Re: Accessibility Evangelism and Unfortunate News From America Online(AOL) Radio
I think that this is a good point! One group of blind folks that is responsible for making accessible in the blind community is the folks at System Access, and Serotek. I may be a protestant, but I also identify with the Jewish people and their struggles through the years! And as far as AOL Radio is concerned! we also need to go to CBS and demand that their player is made accessible for us! - Original Message - From: Darrell Shandrow [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: PC Audio Discussion List pc-audio@pc-audio.org; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; NFBnet GUI Talk Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Wlodkowski, Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 7:20 PM Subject: Accessibility Evangelism and Unfortunate News From America Online(AOL) Radio Hello Everyone, As an accessibility evangelist, of course, I disagree with any and all those who frequently make statements emphasizing our smallness and insignificance in the world at large as a means to justify doing little or nothing about accessibility challenges. Yes. We are very tiny in number in comparison with the rest of the population who is not blind, but that really has nothing to do with how well we can make our voices heard in order to achieve positive changes for the better. One possible metaphore might be to compare us with those who profess their faith in the Jewish religion here in the United States, which is an incredibly small minority in number as compared with catholics and evangelical Christians. Despite their small numbers, the Jewish seem to experience little or no difficulty making their needs known and they tend to enjoy great success and wealth in all walks of life. I'd like to see something similar happen for those of us who are blind. We can't look to others to make this happen, but only to ourselves. It must start with us! We must decide that we are valuable human beings deserving of our human rights, of the accessibility and equal treatment with our sighted peers we must enjoy in order to be able to fully participate in society on a par with the sighted. Though it starts with us, a technological world dictates that we have equal access to information in the information and knowledge age. Accessibility must ultimately be available if we are to actively and productively participate in such critical areas of life as education, employment and leisure. We must achieve equality of opportunity through making our own accessibility solutions where practical and advocating for reasonable accomodations when accessibility is required in order for us to participate. The issues boil down to one of these two needs in all cases. There is no third option of taking the path of least resistance; not if we want to count ourselves as fully living and breathing human beings and citizens, possessing the same inalienable rights and responsibilities already enjoyed by the sighted. One excellent example of a project where we are making our own accessibility is Benetech's Bookshare project available at http://www.bookshare.org. Blind people and others with print reading disabilities subscribe to a web based service where they may download and read from a selection of tens of thousands of books available in an accessible, electronic format for use on their computers and portable assistive technology. This is all made possible by a team of blind and sighted volunteers who scan books into electronic format and validators who correct scanning errors and reformat the books for final entry into the collection. Another example of making our own accessibility is the existence of the blindness access technology industry. We spend tens of thousands of dollars on screen readers, Braille displays, scanners with optical character recognition software, specialized personal digital assistants (PDAs) and a myriad of other high and low technology items on which we have grown to depend in order to adapt ourselves to the world. In many cases, government agencies purchase some or all of this technology under specific circumstances, but this is, by no means, guaranteed. Despite our own efforts, there often remains a wide gap between that which we are able to make accessible on our own and that technology which we must use in the classroom, on the job, etc. When we are not able to close these gaps through our own efforts and assistive technology, reasonable accomodations on the part of the developer of that technology are required if we are to be permitted full and equal participation. Failures to reasonably accomodate our needs often result in the curtailment of educational opportunities and even the needless loss of jobs! As a blind community, we can take actions such as the following to improve our accessibility to the world of technology around us: * Understand that we need equal accessibility in order to participate in society on a par with our sighted
Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
Hi Chris! I think that if possible, maybe collaboration is better than lawsuits! - Original Message - From: Christopher Chaltain [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: PC Audio Discussion List pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2008 9:44 AM Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) Well, I fully believe that law suits should be a last resort, and we shouldn't panic. In this case though, I'd like to point out a few things. we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience I believe Curtis Chong when he says Mr. Wlodkowski ... is a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities., but it sounds to me like our inability to access AOL or CBS Radio is considered a mere inconvenience to AOL. Since we have other streaming options, I suppose technically it is just an inconvenience, but if everyone providing on line streams and media players felt this way then it wouldn't be long before this vital source of information and entertainment would be inaccessible to the blind. I agree that as blind persons and Americans, we have bigger issues facing us, but you can always say that about any given issue. Furthermore, more and more people are getting their information on these weighty issues over the internet, and the blind should be able to do the same. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. When did AOL and others know about this dramatic increase in royalty rates paid to internet radio? Is it really the case that they didn't have ample time to deal with accessibility issues? Why are they waiting until June 9th to address this issue with CBS radio? Like I said, we shouldn't panic, although I'm not sure I've seen anyone panic yet, and we shouldn't jump to the conclusion that anyone needs to file a law suit. On the other hand, although AOL and Mr. Wlodkowski are coming clean with this issue, I don't think they should be given a free pass either. For my part, I'm not convinced they couldn't have addressed this issue before June 9. Furthermore, I don't think business needs are a justification to break the law. Well, that's just my $0.02, and I know people who are a lot smarter than me and who are a lot familiar with all of these issues are looking into this. I'm just tossing out my opinion, so feel free to hit the delete key and ignore it! -- Christopher [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Accessibility Evangelism and Unfortunate News From America Online(AOL) Radio
Hello fellow list members, I am writing this post to you, because this is something that I thought you'd like to know. I have quite a fiew of AOL-XM satellite radio stations bookmarked in Winamp. I know the cut off date is suppose to be today, but all of the radio stations still play for me in Winamp. So at this point, I am wondering if the CBS player will have any affect on these AOL-XM streams at all? My best regards. John. - Original Message - From: Darrell Shandrow [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: PC Audio Discussion List pc-audio@pc-audio.org; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; NFBnet GUI Talk Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Wlodkowski, Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 8:20 PM Subject: Accessibility Evangelism and Unfortunate News From America Online(AOL) Radio Hello Everyone, As an accessibility evangelist, of course, I disagree with any and all those who frequently make statements emphasizing our smallness and insignificance in the world at large as a means to justify doing little or nothing about accessibility challenges. Yes. We are very tiny in number in comparison with the rest of the population who is not blind, but that really has nothing to do with how well we can make our voices heard in order to achieve positive changes for the better. One possible metaphore might be to compare us with those who profess their faith in the Jewish religion here in the United States, which is an incredibly small minority in number as compared with catholics and evangelical Christians. Despite their small numbers, the Jewish seem to experience little or no difficulty making their needs known and they tend to enjoy great success and wealth in all walks of life. I'd like to see something similar happen for those of us who are blind. We can't look to others to make this happen, but only to ourselves. It must start with us! We must decide that we are valuable human beings deserving of our human rights, of the accessibility and equal treatment with our sighted peers we must enjoy in order to be able to fully participate in society on a par with the sighted. Though it starts with us, a technological world dictates that we have equal access to information in the information and knowledge age. Accessibility must ultimately be available if we are to actively and productively participate in such critical areas of life as education, employment and leisure. We must achieve equality of opportunity through making our own accessibility solutions where practical and advocating for reasonable accomodations when accessibility is required in order for us to participate. The issues boil down to one of these two needs in all cases. There is no third option of taking the path of least resistance; not if we want to count ourselves as fully living and breathing human beings and citizens, possessing the same inalienable rights and responsibilities already enjoyed by the sighted. One excellent example of a project where we are making our own accessibility is Benetech's Bookshare project available at http://www.bookshare.org. Blind people and others with print reading disabilities subscribe to a web based service where they may download and read from a selection of tens of thousands of books available in an accessible, electronic format for use on their computers and portable assistive technology. This is all made possible by a team of blind and sighted volunteers who scan books into electronic format and validators who correct scanning errors and reformat the books for final entry into the collection. Another example of making our own accessibility is the existence of the blindness access technology industry. We spend tens of thousands of dollars on screen readers, Braille displays, scanners with optical character recognition software, specialized personal digital assistants (PDAs) and a myriad of other high and low technology items on which we have grown to depend in order to adapt ourselves to the world. In many cases, government agencies purchase some or all of this technology under specific circumstances, but this is, by no means, guaranteed. Despite our own efforts, there often remains a wide gap between that which we are able to make accessible on our own and that technology which we must use in the classroom, on the job, etc. When we are not able to close these gaps through our own efforts and assistive technology, reasonable accomodations on the part of the developer of that technology are required if we are to be permitted full and equal participation. Failures to reasonably accomodate our needs often result in the curtailment of educational opportunities and even the needless loss of jobs! As a blind community, we can take actions such as the following to improve our accessibility to the world of technology around us: * Understand that we need equal accessibility in order to participate
Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
