probably totally unaccessable

    Reply
  8. Bean says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:05 PM

    Hello all, trying to stay awake enough to benefit from this tonight.

    Reply
  9. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:06 PM

    Hi Amy! Hmm, accessibility of the iPhone, another great topic.

    Reply
  10. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:07 PM

    Yes Suzie, you’re on the right page. So, how POUR is your blog?

    Reply
  11. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:07 PM

    Glenda, I looked at the site and read their specs but haven’t bought it.
    So far, Zamzar seems to work for me (and it’s free). πŸ™‚

    Reply
  12. Bean says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:08 PM

    Suzie, you are definitely on the right page and don’t forget to download Glenda’s ebook on POUR at http://www.doitmyselfblog.com/2009/how-pour-is-your-blog/

    Reply
  13. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:08 PM

    Hey everybody!
    I’m home and alive!!

    Reply
  14. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:09 PM

    Welcome Bean, good to have some back up. My thumb could be a stub by night’s end.

    Reply
  15. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:09 PM

    Hey Liz, welcome home!

    Reply
  16. Suzie Cheel says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:09 PM

    Maybe you need to assess it for me.abundancehighway.com prbably very pour as it has gremlins from too many plugins etc

    My new ones should be better
    http://lawofattractioninaction.tv and http://divinedeliberateattractor.com

    Reply
  17. Bean says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:10 PM

    iPhone is inaccessible to me, my shaky fingers slide and wiggle all over that touch screen. I need specific keys with ridges to help hold my fingers in place

    Reply
  18. Amy says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:10 PM

    iPhone is not all that accessible!

    Reply
  19. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:11 PM

    Joe, I’ll check out Zamzar. Which voices do they use?

    Reply
  20. Bean says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:11 PM

    Glad you are home safe and sound and ready to rock Liz.

    Reply
  21. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:13 PM

    Off topic a bit, but it’s about food…
    Had London Broil, Corn and Mac salad.
    Best of all had Toasted Marshmallow’s for the first time in forever! πŸ™‚
    (Back to topic)

    Reply
  22. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:13 PM

    Oh, did I mention that it was all on the GRILL? πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  23. Amy says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:14 PM

    Bean, my hands aren’t all that shaky and it still isn’t all that easy. Glenda tried typing on mine at sobcon. She did better than I do, didn’t ya Glenda? πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  24. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:14 PM

    re the iPhone – Des just sent me this cool link http://www.mobileuserexperience.com/mexdesign/?p=120

    I think it could benefit many, particularly if its customizable.

    Reply
  25. Amy says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:15 PM

    Hey Liz. Didn’t know you were gone. Sorry, I’m like 20 comments behind! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  26. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:16 PM

    Amy, yes, using the iPhone was tricky, so small.

    Reply
  27. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:17 PM

    Glenda, I’ve just used the default “guy” voice. I guess cause I’m a guy.;-)
    They do have a paid version with more choices, but you know me, I’m like a bird… cheep, cheep, cheep! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  28. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:17 PM

    Joe, your first roasted marshmallow? Congrats! Next step: smores!

    Reply
  29. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:19 PM

    Joe, cheap but not easy, remember that!

    Reply
  30. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:19 PM

    πŸ™‚

    Reply
  31. Bean says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:20 PM

    Expense is an important consideration. There are some very expensive tools on the market to help make our sites more accessible. Thank goodness there are also a number of free and low cost services available as well.

    Reply
  32. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:22 PM

    #16 Suzie, yes, many plugins can be a problem in terms of accessibility. Plugin developers are another group I’d love to work with.

    Reply
  33. Bean says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:23 PM

    So, I am curious what to people see as the biggest obstacles in ensuring that their blogs are accessible as possible?

    Knowing what the obstacles are?
    Captioning video and images?
    Reading levels?
    working with different media devices? or…?

    Reply
  34. Christa M. Miller says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:23 PM

    Good evening everyone! Second week in a row I made it! πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  35. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:23 PM

    Bean, which tools do you like?

    Reply
  36. Amy says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:23 PM

    Thanks for that link Glenda! Say, when is your jury duty???

    Reply
  37. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:24 PM

    Glenda, how do you get the text within the videso? Is that a part of TextAloud?

