Target lost, a legal precedent has been set. Right now it's just retail, but don't think it will stop there.

Legal Precedent Set for Web Accessibility: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

I absolutely love the idea of accessibility standards but I think this case is kind of ridiculous. It's kind of like requiring all books to be printed in braile as well.

I agree with cd-mchase. I don't like the idea of something like that being forced on designers, even though I'm all for trying to code to the highest standards possible myself.

Market forces are a powerful thing when it comes to situations like these and should not be underestimated. With Big G's Accessible Search (and MSN and Yahoo! likely soon to follow as soon as word gets out), those with disabilities will have options that they may not have known about.

True, but the point is, we treat people with disabilities like 2nd class citizens in this country ! Why should the blind, in this case, be prevented from buying the same products in on-line stores that the rest of us do ?? The example of all books being in braille is not the same thing. However, I think you'll find that MOST books have a braille version available anyway

Taking it too far is a real danger, but I think alienating a portion of the population because you can't be bothered to code your shopping site for accessibility is just arrogant and rude. Only when it hits their bottom line will they come around !

Originally Posted by LadynRed

Taking it too far is a real danger, but I think alienating a portion of the population because you can't be bothered to code your shopping site for accessibility is just arrogant and rude. Only when it hits their bottom line will they come around !

I agree, but since when does being arrogant and rude require a lawsuit? I just think there's better ways to solve the issue.

Like buying everyone a copy of 'Don't Make Me Think' ;X

The guy who started that lawsuit TRIED other ways before he sued.. Target ignored them all. Like all big companies, the ONLY way to get their real attention is to haul their butts into court !

I simply don't agree with sueing a retailer becuase there site isn't up to scratch, just use someone elses site.

Amen to that.

If Target doesn't listen, the NFB is a large enough organization that a collective boycott on their part should hurt a lot more than suing an organization. There are lots of other sites out there...it's one of the joys of this dang fool Intarweb of ours.

For new sites it'd be good to keep in mind principal accessibility guidelines as it doesn't cost much time to abide by them coding new web pages.

Keeping it as a habit and it all comes as easy as a breeze, not necessarily have to convert all existing web content to comply with the provisions.

why are you digging up and commenting on 3 year old threads. i hate it when ppl do that across all online forums.