Well, I fully believe that law suits should be a last resort, and we shouldn't panic. In this case though, I'd like to point out a few things. we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience I believe Curtis Chong when he says Mr. Wlodkowski ... is a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities., but it sounds to me like our inability to access AOL or CBS Radio is considered a mere inconvenience to AOL. Since we have other streaming options, I suppose technically it is just an inconvenience, but if everyone providing on line streams and media players felt this way then it wouldn't be long before this vital source of information and entertainment would be inaccessible to the blind. I agree that as blind persons and Americans, we have bigger issues facing us, but you can always say that about any given issue. Furthermore, more and more people are getting their information on these weighty issues over the internet, and the blind should be able to do the same. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. When did AOL and others know about this dramatic increase in royalty rates paid to internet radio? Is it really the case that they didn't have ample time to deal with accessibility issues? Why are they waiting until June 9th to address this issue with CBS radio? Like I said, we shouldn't panic, although I'm not sure I've seen anyone panic yet, and we shouldn't jump to the conclusion that anyone needs to file a law suit. On the other hand, although AOL and Mr. Wlodkowski are coming clean with this issue, I don't think they should be given a free pass either. For my part, I'm not convinced they couldn't have addressed this issue before June 9. Furthermore, I don't think business needs are a justification to break the law. Well, that's just my $0.02, and I know people who are a lot smarter than me and who are a lot familiar with all of these issues are looking into this. I'm just tossing out my opinion, so feel free to hit the delete key and ignore it! -- Christopher [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
Well, guess this doesn't really apply to me, since I'm not in america (hence, don't have to pay healthcare and the dollar is good- but that's off topic), but I believe with james on this issue;we should be looking at different solutions, after all, there are a lot out there- just to name a few: http://www.mikesradioworld.com http://www.bluebeat.com launchcat.yahoo.ca etc, and they're all free! And most of them use mainstream players like winamp, or windows media player. Have a good day from Tyler C. Wood! contact details: email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] msn: [EMAIL PROTECTED] skype: the_conman283 system details: Hp pavillion dv5220CA notebook pc AMD Turion(tm) 64 Mobile Technology ML-37 2.0 GHZ, 1024 mb DDR ram, Fujitsu 100 gb 4500 RPM Hard Drive, connecsant AC-link audio - Original Message - From: Christopher Chaltain [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: PC Audio Discussion List pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2008 8:44 AM Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) Well, I fully believe that law suits should be a last resort, and we shouldn't panic. In this case though, I'd like to point out a few things. we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience I believe Curtis Chong when he says Mr. Wlodkowski ... is a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities., but it sounds to me like our inability to access AOL or CBS Radio is considered a mere inconvenience to AOL. Since we have other streaming options, I suppose technically it is just an inconvenience, but if everyone providing on line streams and media players felt this way then it wouldn't be long before this vital source of information and entertainment would be inaccessible to the blind. I agree that as blind persons and Americans, we have bigger issues facing us, but you can always say that about any given issue. Furthermore, more and more people are getting their information on these weighty issues over the internet, and the blind should be able to do the same. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. When did AOL and others know about this dramatic increase in royalty rates paid to internet radio? Is it really the case that they didn't have ample time to deal with accessibility issues? Why are they waiting until June 9th to address this issue with CBS radio? Like I said, we shouldn't panic, although I'm not sure I've seen anyone panic yet, and we shouldn't jump to the conclusion that anyone needs to file a law suit. On the other hand, although AOL and Mr. Wlodkowski are coming clean with this issue, I don't think they should be given a free pass either. For my part, I'm not convinced they couldn't have addressed this issue before June 9. Furthermore, I don't think business needs are a justification to break the law. Well, that's just my $0.02, and I know people who are a lot smarter than me and who are a lot familiar with all of these issues are looking into this. I'm just tossing out my opinion, so feel free to hit the delete key and ignore it! -- Christopher [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 8.0.100 / Virus Database: 270.0.0/1489 - Release Date: 6/7/2008 11:17 AM Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
Chris, in the main I agree with your stance on this issue. However, I don't think it's important that we know whether AOL could have made a decision sooner. While I'd like to satisfy my curiosity with regard to this issue it will be very difficult to prove. Furthermore I don't believe the law mandates that every aspect of a site be accessible. I do think owners of these large sites have to make a reasonable effort to make it so. Therefore if Curtis Chung and the AOL person are working together in good faith toward a solution we need to be satisfied with that partnership and those goals for the moment. AOL has made great strides toward the development of fully accessible web content and it appears they're interested in progressing toward the same end goal as before. It will be interesting to see how quickly we have access to the on line radio back. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Christopher Chaltain Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2008 10:44 AM To: PC Audio Discussion List Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) Well, I fully believe that law suits should be a last resort, and we shouldn't panic. In this case though, I'd like to point out a few things. we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience I believe Curtis Chong when he says Mr. Wlodkowski ... is a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities., but it sounds to me like our inability to access AOL or CBS Radio is considered a mere inconvenience to AOL. Since we have other streaming options, I suppose technically it is just an inconvenience, but if everyone providing on line streams and media players felt this way then it wouldn't be long before this vital source of information and entertainment would be inaccessible to the blind. I agree that as blind persons and Americans, we have bigger issues facing us, but you can always say that about any given issue. Furthermore, more and more people are getting their information on these weighty issues over the internet, and the blind should be able to do the same. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. When did AOL and others know about this dramatic increase in royalty rates paid to internet radio? Is it really the case that they didn't have ample time to deal with accessibility issues? Why are they waiting until June 9th to address this issue with CBS radio? Like I said, we shouldn't panic, although I'm not sure I've seen anyone panic yet, and we shouldn't jump to the conclusion that anyone needs to file a law suit. On the other hand, although AOL and Mr. Wlodkowski are coming clean with this issue, I don't think they should be given a free pass either. For my part, I'm not convinced they couldn't have addressed this issue before June 9. Furthermore, I don't think business needs are a justification to break the law. Well, that's just my $0.02, and I know people who are a lot smarter than me and who are a lot familiar with all of these issues are looking into this. I'm just tossing out my opinion, so feel free to hit the delete key and ignore it! -- Christopher [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
Hi Albert, Chris and all, I do think Tom Wlodkowski is doing his best in this situation, but it is also clear to me that AOL's accessibility team has no real significant power. They can give advice to others within the company. Sometimes, those others decide to follow it, other times they do not. I do agree that, given the existence of accessible technology in this area, there's no good reason for CBS to have dropped the ball and for AOL to have just accepted the situation. I hope it gets resolved soon, and that anyone concerned about this issue will indeed send their feedback to both AOL and CBS. - Original Message - From: albert griffith [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'PC Audio Discussion List' pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2008 8:08 AM Subject: RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) Chris, in the main I agree with your stance on this issue. However, I don't think it's important that we know whether AOL could have made a decision sooner. While I'd like to satisfy my curiosity with regard to this issue it will be very difficult to prove. Furthermore I don't believe the law mandates that every aspect of a site be accessible. I do think owners of these large sites have to make a reasonable effort to make it so. Therefore if Curtis Chung and the AOL person are working together in good faith toward a solution we need to be satisfied with that partnership and those goals for the moment. AOL has made great strides toward the development of fully accessible web content and it appears they're interested in progressing toward the same end goal as before. It will be interesting to see how quickly we have access to the on line radio back. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Christopher Chaltain Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2008 10:44 AM To: PC Audio Discussion List Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) Well, I fully believe that law suits should be a last resort, and we shouldn't panic. In this case though, I'd like to point out a few things. we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience I believe Curtis Chong when he says Mr. Wlodkowski ... is a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities., but it sounds to me like our inability to access AOL or CBS Radio is considered a mere inconvenience to AOL. Since we have other streaming options, I suppose technically it is just an inconvenience, but if everyone providing on line streams and media players felt this way then it wouldn't be long before this vital source of information and entertainment would be inaccessible to the blind. I agree that as blind persons and Americans, we have bigger issues facing us, but you can always say that about any given issue. Furthermore, more and more people are getting their information on these weighty issues over the internet, and the blind should be able to do the same. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. When did AOL and others know about this dramatic increase in royalty rates paid to internet radio? Is it really the case that they didn't have ample time to deal with accessibility issues? Why are they waiting until June 9th to address this issue with CBS radio? Like I said, we shouldn't panic, although I'm not sure I've seen anyone panic yet, and we shouldn't jump to the conclusion that anyone needs to file a law suit. On the other hand, although AOL and Mr. Wlodkowski are coming clean with this issue, I don't think they should be given a free pass either. For my part, I'm not convinced they couldn't have addressed this issue before June 9. Furthermore, I don't think business needs are a justification to break the law. Well, that's just my $0.02, and I know people who are a lot smarter than me and who are a lot familiar with all of these issues are looking into this. I'm just tossing out my opinion, so feel free to hit the delete key and ignore it! -- Christopher [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio
RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