    Reply
  38. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:25 PM

    Welcome Christa, I’m glad you made it.

    Reply
  39. pete s. says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:25 PM

    Hi, I’m pete, just poking muh nose in to see what I can absorb. I wandered about at Glenda’s site yesterday? day before yesterday? well, read about POUR, downloaded the ebook for a hopefully-soon restart at blogging. Thanks for pointing out the accessibility issues.

    Reply
  40. Suzie Cheel says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:25 PM

    @Bean just going to do that

    @ Liz where have you been. i must let you know someone has requested you a a person to be heard on my LOA talk show!

    http://budurl.com/LOAtalkshow this is the survey

    Reply
  41. Amy says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:25 PM

    Bean, captioning other peoples videos is hard for me. I usually have someone do it for me, because it is so frustrating.

    Reply
  42. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:26 PM

    Glenda is our new rock star! So tell us, Glenda, how has your life changed lately?

    Reply
  43. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:27 PM

    Amy, I played my “physical infirmity” card for jury duty.

    Reply
  44. Bean says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:28 PM

    I will be honest I haven’t found tools that really rock my world yet. Part of it is probably my schedule is so booked that dealing with the learning curve of several tools is daunting. It is part of the reason that I am here today, to learn more about tools that others are using and work for them.

    Reply
  45. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:30 PM

    #37 Joe, I use Camtasia to add captions to videos. Its tedious but very necessary!

    Reply
  46. Amy says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:30 PM

    Glenda, you cheated! Hehehe. No jury will take me. It’s kind of funny.

    Reply
  47. Amy says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:31 PM

    Bean, what kind of tools are you looking for?

    Reply
  48. Christa M. Miller says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:33 PM

    #44 Bean, I’m in the same boat. I’m just now getting into the content sharing stuff after having been mainly familiar with blogs and Twitter… and only because they fit client needs…

    Reply
  49. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:33 PM

    Glenda, I find it tedious just making my stupid little weekly vids, that’s why I include the outline I started with. So people can read what the vid is about instead of listening to me. πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  50. Bean says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:33 PM

    I was looking over my notes from SOBCon and I thought someone had a free captioning option other than the new feature at You tube but I can’t remember it nor read my own writing!

    Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRS8MkLhQmM for a great example on the importance of captioning videos

    Reply
  51. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:34 PM

    #42 Li, much more action on my blog!

    The other night I was thinking: if you ask me to present next year, how the hell am I going to top this year?

    I’m amazed by how hungry bloggers are for this information!

    Reply
  52. Amy says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:35 PM

    Bean, I sometimes use overstream.net. You might want to check it out. Karen told me about it a while ago.

    Reply
  53. Darrell says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:36 PM

    Hi everyone

    Reply
  54. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:37 PM

    Hi Darrell,
    How’s our Glenda these days?

    Reply
  55. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:38 PM

    “You are posting comments too quickly. Slow down.” ha!

    Reply
  56. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:39 PM

    Hi dear, err, Darrell!

    Reply
  57. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:40 PM

    Links! Where are the Links to all these great things???
    Ok, I’ll start Zimzam For free text to voice up to 100MB

    Reply
  58. Bean says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:40 PM

    Has anyone used MAGpie http://ncam.wgbh.org/webaccess/magpie/

    Reply
  59. Amy says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:40 PM

    Are you two sitting next to each other typing? Hehehe

    Reply
  60. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:41 PM

    Sorry that Zamzar, πŸ™ but the link will work!

    Reply
  61. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:41 PM

    Amy, thanks for stepping in with overstream.net. There’s also CaptionTube in beta – has anyone tried it yet?

    Reply
  62. Amy says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:41 PM

    Bean I tried but couldn’t figure it out :-/

    Reply
  63. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:43 PM

    Amy, no, we are in our separate offices!

    Reply
  64. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:43 PM

    So Glenda,
    What three things should everyone know …

    Reply
  65. Darrell says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:45 PM

    #54 she is fine, working hard but is seeing the big picture.

    Reply
  66. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:45 PM

    Darrell, Glenda,
    Two offices … you’re rich in real estate!!

