New handheld satellite trackers for the blind and patially-sighted address an issue of disability that we often don't think of. While these individuals are often able to get to their destinations with the aid of walking sticks and guide dogs, they often have little access to the visual cues that confirm that they have reached their chosen destination.
I wonder if we take similar issues for granted in web design for the visually impaired, in which the content can be navigated, but it is difficult to determine one's location in the site's structure.
Re: Satellite Guidance for the Visually Impaired
Hmm...Maybe a software product could read aloud whatever text is under the mouse arrow. I still think the best way to address problems of access is software add-ons. Think about how much easier and cheaper architecture would be if, instead of all the special ramps on buildings, we just invented a really good stair-climbing wheelchair (one of which I saw is currently in production).
I *know* that if all the money that went into building all those ramps went into R&D on such devices, the problem would have been solved by now. What's more, we could have used that money to help pay for the units, so people with disabilities could afford them.
The net is one place where I'd like to see clever people find ways to assist the impaired without forcing massive changes in all websites.