As far as I know it is but I think they're talking about their embedded player. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Gary Wood Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 2:17 AM To: PC Audio Discussion List Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) Hi Steve! But isn't Winamp a part of AOL? - Original Message - From: Steve Pattison [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Access-L [EMAIL PROTECTED]; PC-Audio pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 9:28 PM Subject: Fwd: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) From: Curtis Chong [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings and felicitations: I have been asked to post the following message on behalf of Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility for America Online (AOL). Mr. Wlodkowski does not bring good news, I am afraid; however, in his favor, he is doing his best to provide us with advance notice and a promise to work to make things better. He and I have worked together for several years on accessibility issues pertaining to America Online, and I believe him to be a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities. Should you wish to contact Mr. Wlodkowski directly, his email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is Mr. Wlodkowski's message and the original post to which it refers: Cordially, Curtis Chong --- The player Mr. Roderick references in his original GUI Talk post below is one built by AOL. While there were some compatibility issues between the AOL Radio player and JAWS due to the use of javascript, it was generally usable. Regrettably, this player will no longer be available as of June 9. In fact we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience and plan to work with our partner to improve usability of our new player in subsequent releases. Beginning on June 9, the AOL Radio product will be powered by CBS Radio. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. As you know through the recent release of the accessible webmail product, AOL Instant Messenger and other products, we're committed to ensuring the usability of our products and services with screen access software. There are times however where business needs put us in a situation where we regrettably cannot deliver an accessible interface when a product is first launched. This is the case with AOL Radio. We will certainly look to you, Mr. Roderick and others to test the accessibility of the new player interface once the team is a bit further down the path of implementing the necessary usability improvements. Best, Tom Forwarded message from Rick Roderick [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [gui-talk] AOL radio To: NFBnet GUI Talk Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am trying the new version of AOL radio. Unfortunately, some of the keys are not working. I am using Internet Explorer and JAWS 9. When I get to the categories, it says that a particular category is off and to press open it. When I press Enter, I simply hear the same message, and the category remains closed. I go into a selection of all stations, and not all the stations come up. I am able to choose a category from this area, however. When I do so, I then select a station. Everything works fine. However, when I hit Alt-Left-Arrow to go back to the list, I can't get out of the current station. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Regards Steve Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Windows Live Messenger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Skype: steve1963 Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
Hi Steve! But isn't Winamp a part of AOL? - Original Message - From: Steve Pattison [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Access-L [EMAIL PROTECTED]; PC-Audio pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 9:28 PM Subject: Fwd: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) From: Curtis Chong [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings and felicitations: I have been asked to post the following message on behalf of Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility for America Online (AOL). Mr. Wlodkowski does not bring good news, I am afraid; however, in his favor, he is doing his best to provide us with advance notice and a promise to work to make things better. He and I have worked together for several years on accessibility issues pertaining to America Online, and I believe him to be a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities. Should you wish to contact Mr. Wlodkowski directly, his email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is Mr. Wlodkowski's message and the original post to which it refers: Cordially, Curtis Chong --- The player Mr. Roderick references in his original GUI Talk post below is one built by AOL. While there were some compatibility issues between the AOL Radio player and JAWS due to the use of javascript, it was generally usable. Regrettably, this player will no longer be available as of June 9. In fact we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience and plan to work with our partner to improve usability of our new player in subsequent releases. Beginning on June 9, the AOL Radio product will be powered by CBS Radio. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. As you know through the recent release of the accessible webmail product, AOL Instant Messenger and other products, we're committed to ensuring the usability of our products and services with screen access software. There are times however where business needs put us in a situation where we regrettably cannot deliver an accessible interface when a product is first launched. This is the case with AOL Radio. We will certainly look to you, Mr. Roderick and others to test the accessibility of the new player interface once the team is a bit further down the path of implementing the necessary usability improvements. Best, Tom Forwarded message from Rick Roderick [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [gui-talk] AOL radio To: NFBnet GUI Talk Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am trying the new version of AOL radio. Unfortunately, some of the keys are not working. I am using Internet Explorer and JAWS 9. When I get to the categories, it says that a particular category is off and to press open it. When I press Enter, I simply hear the same message, and the category remains closed. I go into a selection of all stations, and not all the stations come up. I am able to choose a category from this area, however. When I do so, I then select a station. Everything works fine. However, when I hit Alt-Left-Arrow to go back to the list, I can't get out of the current station. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Regards Steve Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Windows Live Messenger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Skype: steve1963 Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
Hi On the subject of aol, I have just installed aol 8 it installed spy zapper, can I disable this and if so how do I achieve this? Regards Adrien You can get me off list at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] I support cobweb, why don't you? Cobweb is a charity which provides support for sick and disabled children and their families. To find out more or to make a donation go to: www.cobwebfoundation.org Speakon is a free fully self-voicing accessible multimedia program for the visually impaired, find out more by downloading the software from: http://www.a-technic.net/speakon.htm You can join the speakon user group by sending a blank e-mail to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Steve Pattison Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 4:29 AM To: Access-L; PC-Audio Subject: Fwd: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) From: Curtis Chong [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings and felicitations: I have been asked to post the following message on behalf of Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility for America Online (AOL). Mr. Wlodkowski does not bring good news, I am afraid; however, in his favor, he is doing his best to provide us with advance notice and a promise to work to make things better. He and I have worked together for several years on accessibility issues pertaining to America Online, and I believe him to be a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities. Should you wish to contact Mr. Wlodkowski directly, his email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is Mr. Wlodkowski's message and the original post to which it refers: Cordially, Curtis Chong --- The player Mr. Roderick references in his original GUI Talk post below is one built by AOL. While there were some compatibility issues between the AOL Radio player and JAWS due to the use of javascript, it was generally usable. Regrettably, this player will no longer be available as of June 9. In fact we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience and plan to work with our partner to improve usability of our new player in subsequent releases. Beginning on June 9, the AOL Radio product will be powered by CBS Radio. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. As you know through the recent release of the accessible webmail product, AOL Instant Messenger and other products, we're committed to ensuring the usability of our products and services with screen access software. There are times however where business needs put us in a situation where we regrettably cannot deliver an accessible interface when a product is first launched. This is the case with AOL Radio. We will certainly look to you, Mr. Roderick and others to test the accessibility of the new player interface once the team is a bit further down the path of implementing the necessary usability improvements. Best, Tom Forwarded message from Rick Roderick [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [gui-talk] AOL radio To: NFBnet GUI Talk Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am trying the new version of AOL radio. Unfortunately, some of the keys are not working. I am using Internet Explorer and JAWS 9. When I get to the categories, it says that a particular category is off and to press open it. When I press Enter, I simply hear the same message, and the category remains closed. I go into a selection of all stations, and not all the stations come up. I am able to choose a category from this area, however. When I do so, I then select a station. Everything works fine. However, when I hit Alt-Left-Arrow to go back to the list, I can't get out of the current station. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Regards Steve Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Windows Live Messenger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Skype: steve1963 Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