    Reply
  67. Amy says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:45 PM

    No Glenda I haven’t tried that yet.

    Reply
  68. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:46 PM

    Darrell,
    Do you see anything changing?

    Reply
  69. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:46 PM

    There are several nifty free toolbars for testing accessibility, links are in my ebook available at http://www.doitmyselfblog.com/2009/how-pour-is-your-blog/

    Reply
  70. Suzie Cheel says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:47 PM

    will work through ebook- have to go will be back later

    Hi Darrell

    Reply
  71. Kevin Ferrasci O'Malley says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:50 PM

    Greetings all

    Reply
  72. Darrell says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:50 PM

    #68 I think (my thought only)she has a clearer vision of what she wants. She is great

    Reply
  73. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:53 PM

    Great observation, Darrell!

    Reply
  74. Amy says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:53 PM

    Hi Darrell! Give Glenda a hug for me. I am going through Glenda withdrawal. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  75. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:54 PM

    Hi Kevin! Welcome!

    Reply
  76. Kevin Ferrasci O'Malley says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:54 PM

    I’m at Minneapolis airport awaiting plane & internet not working well. Bye until next week, sorry

    Reply
  77. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:54 PM

    #64 Wow, that’s such a broad question, Liz.

    1. Be aware that not everyone uses the computer the same way.
    2. People perceive info in various ways. Make info available in different formats or so that your readers can easily convert into different formats.
    3. The more your readers have control, the more access they have.

    Reply
  78. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:55 PM

    Miss you too, Amy!

    Reply
  79. Amy says

    May 19, 2009 at 7:59 PM

    Glenda, one of these days I’m gonna come visit! Then you’ll be sorry πŸ™‚

    Reply
  80. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:01 PM

    Glenda,
    You’d never be sorry if Amy came to visit. We know that.

    Reply
  81. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:01 PM

    What are your burning questions about blog accessibility? What limitations are you facing in making your blog accessible?

    Personally, I’m finding the blog’s theme has a great impact on accessibility (or inaccessibility), yet not all bloggers know [or want to] muck about with their theme, and some platforms lock out bloggers from their themes.

    Reply
  82. Amy says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:02 PM

    I would teach Faith all kinds of new games πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  83. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:03 PM

    Amy, you’re most welcomed any time!

    Reply
  84. Suzie Cheel says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:04 PM

    #glenda is Thesis compatible as I am shifting to that as is @deswalsh

    Reply
  85. Christa M. Miller says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:05 PM

    #81 I would agree with that, Glenda. I want my WP theme to reflect readers, and it does, and I do worry that a more generic theme would bore them or not get them visually stimulated to want to stick around. If you’re Chris Brogan you can use Thesis because you have such a wide audience, you know?

    At the same time, there are a lot of former cops with disabilities so… I can’t really say “my readers don’t have disabilities.” Maybe the active ones don’t. But how can I say there are no retirees reading?

    It’s a very fine line to walk, anyway.

    Reply
  86. Amy says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:05 PM

    Glenda, I have trouble with editing code to fix anything beyond font color or size. I have to get people to fix things frquently after I break them. The theme does make a difference. Might help if I knew more about code πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  87. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:06 PM

    Amy, a game besides “paper”? Yippee! Ah, here she comes! See if I can play paper and host open mic night. Talk about multi-tasking!

    Reply
  88. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:06 PM

    Glenda, what are some of the specific tools people use to ACCESS or try to access sites on the web?
    Knowing that may help in finding programs to assist in accessibility.

    Reply
  89. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:09 PM

    #84 Suzie, I haven’t looked at Thesis theme yet. Apparently its very customizable but I don’t know how accessible it is. I’m curious to hear more tho.

    Reply
  90. Amy says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:12 PM

    I would like to try out a reader that blind folks use so I can hear what they hear. (Wonder if I’ll be able to hear it?) What do deafblind folks use?

    I think it would be helpful to know what to fix if I could experience what they experience.

    Reply
  91. Suzie Cheel says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:12 PM

    it is the simplest one I have seen so far, Des think better than Revolution etc

    It is very clean as well as customizable

    Reply
  92. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:13 PM

    Christa, excellent point – you never know what disabilities your readers may have. And, with more seniors online, vision and mobility impairments are an issue.