I'd first look at uninstalling it. Although it installed with a package of other products it may still have an uninstallation program of its own. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Adrien Collins Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 11:10 AM To: 'PC Audio Discussion List' Subject: RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) Hi On the subject of aol, I have just installed aol 8 it installed spy zapper, can I disable this and if so how do I achieve this? Regards Adrien You can get me off list at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] I support cobweb, why don't you? Cobweb is a charity which provides support for sick and disabled children and their families. To find out more or to make a donation go to: www.cobwebfoundation.org Speakon is a free fully self-voicing accessible multimedia program for the visually impaired, find out more by downloading the software from: http://www.a-technic.net/speakon.htm You can join the speakon user group by sending a blank e-mail to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Steve Pattison Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 4:29 AM To: Access-L; PC-Audio Subject: Fwd: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) From: Curtis Chong [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings and felicitations: I have been asked to post the following message on behalf of Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility for America Online (AOL). Mr. Wlodkowski does not bring good news, I am afraid; however, in his favor, he is doing his best to provide us with advance notice and a promise to work to make things better. He and I have worked together for several years on accessibility issues pertaining to America Online, and I believe him to be a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities. Should you wish to contact Mr. Wlodkowski directly, his email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is Mr. Wlodkowski's message and the original post to which it refers: Cordially, Curtis Chong --- The player Mr. Roderick references in his original GUI Talk post below is one built by AOL. While there were some compatibility issues between the AOL Radio player and JAWS due to the use of javascript, it was generally usable. Regrettably, this player will no longer be available as of June 9. In fact we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience and plan to work with our partner to improve usability of our new player in subsequent releases. Beginning on June 9, the AOL Radio product will be powered by CBS Radio. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. As you know through the recent release of the accessible webmail product, AOL Instant Messenger and other products, we're committed to ensuring the usability of our products and services with screen access software. There are times however where business needs put us in a situation where we regrettably cannot deliver an accessible interface when a product is first launched. This is the case with AOL Radio. We will certainly look to you, Mr. Roderick and others to test the accessibility of the new player interface once the team is a bit further down the path of implementing the necessary usability improvements. Best, Tom Forwarded message from Rick Roderick [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [gui-talk] AOL radio To: NFBnet GUI Talk Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am trying the new version of AOL radio. Unfortunately, some of the keys are not working. I am using Internet Explorer and JAWS 9. When I get to the categories, it says that a particular category is off and to press open it. When I press Enter, I simply hear the same message, and the category remains closed. I go into a selection of all stations, and not all the stations come up. I am able to choose a category from this area, however. When I do so, I then select a station. Everything works fine. However, when I hit Alt-Left-Arrow to go back to the list, I can't get out of the current station. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Regards Steve Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Windows Live Messenger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Skype: steve1963 Audio List Help
RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
It will be with your other installed applications in the add/remove programs folder. If you're running Vista it will be under programs and features which you'll find in the control panel. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Adrien Collins Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 11:38 AM To: 'PC Audio Discussion List' Subject: RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) HI Ok Where do I find it on my system? Regards Adrien You can get me off list at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] I support cobweb, why don't you? Cobweb is a charity which provides support for sick and disabled children and their families. To find out more or to make a donation go to: www.cobwebfoundation.org Speakon is a free fully self-voicing accessible multimedia program for the visually impaired, find out more by downloading the software from: http://www.a-technic.net/speakon.htm You can join the speakon user group by sending a blank e-mail to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of albert griffith Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 5:16 PM To: 'PC Audio Discussion List' Subject: RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) I'd first look at uninstalling it. Although it installed with a package of other products it may still have an uninstallation program of its own. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Adrien Collins Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 11:10 AM To: 'PC Audio Discussion List' Subject: RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) Hi On the subject of aol, I have just installed aol 8 it installed spy zapper, can I disable this and if so how do I achieve this? Regards Adrien You can get me off list at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] I support cobweb, why don't you? Cobweb is a charity which provides support for sick and disabled children and their families. To find out more or to make a donation go to: www.cobwebfoundation.org Speakon is a free fully self-voicing accessible multimedia program for the visually impaired, find out more by downloading the software from: http://www.a-technic.net/speakon.htm You can join the speakon user group by sending a blank e-mail to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Steve Pattison Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 4:29 AM To: Access-L; PC-Audio Subject: Fwd: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) From: Curtis Chong [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings and felicitations: I have been asked to post the following message on behalf of Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility for America Online (AOL). Mr. Wlodkowski does not bring good news, I am afraid; however, in his favor, he is doing his best to provide us with advance notice and a promise to work to make things better. He and I have worked together for several years on accessibility issues pertaining to America Online, and I believe him to be a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities. Should you wish to contact Mr. Wlodkowski directly, his email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is Mr. Wlodkowski's message and the original post to which it refers: Cordially, Curtis Chong --- The player Mr. Roderick references in his original GUI Talk post below is one built by AOL. While there were some compatibility issues between the AOL Radio player and JAWS due to the use of javascript, it was generally usable. Regrettably, this player will no longer be available as of June 9. In fact we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience and plan to work with our partner to improve usability of our new player in subsequent releases. Beginning on June 9, the AOL Radio product will be powered by CBS Radio. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. As you know through the recent release of the accessible webmail product, AOL Instant Messenger and other products, we're committed to ensuring the usability of our products and services with screen access software. There are times however where business needs put us
Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
Darrell, In his response, Tom Wlodkowski did not offer a workplan or timeframe on how the access concern would be resolved. He indicated that there was no commitment from CBS Radio and other third parties to give AOL the ability to modify the interface for accessibility. Currently what we have are promises from time Warner that can't actually be fulfilled. has anyone asked Tom for the time frame for resolution and ongoing updates? Regarding alternate methods, consider accessing a CBS Radio stream and capturing all the URL's that are generated with a program such as Replay A/V or URL sniffer. Plug each URL into Winamp and in nearly all the stations I have tried, I eventually connected with the station. Bookmark the station and then access it in Winamp in the future. I have listened to WXRT in Chicago for about a year now with this method. Other cool CBS stations are likely similar. Kelly - Original Message - From: Darrell Shandrow [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: PC Audio Discussion List pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:10 PM Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) Yeah, really, even I believe a lawsuit or anything close over this situation would be jumping the gun. I'd definitely like to know about alternative streaming options though. - Original Message - From: albert griffith [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'PC Audio Discussion List' pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 7:52 PM Subject: RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) I don't think so. AOL seems to be acting in good faith but we'll have to wait and see. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of chris ramsay Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:32 PM To: PC Audio Discussion List Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) sounds like time for another law suit. chris - Original Message - From: Steve Pattison [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Access-L [EMAIL PROTECTED]; PC-Audio pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:28 PM Subject: Fwd: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) From: Curtis Chong [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings and felicitations: I have been asked to post the following message on behalf of Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility for America Online (AOL). Mr. Wlodkowski does not bring good news, I am afraid; however, in his favor, he is doing his best to provide us with advance notice and a promise to work to make things better. He and I have worked together for several years on accessibility issues pertaining to America Online, and I believe him to be a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities. Should you wish to contact Mr. Wlodkowski directly, his email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is Mr. Wlodkowski's message and the original post to which it refers: Cordially, Curtis Chong --- The player Mr. Roderick references in his original GUI Talk post below is one built by AOL. While there were some compatibility issues between the AOL Radio player and JAWS due to the use of javascript, it was generally usable. Regrettably, this player will no longer be available as of June 9. In fact we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience and plan to work with our partner to improve usability of our new player in subsequent releases. Beginning on June 9, the AOL Radio product will be powered by CBS Radio. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. As you know through the recent release of the accessible webmail product, AOL Instant Messenger and other products, we're committed to ensuring the usability of our products and services with screen access software. There are times however where business needs put us in a situation where we regrettably cannot deliver an accessible interface when a product is first launched. This is the case with AOL Radio. We will certainly look to you, Mr. Roderick and others to test the accessibility of the new player interface once the team is a bit further down the path of implementing the necessary usability improvements. Best, Tom
RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
HI Ok Where do I find it on my system? Regards Adrien You can get me off list at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] I support cobweb, why don't you? Cobweb is a charity which provides support for sick and disabled children and their families. To find out more or to make a donation go to: www.cobwebfoundation.org Speakon is a free fully self-voicing accessible multimedia program for the visually impaired, find out more by downloading the software from: http://www.a-technic.net/speakon.htm You can join the speakon user group by sending a blank e-mail to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of albert griffith Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 5:16 PM To: 'PC Audio Discussion List' Subject: RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) I'd first look at uninstalling it. Although it installed with a package of other products it may still have an uninstallation program of its own. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Adrien Collins Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 11:10 AM To: 'PC Audio Discussion List' Subject: RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) Hi On the subject of aol, I have just installed aol 8 it installed spy zapper, can I disable this and if so how do I achieve this? Regards Adrien You can get me off list at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] I support cobweb, why don't you? Cobweb is a charity which provides support for sick and disabled children and their families. To find out more or to make a donation go to: www.cobwebfoundation.org Speakon is a free fully self-voicing accessible multimedia program for the visually impaired, find out more by downloading the software from: http://www.a-technic.net/speakon.htm You can join the speakon user group by sending a blank e-mail to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Steve Pattison Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 4:29 AM To: Access-L; PC-Audio Subject: Fwd: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) From: Curtis Chong [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings and felicitations: I have been asked to post the following message on behalf of Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility for America Online (AOL). Mr. Wlodkowski does not bring good news, I am afraid; however, in his favor, he is doing his best to provide us with advance notice and a promise to work to make things better. He and I have worked together for several years on accessibility issues pertaining to America Online, and I believe him to be a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities. Should you wish to contact Mr. Wlodkowski directly, his email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is Mr. Wlodkowski's message and the original post to which it refers: Cordially, Curtis Chong --- The player Mr. Roderick references in his original GUI Talk post below is one built by AOL. While there were some compatibility issues between the AOL Radio player and JAWS due to the use of javascript, it was generally usable. Regrettably, this player will no longer be available as of June 9. In fact we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience and plan to work with our partner to improve usability of our new player in subsequent releases. Beginning on June 9, the AOL Radio product will be powered by CBS Radio. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. As you know through the recent release of the accessible webmail product, AOL Instant Messenger and other products, we're committed to ensuring the usability of our products and services with screen access software. There are times however where business needs put us in a situation where we regrettably cannot deliver an accessible interface when a product is first launched. This is the case with AOL Radio. We will certainly look to you, Mr. Roderick and others to test the accessibility of the new player interface once the team is a bit further down the path of implementing the necessary usability improvements. Best, Tom Forwarded message from Rick Roderick [EMAIL PROTECTED
Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
Hi Kelly, Indeed, I am understanding so long as AOL is actively working with CBS to meet their accessibility obligations under the laws and in accordance with NFB's previously agreed upon settlement with AOL. If it turns out this is, in fact, not happening in good faith, then NFB should be ultimately taking the lead as the organization who originally made the agreement. In the meantime, I am aware of URL capturing, but I feel it should be AOL who provides this information officially as an alternative for its blind and visually impaired listeners as a means of showing good faith. I will say one good thing for AOL in this instance. They are, at least, admitting there is a problem, which is a heck of a lot more than most mainstream technology companies do for us these days. Most companies continue to believe it is acceptable to ignore our needs. That's happening for one reason. We're not making our voices heard frequently and loudly enough! - Original Message - From: Kelly Pierce [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: PC Audio Discussion List pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 9:09 AM Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) Darrell, In his response, Tom Wlodkowski did not offer a workplan or timeframe on how the access concern would be resolved. He indicated that there was no commitment from CBS Radio and other third parties to give AOL the ability to modify the interface for accessibility. Currently what we have are promises from time Warner that can't actually be fulfilled. has anyone asked Tom for the time frame for resolution and ongoing updates? Regarding alternate methods, consider accessing a CBS Radio stream and capturing all the URL's that are generated with a program such as Replay A/V or URL sniffer. Plug each URL into Winamp and in nearly all the stations I have tried, I eventually connected with the station. Bookmark the station and then access it in Winamp in the future. I have listened to WXRT in Chicago for about a year now with this method. Other cool CBS stations are likely similar. Kelly - Original Message - From: Darrell Shandrow [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: PC Audio Discussion List pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:10 PM Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) Yeah, really, even I believe a lawsuit or anything close over this situation would be jumping the gun. I'd definitely like to know about alternative streaming options though. - Original Message - From: albert griffith [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'PC Audio Discussion List' pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 7:52 PM Subject: RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) I don't think so. AOL seems to be acting in good faith but we'll have to wait and see. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of chris ramsay Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:32 PM To: PC Audio Discussion List Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) sounds like time for another law suit. chris - Original Message - From: Steve Pattison [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Access-L [EMAIL PROTECTED]; PC-Audio pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:28 PM Subject: Fwd: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) From: Curtis Chong [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings and felicitations: I have been asked to post the following message on behalf of Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility for America Online (AOL). Mr. Wlodkowski does not bring good news, I am afraid; however, in his favor, he is doing his best to provide us with advance notice and a promise to work to make things better. He and I have worked together for several years on accessibility issues pertaining to America Online, and I believe him to be a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities. Should you wish to contact Mr. Wlodkowski directly, his email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is Mr. Wlodkowski's message and the original post to which it refers: Cordially, Curtis Chong --- The player Mr. Roderick references in his original GUI Talk post below is one built by AOL. While there were some compatibility issues between the AOL Radio player and JAWS due to the use of javascript, it was generally usable. Regrettably, this player will no longer be available as of June 9. In fact we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience and plan to work with our partner to improve usability of our new player in subsequent releases. Beginning on June 9, the AOL Radio product will be powered by CBS Radio. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record
RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
Yeah, and CBS itself is a pretty big business too. If they promise to work with them to make the player more accessible, that's really all they can do. At 10:52 PM 6/6/2008, you wrote: I don't think so. AOL seems to be acting in good faith but we'll have to wait and see. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of chris ramsay Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:32 PM To: PC Audio Discussion List Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) sounds like time for another law suit. chris - Original Message - From: Steve Pattison [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Access-L [EMAIL PROTECTED]; PC-Audio pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:28 PM Subject: Fwd: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) From: Curtis Chong [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings and felicitations: I have been asked to post the following message on behalf of Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility for America Online (AOL). Mr. Wlodkowski does not bring good news, I am afraid; however, in his favor, he is doing his best to provide us with advance notice and a promise to work to make things better. He and I have worked together for several years on accessibility issues pertaining to America Online, and I believe him to be a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities. Should you wish to contact Mr. Wlodkowski directly, his email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is Mr. Wlodkowski's message and the original post to which it refers: Cordially, Curtis Chong --- The player Mr. Roderick references in his original GUI Talk post below is one built by AOL. While there were some compatibility issues between the AOL Radio player and JAWS due to the use of javascript, it was generally usable. Regrettably, this player will no longer be available as of June 9. In fact we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience and plan to work with our partner to improve usability of our new player in subsequent releases. Beginning on June 9, the AOL Radio product will be powered by CBS Radio. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. As you know through the recent release of the accessible webmail product, AOL Instant Messenger and other products, we're committed to ensuring the usability of our products and services with screen access software. There are times however where business needs put us in a situation where we regrettably cannot deliver an accessible interface when a product is first launched. This is the case with AOL Radio. We will certainly look to you, Mr. Roderick and others to test the accessibility of the new player interface once the team is a bit further down the path of implementing the necessary usability improvements. Best, Tom Forwarded message from Rick Roderick [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [gui-talk] AOL radio To: NFBnet GUI Talk Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am trying the new version of AOL radio. Unfortunately, some of the keys are not working. I am using Internet Explorer and JAWS 9. When I get to the categories, it says that a particular category is off and to press open it. When I press Enter, I simply hear the same message, and the category remains closed. I go into a selection of all stations, and not all the stations come up. I am able to choose a category from this area, however. When I do so, I then select a station. Everything works fine. However, when I hit Alt-Left-Arrow to go back to the list, I can't get out of the current station. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Regards Steve Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Windows Live Messenger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Skype: steve1963 Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc
Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
Darrell I wish it were as simple as you suggest -- making voices louder. The reasons go beyond that and are far more practical. Other than the legal legs accessability (whatever that is) stands on, the marketplace well realizes that the blind are such an insignificant economic group to market to (both due to incomes as well as numbers) that who cares. Learn to work with the alternatives -- everything from Replay Av's url finder to 3rd station databases -- and one's radio listening life will be far more pleasant. Like many things, these will be resolved though admittedly many people will be inconvenienced as adaptive equipment software vendors, scripters, and other 3rd parties attempt to figure all this out. It would be nice if some new player showed its face at 6 am and the adapters figured it out by 6:15. But that doesn't and cannot happen. Let's see what this means, if anything, for bookmarked and preset CBS urls come Monday. I have RAV set to do one at 6 am and another at 1 pm Eastern. Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Accessibility Evangelism and Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) Radio