    Reply
  93. Bean says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:14 PM

    it is unfortunate that many themes will advertise as being XHTML and CSS compliant but I have never seen one promoted as being accessible. Wonder what would happen if we started asking that question on theme forums and comment sections?

    The actual accessibility varies a lot across themes. I think that is due to ignorance about the importance and what it entails. It is often much more efficient to create an accessible theme than it is to modify an existing one.

    Reply
  94. Amy says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:14 PM

    Thesis is user friendly to a point. But you have to be a better coder than I am to fix certain things.

    Reply
  95. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:18 PM

    I like the Thesis dashboard, but I’ve never had to live with it.

    Reply
  96. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:19 PM

    #88 Joe, people with disabilities use a range of assistive technologies from text-to-speech screen readers, magnification programs, onscreen keyboards, various switchs, sip n puff devices and the list goes on.

    Reply
  97. Amy says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:19 PM

    Time for me to go. Thanks and good night Glenda and everyone πŸ™‚

    Reply
  98. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:21 PM

    #90 Amy, people who are deafblind would likely use a refreshable Braille display.

    Reply
  99. Bean says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:21 PM

    Night Amy

    Reply
  100. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:22 PM

    Thanks for coming and contributing, Amy!

    Reply
  101. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:24 PM

    #93 I hear ya on that, Bean!

    Reply
  102. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:24 PM

    #96 That’s part of the problem for me Glenda, where to start!
    I think there are a lot of us who WANT to be fully accessible, but don’t have any idea what direction to go in to achieve that.

    Reply
  103. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:25 PM

    Night, Amy!
    Thanks for iphoning it in!!

    Reply
  104. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:27 PM

    It sounds like how people with disabilities use computers and finding or creating accessible themes are big issues. Any other blog accessibility issues?

    Reply
  105. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:28 PM

    Glenda,
    What worries you most about accessibility and the future?

    Reply
  106. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:30 PM

    #102 Joe, so would a step-by-step guide that led you through the process help?

    Reply
  107. Bean says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:33 PM

    Joe,
    A good place to start is with the toolbar links that Glenda mentioned earlier and provides in her e-book
    “There are several nifty free toolbars for testing accessibility, links are in my ebook available at http://www.doitmyselfblog.com/2009/how-pour-is-your-blog/”

    That will give you a good idea on where the obstacles to accessibility are on your blog, then you can create a plan to correct.

    Reply
  108. Bean says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:34 PM

    A step by step guide would be appreciated by a lot of people, I bet.

    You didn’t have enough on your to-do list Glenda!

    Reply
  109. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:34 PM

    Glenda, yeah, but I think it would be quite a big book to explain ALL that needs to be done?

    Reply
  110. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:36 PM

    Liz,
    The web began as text-based, which most people could access. But now more and more mediums and aps are being added, which are shutting out people. Rather than being more inclusive, its becoming more exclusive. In a time when the web is more necessary for education, work, and entertainment, accessibility needs to be in the forefront.

    Reply
  111. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:38 PM

    #108 Bean, it is on my mind…

    Reply
  112. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:39 PM

    #110,
    Glenda, that’s what I’m seeing too. I’m working with a special education company that’s worried about the same things.

    Reply
  113. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:40 PM

    #109 Joe, if I could simplify the process, would that interest you?

    Reply
  114. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:43 PM

    Exactly, Liz. As Karen said, with all of these videos and podcasts, she is worried her kids will be shut out and become more isolated.

    Reply
  115. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:45 PM

    Yes Glenda, it would. And probably about a million other Bloggers who want to reach everyone interested in their content. Words, Video, Audio everything.

    Reply
  116. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:46 PM

    Joe, check out http://www.workinfonet.bc.ca/webaccessguides/accessguide/index.htm for a starting point. Its not blog specific though – that’s in the works!

    Reply
  117. Brooke says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:47 PM

    Hey all! Klondikes already passed around?

    Reply
  118. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:48 PM

    “about a million other Bloggers” – that would be awesome, Joe! πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  119. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:50 PM

    Hi Brooke, help yourself to a klondike bar!