Hello Everyone, As an accessibility evangelist, of course, I disagree with any and all those who frequently make statements emphasizing our smallness and insignificance in the world at large as a means to justify doing little or nothing about accessibility challenges. Yes. We are very tiny in number in comparison with the rest of the population who is not blind, but that really has nothing to do with how well we can make our voices heard in order to achieve positive changes for the better. One possible metaphore might be to compare us with those who profess their faith in the Jewish religion here in the United States, which is an incredibly small minority in number as compared with catholics and evangelical Christians. Despite their small numbers, the Jewish seem to experience little or no difficulty making their needs known and they tend to enjoy great success and wealth in all walks of life. I'd like to see something similar happen for those of us who are blind. We can't look to others to make this happen, but only to ourselves. It must start with us! We must decide that we are valuable human beings deserving of our human rights, of the accessibility and equal treatment with our sighted peers we must enjoy in order to be able to fully participate in society on a par with the sighted. Though it starts with us, a technological world dictates that we have equal access to information in the information and knowledge age. Accessibility must ultimately be available if we are to actively and productively participate in such critical areas of life as education, employment and leisure. We must achieve equality of opportunity through making our own accessibility solutions where practical and advocating for reasonable accomodations when accessibility is required in order for us to participate. The issues boil down to one of these two needs in all cases. There is no third option of taking the path of least resistance; not if we want to count ourselves as fully living and breathing human beings and citizens, possessing the same inalienable rights and responsibilities already enjoyed by the sighted. One excellent example of a project where we are making our own accessibility is Benetech's Bookshare project available at http://www.bookshare.org. Blind people and others with print reading disabilities subscribe to a web based service where they may download and read from a selection of tens of thousands of books available in an accessible, electronic format for use on their computers and portable assistive technology. This is all made possible by a team of blind and sighted volunteers who scan books into electronic format and validators who correct scanning errors and reformat the books for final entry into the collection. Another example of making our own accessibility is the existence of the blindness access technology industry. We spend tens of thousands of dollars on screen readers, Braille displays, scanners with optical character recognition software, specialized personal digital assistants (PDAs) and a myriad of other high and low technology items on which we have grown to depend in order to adapt ourselves to the world. In many cases, government agencies purchase some or all of this technology under specific circumstances, but this is, by no means, guaranteed. Despite our own efforts, there often remains a wide gap between that which we are able to make accessible on our own and that technology which we must use in the classroom, on the job, etc. When we are not able to close these gaps through our own efforts and assistive technology, reasonable accomodations on the part of the developer of that technology are required if we are to be permitted full and equal participation. Failures to reasonably accomodate our needs often result in the curtailment of educational opportunities and even the needless loss of jobs! As a blind community, we can take actions such as the following to improve our accessibility to the world of technology around us: * Understand that we need equal accessibility in order to participate in society on a par with our sighted peers. * Believe and live the concept that accessibility through reasonable accomodations is a human right and the right thing to do in all cases. * Check with other individuals and organizations in the blind community to see if the technology has already been made accessible. * Write letters to technology developers asking that they reasonably accomodate our need for accessibility. * When available, provide suggestions and technical consulting necessary to improve accessibility. * Work to have existing legislation covering accessibility enforced more consistently and frequently. * Encourage the passage of new legislation to clarify our needs and mandate increased accessibility in areas not already covered. Achieving equal participation in the knowledge age is currently a hard fought
Re: Accessibility Evangelism and Unfortunate News From America Online(AOL) Radio
Hello Darrow, I agree with you 250%! I live in a small town in North Florida where accessibility is an on going battle for me and other blind people that live here. Take the simple act of crossing the street for an example. A blind person can't cross the streets without fearing for his or her life. Sure we have the walk buttons that turns on a red light, but how are we to know that it's on? There is no audible signal given to us blind people. I and a few others, are fighting to change that. This is what must be done about this AOL on line radio thing. If we just set by and do nothing, then the sighted people will yank our lives away from us. This is why we blind people need to stand up for our rights. This is why I agree with you 250%. I will send emails to these people and tell them how I feel. The rest of you on this list, need to do the same. If they don't listen to us, then a law soot is required to bring fourth a change in our favor. My best regards. John. - Original Message - From: Darrell Shandrow [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: PC Audio Discussion List pc-audio@pc-audio.org; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; NFBnet GUI Talk Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Wlodkowski, Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 8:20 PM Subject: Accessibility Evangelism and Unfortunate News From America Online(AOL) Radio Hello Everyone, As an accessibility evangelist, of course, I disagree with any and all those who frequently make statements emphasizing our smallness and insignificance in the world at large as a means to justify doing little or nothing about accessibility challenges. Yes. We are very tiny in number in comparison with the rest of the population who is not blind, but that really has nothing to do with how well we can make our voices heard in order to achieve positive changes for the better. One possible metaphore might be to compare us with those who profess their faith in the Jewish religion here in the United States, which is an incredibly small minority in number as compared with catholics and evangelical Christians. Despite their small numbers, the Jewish seem to experience little or no difficulty making their needs known and they tend to enjoy great success and wealth in all walks of life. I'd like to see something similar happen for those of us who are blind. We can't look to others to make this happen, but only to ourselves. It must start with us! We must decide that we are valuable human beings deserving of our human rights, of the accessibility and equal treatment with our sighted peers we must enjoy in order to be able to fully participate in society on a par with the sighted. Though it starts with us, a technological world dictates that we have equal access to information in the information and knowledge age. Accessibility must ultimately be available if we are to actively and productively participate in such critical areas of life as education, employment and leisure. We must achieve equality of opportunity through making our own accessibility solutions where practical and advocating for reasonable accomodations when accessibility is required in order for us to participate. The issues boil down to one of these two needs in all cases. There is no third option of taking the path of least resistance; not if we want to count ourselves as fully living and breathing human beings and citizens, possessing the same inalienable rights and responsibilities already enjoyed by the sighted. One excellent example of a project where we are making our own accessibility is Benetech's Bookshare project available at http://www.bookshare.org. Blind people and others with print reading disabilities subscribe to a web based service where they may download and read from a selection of tens of thousands of books available in an accessible, electronic format for use on their computers and portable assistive technology. This is all made possible by a team of blind and sighted volunteers who scan books into electronic format and validators who correct scanning errors and reformat the books for final entry into the collection. Another example of making our own accessibility is the existence of the blindness access technology industry. We spend tens of thousands of dollars on screen readers, Braille displays, scanners with optical character recognition software, specialized personal digital assistants (PDAs) and a myriad of other high and low technology items on which we have grown to depend in order to adapt ourselves to the world. In many cases, government agencies purchase some or all of this technology under specific circumstances, but this is, by no means, guaranteed. Despite our own efforts, there often remains a wide gap between that which we are able to make accessible on our own and that technology which we must use in the classroom, on the job, etc. When we are not able to close these gaps
RE: Accessibility Evangelism and Unfortunate News From America Online(AOL) Radio
Well stated man! I was looking for those words of wisdom But I'm glad you pulled them out of the tool box for me. So many people, so many sheep! BAhAhAAA! -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike Pietruk Sent: June 7, 2008 10:03 PM To: PC Audio Discussion List Subject: Re: Accessibility Evangelism and Unfortunate News From America Online(AOL) Radio John and Darrell While I sympathize with your cause (and at this point do you guys even know what problems this player will present, if any), blind people in particular and Americans in general have far bigger things on their plate these days then worrying if someone can get at a media player. John, your safely crossing a street deserves 250% greater attention than this CBS/AOL player. Perhaps this player will prove workable via scripts or whatever. Perhaps other players can and will play the same streams. Frankly, I am ffar more concerned about the spiraling cost of gas, how expensive medical care and insurance is, that, in the case of northern Florida, you guys are fighting the Central part of the state over water wrights, and the myriads of other social issues that involve quality of life. Sure, it would be nice if this player worked out of the box; but having watched so many of these blindness evangelist battles, I often have found that the things that get complained about are usable either directly or indirectly. It is not that this isn't important; but there are far more things that ought to be viewed as important and perhaps some values are totally out of whack when quantums of energy get directed to an audio player rather than other things. There aren't unlimited dollars out there; and frankly I have a greater concern that John can get home safely than whether he'll have to use another player to listen to his favorite sports talk show. why? Well, if he cannot get around safely, he won't be able to listen to those shows anyway? And if he cannot afford adequate health care directly or indirectly, he won't be around to listen either. America is going through tough times these days; look at home foreclosures, rising unemployment rates, and all the rest. Politicians cannot embrace the types of things we are talking here at the moment as frankly it is even sad that we can give these things greater importance when there are true hurts out there, not just inconveniences. Yes, I'll be curious Monday to see what this means if anything. However, I am guessing that all of us will be listening to most of the same things we do today, but perhaps in a slightly different way. And before writing off the new AOL player, I would suggest first looking at the product to see if the warnings are warranted. Perhaps they are, but they may not be also. And there are many ways to listen to the same thing. Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