    Reply
  120. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:51 PM

    Have I missed answering any questions?

    Reply
  121. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:52 PM

    Glenda,
    You’re being fabulous!!

    Reply
  122. Brooke says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:53 PM

    Thank you Glenda! I am trying to catch up myself!

    Reply
  123. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:54 PM

    #114
    Glenda,
    I’m with you I want us all to get the most out using the web, It’s an awesome tool for connecting our minds and our hearts with meaning.

    Reply
  124. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:56 PM

    Thanks Glenda, ironically, the print is too small to read on the PDF version. Guess I need glasses.%-)

    Reply
  125. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:57 PM

    So true, Liz. Thank you so much for opening SOBCon and your blog to this topic. The first step is to create an awareness for the need for accessibility.

    Reply
  126. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 8:59 PM

    Oh sorry, Joe. Which pdf? What size font is comfortable for you?

    Reply
  127. Bean says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:01 PM

    I agree that awareness is the all important first step. Kudos to Liz for the platform and Glenda for being the rockstar with the message

    Reply
  128. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:01 PM

    PDFs are another accessibility issue. For some, PDF = pretty darn frustrating!

    Reply
  129. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:02 PM

    The link you just gave me for the Access guide.

    Reply
  130. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:02 PM

    Thanks Bean! πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  131. Larry Lawfer says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:03 PM

    Sorry to be late to the party. Have you talked about seesmic yet

    Reply
  132. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:05 PM

    Hi Larry,
    Nope, no Seesmic conversation directly.

    Reply
  133. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:05 PM

    Joe, is the html version better? I believe the text sizing is relative so you can enlarge it.

    Reply
  134. Larry Lawfer says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:06 PM

    I think we are a connected as we want to be. We have the technology. It is a matter of who you want to speak with, and why, isn’t it?

    Reply
  135. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:06 PM

    Hi Larry, what are your thoughts about Seesmic?

    Reply
  136. Larry Lawfer says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:07 PM

    Are we in a tech talk, or why we want to talk to other people and what is the benefit to us?

    Reply
  137. Larry Lawfer says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:08 PM

    Seesmic is an awesome technology that makes this conversation live. Actually Liz I went to a demonstration of this technology and this guy would be a great guest on your show. He is fabulous and adds another element to the conversation.

    No, I don’t use seesmic

    Reply
  138. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:08 PM

    Yes Glenda, it is better, but it is only the table of contents. gotta click the link to see the contents and back to get to the next chapter.
    Not complaining, just an observation. πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  139. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:09 PM

    Hi Larry, we’re talking about accessibility so that everyone can participate in the conversation.

    Reply
  140. Larry Lawfer says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:10 PM

    Philippe Lejune, I am sure I spelled his name wrong. Anyway he uses this reaching out and discussion genre and takes it to an art form. For instance he gathered all the talk about one subject and put it into a grid and you could mouse over the conversation based on the static image and see what each person had to say about the same subject. It was fascinating.

    And for me a time suck I can’t afford, damn work.

    Reply
  141. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:11 PM

    Larry,
    I’ve got a couple of good friends at Seesmic. They are doing some awesome things. I wish we’d all get our head around the power of communicating boldly. I love you for bringing that forward.

    Reply
  142. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:11 PM

    Joe, the navbar on top doesn’t do it for you?

    Reply
  143. Larry Lawfer says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:12 PM

    Glenda, this is total accessability and therefore to me totally distracting. I am not promoting seesmic, I don’t even use it.

    Reply
  144. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:14 PM

    Larry, yes, there are many distractions online!

    Reply
  145. Bean says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:14 PM

    Larry #134
    “I think we are a connected as we want to be”
    I have to disagree, at least speaking for myself. I feel that I miss out on a lot of content that is only available on audio and video.

    Reply
  146. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:16 PM

    Glenda, this is the only navbar I see in the HTML
    [Skip] [Contents] [Glossary] [References]
    Not chapter to chapter.

    Reply
  147. Larry Lawfer says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:16 PM

    Glenda, I just watched your Viddler presentation, awesome. There are so many ways to communicate and I am totally with you now. As I mentioned, I just jumped in. Sorry

    Reply
  148. Larry Lawfer says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:19 PM

    I am struggling with all the disparate groups I need to communicate with and how to distribute the content. I use a variety of tools that seem to work against each other. For instance today I was using FriendFeed and somehow got all my FF links directly texted to me. Yikes. Who needs a direct FF link on your cell phone?

    Reply
  149. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:19 PM

    NO problem, Larry. Everyone is welcomed!

    Reply
  150. Larry Lawfer says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:21 PM

    Accessibility is fascinating to me. In the old days you had to call someone. You spoke to one person. Now you post something and people from around the world can read and comment. It is amazing and the single most communication altering change.

    Reply
  151. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:22 PM

    Joe, if I correctly recall, the next chapter is provided in the navbar – or it SHOULD be. πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  152. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:23 PM

    Larry,
    The first time I talked to deaf mom via email, I asked her to call me. She said, “Yeah, have the deaf woman call you!!”

    Reply
  153. Larry Lawfer says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:24 PM

    Bean, you mentioned you are feeling left out. Sometimes we just have to do other things and need to walk away from all the connections. Like some child who really needs to use the bathroom, but doesn’t want to leave the playground.
    I think the more important thing to consider is who do you want to talk to, listen to and why. Do that, ignore the rest.

    Reply
  154. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:25 PM

    Yes, Larry, it is amazing! And, you are touching upon an interesting point – accessibility means different things to different people.

    Reply
  155. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:28 PM

    Glenda, Bean, Larry,
    I like being able to walk away, BUT I want it to be my choice.

    Reply
  156. Larry Lawfer says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:28 PM

    Liz, I have a similar story. I was sent to a house to gather a testimonial. The company was a utility, I had worked with them for years. They sent me alone. They wanted me to take pictures of the woman saving electricity. She was blind, she never used the lights. The company never checked it out.

    It turned out wonderful because the woman had such a great sense of herself. We, together came up with an idea that told the story.

    Reply
  157. Larry Lawfer says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:29 PM

    Glenda, do you have a blog I can follow?

    Reply
  158. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:29 PM

    #153 Larry, but if you can’t hear the conversation or can’t speak, its difficult to participate. That’s where accessibility comes in.

    Reply
  159. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:32 PM

    #155 Most definitely, Liz! πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  160. Larry Lawfer says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:33 PM

    This is only my second visit to open mic, what I love about it is that it is different than other conversations, tweets, plurks and the like. It is so civil. I am going to be quiet and listen for a while. I am feeling a bit like the loud mouthed boy who doesn’t shut up. I have much to learn.

    Reply
  161. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:34 PM

    Bean, do you have any last words of wisdom on accessibility? πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  162. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:34 PM

    Larry,
    You add so much to the conversation. No loud mouth ideas coming from your direction.

    Reply
  163. Larry Lawfer says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:37 PM

    #158 So right Glenda, accessibility is different when you are limited in some physical, technological or emotional manner. And yet, I do think we find our peeps, so to speak. Limitations abound, but for some the task is more daunting. What can I do to help?

    Reply
  164. Bean says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:37 PM

    Liz, thank you it is true, it is about choice and it is also about getting work done. If I need to research something, and I have to go through 15 links to find that information that is text based that is frustrating.
    I encounter it most on news sites but also from a lot of people that I respect and want to learn more from. It wasn’t so bad when video/audio were treated as a bonus but more and more it is being used as a substitute for text.
    The more ways that you choose to share your content with your potential audience, the more people that will be able to benefit from your content.

    Reply
  165. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:39 PM

    The more ways that you choose to share your content with your potential audience, the more people that will be able to benefit from your content.

    Reply
  166. Bean says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:39 PM

    People are only loud mouths when they talk without listening. Questions are welcome here.

    Reply
  167. Larry Lawfer says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:41 PM

    Glenda, I am a storyteller. My lot in life is to gather and share. This is what I mean when I ask what can I do to help others who feel accessibility is a hurdle. Frankly, to me, you seem to be a beacon of light in this realm. I am so pleased to have come in tonight.

    Reply
  168. Bean says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:41 PM

    and Liz has created such a safe and welcoming place to ask questions and to discuss varying view points.

    Reply
  169. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:41 PM

    Thank you, Bean. Well said, perfectly stated ethic of this site!

    Reply
  170. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:41 PM

    Wise words, Liz! πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  171. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:42 PM

    Glenda,
    I took them directly from Bean!

    Reply
  172. Larry Lawfer says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:44 PM

    #164 Bean, a shudder of recognition went down my spine when I read this. You are so right that video is taking the place of written material. I bemoan this myself even though my living is based on the video side. Our research shows that the more intelligent, or higher up in the corp world you are, the less likely you are to watch a video. I so hope I am not dumbing down the world. Drat, another worry. hehe

    Reply
  173. Bean says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:44 PM

    Sorry bad thunderstorm just rolled in, I need to log off.
    Thanks Liz and Glenda and everyone else that participated tonight.

    Reply
  174. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:45 PM

    Thank you, Glenda!
    You’ve been fabulous and you’ve made tonight so valuable.

    Reply
  175. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:45 PM

    Good night, Bean!
    Thanks for ooming!

    Reply
  176. Larry Lawfer says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:46 PM

    Liz is the greatest.

    Reply
  177. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:46 PM

    Thank you, Larry. I can imagine your stories are rich and valuable to those who hear them. By presenting those stories in various formats, such as by adding captions to videos, more people can enjoy your stories.

    Reply
  178. Larry Lawfer says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:47 PM

    #177 Glenda, thank you so much for realizing I need to, and can do more. I appreciate this counsel. Every time I come here I learn. Thank you again.

    Reply
  179. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:48 PM

    Bean, thanks for coming!

    Reply
  180. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:50 PM

    Larry, feel free online grab my ebook at http://www.doitmyselfblog.com/2009/how-pour-is-your-blog/ for more on blog accessibility.

    Thanks for joining us tonight.

    Reply
  181. Joe Hauckes says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:52 PM

    When we write our own little ditties
    Or try our best with audios quit pithy

    Along with Videos with sounds to be heard
    Not everyone can hear, not nary a word

    Although we want all people to join us
    Not everyone can get on the community bus

    I’m glad there is Glenda and Bean around
    And Deaf Mom and our Liz to make me a clown

    And realize that even some of our very best friends
    To hear us or see us or read our words depends

    On how we present our presents to them
    So they can enjoy what we give without making amends.

    Burma Shave

    Nite Liz
    Nite Glenda
    Nite All

    Reply
  182. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:52 PM

    [Wonder if Joe will be back with a poem. I’m curious to see this one.]

    Reply
  183. pete s. says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:53 PM

    Thank you for putting on this open forum Liz and Glenda! I have saved notes and with your ebook, Glenda, and these I can at least do a much better job with my reconstruction.

    Reply
  184. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:54 PM

    Glenda,
    Joe will be back for sure. He won’t let you down.

    Reply
  185. Larry Lawfer says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:54 PM

    Thank you so much Glenda, Ijust signed up to read your blog. I appreciate your ebook. Stretching ourselves each day to learn more is it’s own reward. Thank you Liz for all you do for our community. PS. I am due in Chicago next month for a shoot, I hope we can meet up>

    Reply
  186. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:55 PM

    Ah, I spoke too soon.

    Good one, Joe. Thank you. And thank you for “getting it”!

    G’night Joe.

    Reply
  187. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:56 PM

    Hi Pete!
    Thanks for letting us know you’re getting something of value.

    Reply
  188. pete s. says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:57 PM

    G’night folks, take care!

    Reply
  189. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 9:57 PM

    Good night, Joe,
    Sleepy swell!

    Reply
  190. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 10:00 PM

    Thank you everyone for participating tonight. It has been a great conversation. I felt I was able to answer some questions that perhaps I didn’t answer at SOBCon.

    And thank you Liz for giving space for this issue.

    I’m going to go put my thumb on ice now!

    Reply
  191. ME Liz Strauss says

    May 19, 2009 at 10:01 PM

    Glenda,
    As always you were outstanding and successful. Thank you!

    Reply
  192. Glenda Watson Hyatt says

    May 19, 2009 at 10:05 PM

    Thanks Liz, I truly appreciate you providing the forum in which I can share my passion.

    Reply

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