sounds like time for another law suit. chris - Original Message - From: Steve Pattison [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Access-L [EMAIL PROTECTED]; PC-Audio pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:28 PM Subject: Fwd: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) From: Curtis Chong [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings and felicitations: I have been asked to post the following message on behalf of Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility for America Online (AOL). Mr. Wlodkowski does not bring good news, I am afraid; however, in his favor, he is doing his best to provide us with advance notice and a promise to work to make things better. He and I have worked together for several years on accessibility issues pertaining to America Online, and I believe him to be a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities. Should you wish to contact Mr. Wlodkowski directly, his email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is Mr. Wlodkowski's message and the original post to which it refers: Cordially, Curtis Chong --- The player Mr. Roderick references in his original GUI Talk post below is one built by AOL. While there were some compatibility issues between the AOL Radio player and JAWS due to the use of javascript, it was generally usable. Regrettably, this player will no longer be available as of June 9. In fact we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience and plan to work with our partner to improve usability of our new player in subsequent releases. Beginning on June 9, the AOL Radio product will be powered by CBS Radio. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. As you know through the recent release of the accessible webmail product, AOL Instant Messenger and other products, we're committed to ensuring the usability of our products and services with screen access software. There are times however where business needs put us in a situation where we regrettably cannot deliver an accessible interface when a product is first launched. This is the case with AOL Radio. We will certainly look to you, Mr. Roderick and others to test the accessibility of the new player interface once the team is a bit further down the path of implementing the necessary usability improvements. Best, Tom Forwarded message from Rick Roderick [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [gui-talk] AOL radio To: NFBnet GUI Talk Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am trying the new version of AOL radio. Unfortunately, some of the keys are not working. I am using Internet Explorer and JAWS 9. When I get to the categories, it says that a particular category is off and to press open it. When I press Enter, I simply hear the same message, and the category remains closed. I go into a selection of all stations, and not all the stations come up. I am able to choose a category from this area, however. When I do so, I then select a station. Everything works fine. However, when I hit Alt-Left-Arrow to go back to the list, I can't get out of the current station. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Regards Steve Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Windows Live Messenger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Skype: steve1963 Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Fwd: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
From: Curtis Chong [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings and felicitations: I have been asked to post the following message on behalf of Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility for America Online (AOL). Mr. Wlodkowski does not bring good news, I am afraid; however, in his favor, he is doing his best to provide us with advance notice and a promise to work to make things better. He and I have worked together for several years on accessibility issues pertaining to America Online, and I believe him to be a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities. Should you wish to contact Mr. Wlodkowski directly, his email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is Mr. Wlodkowski's message and the original post to which it refers: Cordially, Curtis Chong --- The player Mr. Roderick references in his original GUI Talk post below is one built by AOL. While there were some compatibility issues between the AOL Radio player and JAWS due to the use of javascript, it was generally usable. Regrettably, this player will no longer be available as of June 9. In fact we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience and plan to work with our partner to improve usability of our new player in subsequent releases. Beginning on June 9, the AOL Radio product will be powered by CBS Radio. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. As you know through the recent release of the accessible webmail product, AOL Instant Messenger and other products, we're committed to ensuring the usability of our products and services with screen access software. There are times however where business needs put us in a situation where we regrettably cannot deliver an accessible interface when a product is first launched. This is the case with AOL Radio. We will certainly look to you, Mr. Roderick and others to test the accessibility of the new player interface once the team is a bit further down the path of implementing the necessary usability improvements. Best, Tom Forwarded message from Rick Roderick [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [gui-talk] AOL radio To: NFBnet GUI Talk Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am trying the new version of AOL radio. Unfortunately, some of the keys are not working. I am using Internet Explorer and JAWS 9. When I get to the categories, it says that a particular category is off and to press open it. When I press Enter, I simply hear the same message, and the category remains closed. I go into a selection of all stations, and not all the stations come up. I am able to choose a category from this area, however. When I do so, I then select a station. Everything works fine. However, when I hit Alt-Left-Arrow to go back to the list, I can't get out of the current station. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Regards Steve Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Windows Live Messenger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Skype: steve1963 Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
I don't think so. AOL seems to be acting in good faith but we'll have to wait and see. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of chris ramsay Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:32 PM To: PC Audio Discussion List Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) sounds like time for another law suit. chris - Original Message - From: Steve Pattison [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Access-L [EMAIL PROTECTED]; PC-Audio pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:28 PM Subject: Fwd: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) From: Curtis Chong [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings and felicitations: I have been asked to post the following message on behalf of Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility for America Online (AOL). Mr. Wlodkowski does not bring good news, I am afraid; however, in his favor, he is doing his best to provide us with advance notice and a promise to work to make things better. He and I have worked together for several years on accessibility issues pertaining to America Online, and I believe him to be a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities. Should you wish to contact Mr. Wlodkowski directly, his email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is Mr. Wlodkowski's message and the original post to which it refers: Cordially, Curtis Chong --- The player Mr. Roderick references in his original GUI Talk post below is one built by AOL. While there were some compatibility issues between the AOL Radio player and JAWS due to the use of javascript, it was generally usable. Regrettably, this player will no longer be available as of June 9. In fact we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience and plan to work with our partner to improve usability of our new player in subsequent releases. Beginning on June 9, the AOL Radio product will be powered by CBS Radio. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. As you know through the recent release of the accessible webmail product, AOL Instant Messenger and other products, we're committed to ensuring the usability of our products and services with screen access software. There are times however where business needs put us in a situation where we regrettably cannot deliver an accessible interface when a product is first launched. This is the case with AOL Radio. We will certainly look to you, Mr. Roderick and others to test the accessibility of the new player interface once the team is a bit further down the path of implementing the necessary usability improvements. Best, Tom Forwarded message from Rick Roderick [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [gui-talk] AOL radio To: NFBnet GUI Talk Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am trying the new version of AOL radio. Unfortunately, some of the keys are not working. I am using Internet Explorer and JAWS 9. When I get to the categories, it says that a particular category is off and to press open it. When I press Enter, I simply hear the same message, and the category remains closed. I go into a selection of all stations, and not all the stations come up. I am able to choose a category from this area, however. When I do so, I then select a station. Everything works fine. However, when I hit Alt-Left-Arrow to go back to the list, I can't get out of the current station. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Regards Steve Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Windows Live Messenger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Skype: steve1963 Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
I don't understand why such software is able to be sold legally when Government has laws about accessibility. It really means the laws are pointless. - Original Message - From: albert griffith [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'PC Audio Discussion List' pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 12:52 PM Subject: RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) I don't think so. AOL seems to be acting in good faith but we'll have to wait and see. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of chris ramsay Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:32 PM To: PC Audio Discussion List Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) sounds like time for another law suit. chris - Original Message - From: Steve Pattison [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Access-L [EMAIL PROTECTED]; PC-Audio pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:28 PM Subject: Fwd: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) From: Curtis Chong [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings and felicitations: I have been asked to post the following message on behalf of Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility for America Online (AOL). Mr. Wlodkowski does not bring good news, I am afraid; however, in his favor, he is doing his best to provide us with advance notice and a promise to work to make things better. He and I have worked together for several years on accessibility issues pertaining to America Online, and I believe him to be a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities. Should you wish to contact Mr. Wlodkowski directly, his email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is Mr. Wlodkowski's message and the original post to which it refers: Cordially, Curtis Chong --- The player Mr. Roderick references in his original GUI Talk post below is one built by AOL. While there were some compatibility issues between the AOL Radio player and JAWS due to the use of javascript, it was generally usable. Regrettably, this player will no longer be available as of June 9. In fact we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience and plan to work with our partner to improve usability of our new player in subsequent releases. Beginning on June 9, the AOL Radio product will be powered by CBS Radio. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. As you know through the recent release of the accessible webmail product, AOL Instant Messenger and other products, we're committed to ensuring the usability of our products and services with screen access software. There are times however where business needs put us in a situation where we regrettably cannot deliver an accessible interface when a product is first launched. This is the case with AOL Radio. We will certainly look to you, Mr. Roderick and others to test the accessibility of the new player interface once the team is a bit further down the path of implementing the necessary usability improvements. Best, Tom Forwarded message from Rick Roderick [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [gui-talk] AOL radio To: NFBnet GUI Talk Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am trying the new version of AOL radio. Unfortunately, some of the keys are not working. I am using Internet Explorer and JAWS 9. When I get to the categories, it says that a particular category is off and to press open it. When I press Enter, I simply hear the same message, and the category remains closed. I go into a selection of all stations, and not all the stations come up. I am able to choose a category from this area, however. When I do so, I then select a station. Everything works fine. However, when I hit Alt-Left-Arrow to go back to the list, I can't get out of the current station. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Regards Steve Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Windows Live Messenger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Skype: steve1963 Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank
Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
Don't know if this will effect your radio listening. - Original Message - To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings and felicitations: I have been asked to post the following message on behalf of Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility for America Online (AOL). Mr. Wlodkowski does not bring good news, I am afraid; however, in his favor, he is doing his best to provide us with advance notice and a promise to work to make things better. He and I have worked together for several years on accessibility issues pertaining to America Online, and I believe him to be a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities. Should you wish to contact Mr. Wlodkowski directly, his email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is Mr. Wlodkowski's message and the original post to which it refers: Cordially, Curtis Chong --- The player Mr. Roderick references in his original GUI Talk post below is one built by AOL. While there were some compatibility issues between the AOL Radio player and JAWS due to the use of javascript, it was generally usable. Regrettably, this player will no longer be available as of June 9. In fact we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience and plan to work with our partner to improve usability of our new player in subsequent releases. Beginning on June 9, the AOL Radio product will be powered by CBS Radio. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. As you know through the recent release of the accessible webmail product, AOL Instant Messenger and other products, we're committed to ensuring the usability of our products and services with screen access software. There are times however where business needs put us in a situation where we regrettably cannot deliver an accessible interface when a product is first launched. This is the case with AOL Radio. We will certainly look to you, Mr. Roderick and others to test the accessibility of the new player interface once the team is a bit further down the path of implementing the necessary usability improvements. Best, Tom Forwarded message from Rick Roderick [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [gui-talk] AOL radio To: NFBnet GUI Talk Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am trying the new version of AOL radio. Unfortunately, some of the keys are not working. I am using Internet Explorer and JAWS 9. When I get to the categories, it says that a particular category is off and to press open it. When I press Enter, I simply hear the same message, and the category remains closed. I go into a selection of all stations, and not all the stations come up. I am able to choose a category from this area, however. When I do so, I then select a station. Everything works fine. However, when I hit Alt-Left-Arrow to go back to the list, I can't get out of the current station. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Regards Steve Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Windows Live Messenger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Skype: steve1963 Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
Yeah, really, even I believe a lawsuit or anything close over this situation would be jumping the gun. I'd definitely like to know about alternative streaming options though. - Original Message - From: albert griffith [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'PC Audio Discussion List' pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 7:52 PM Subject: RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) I don't think so. AOL seems to be acting in good faith but we'll have to wait and see. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of chris ramsay Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:32 PM To: PC Audio Discussion List Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) sounds like time for another law suit. chris - Original Message - From: Steve Pattison [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Access-L [EMAIL PROTECTED]; PC-Audio pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:28 PM Subject: Fwd: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) From: Curtis Chong [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings and felicitations: I have been asked to post the following message on behalf of Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility for America Online (AOL). Mr. Wlodkowski does not bring good news, I am afraid; however, in his favor, he is doing his best to provide us with advance notice and a promise to work to make things better. He and I have worked together for several years on accessibility issues pertaining to America Online, and I believe him to be a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities. Should you wish to contact Mr. Wlodkowski directly, his email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is Mr. Wlodkowski's message and the original post to which it refers: Cordially, Curtis Chong --- The player Mr. Roderick references in his original GUI Talk post below is one built by AOL. While there were some compatibility issues between the AOL Radio player and JAWS due to the use of javascript, it was generally usable. Regrettably, this player will no longer be available as of June 9. In fact we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience and plan to work with our partner to improve usability of our new player in subsequent releases. Beginning on June 9, the AOL Radio product will be powered by CBS Radio. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. As you know through the recent release of the accessible webmail product, AOL Instant Messenger and other products, we're committed to ensuring the usability of our products and services with screen access software. There are times however where business needs put us in a situation where we regrettably cannot deliver an accessible interface when a product is first launched. This is the case with AOL Radio. We will certainly look to you, Mr. Roderick and others to test the accessibility of the new player interface once the team is a bit further down the path of implementing the necessary usability improvements. Best, Tom Forwarded message from Rick Roderick [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [gui-talk] AOL radio To: NFBnet GUI Talk Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am trying the new version of AOL radio. Unfortunately, some of the keys are not working. I am using Internet Explorer and JAWS 9. When I get to the categories, it says that a particular category is off and to press open it. When I press Enter, I simply hear the same message, and the category remains closed. I go into a selection of all stations, and not all the stations come up. I am able to choose a category from this area, however. When I do so, I then select a station. Everything works fine. However, when I hit Alt-Left-Arrow to go back to the list, I can't get out of the current station. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Regards Steve Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Windows Live Messenger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Skype: steve1963 Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Audio List Help, Guidelines, Archives and more... http://www.pc-audio.org To unsubscribe from this list, send
RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
I think they'll get a reasonable time frame within which to comply. The CEO's tone was cautious but optimistic. Bottom line? Accessibility has to be built in just like safety is in automobiles. They aren't allowed to tack it on at the end of the line as an afterthought. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Darrell Shandrow Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 11:11 PM To: PC Audio Discussion List Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) Yeah, really, even I believe a lawsuit or anything close over this situation would be jumping the gun. I'd definitely like to know about alternative streaming options though. - Original Message - From: albert griffith [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'PC Audio Discussion List' pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 7:52 PM Subject: RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) I don't think so. AOL seems to be acting in good faith but we'll have to wait and see. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of chris ramsay Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:32 PM To: PC Audio Discussion List Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) sounds like time for another law suit. chris - Original Message - From: Steve Pattison [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Access-L [EMAIL PROTECTED]; PC-Audio pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:28 PM Subject: Fwd: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) From: Curtis Chong [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings and felicitations: I have been asked to post the following message on behalf of Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility for America Online (AOL). Mr. Wlodkowski does not bring good news, I am afraid; however, in his favor, he is doing his best to provide us with advance notice and a promise to work to make things better. He and I have worked together for several years on accessibility issues pertaining to America Online, and I believe him to be a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities. Should you wish to contact Mr. Wlodkowski directly, his email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is Mr. Wlodkowski's message and the original post to which it refers: Cordially, Curtis Chong --- The player Mr. Roderick references in his original GUI Talk post below is one built by AOL. While there were some compatibility issues between the AOL Radio player and JAWS due to the use of javascript, it was generally usable. Regrettably, this player will no longer be available as of June 9. In fact we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience and plan to work with our partner to improve usability of our new player in subsequent releases. Beginning on June 9, the AOL Radio product will be powered by CBS Radio. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. As you know through the recent release of the accessible webmail product, AOL Instant Messenger and other products, we're committed to ensuring the usability of our products and services with screen access software. There are times however where business needs put us in a situation where we regrettably cannot deliver an accessible interface when a product is first launched. This is the case with AOL Radio. We will certainly look to you, Mr. Roderick and others to test the accessibility of the new player interface once the team is a bit further down the path of implementing the necessary usability improvements. Best, Tom Forwarded message from Rick Roderick [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [gui-talk] AOL radio To: NFBnet GUI Talk Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am trying the new version of AOL radio. Unfortunately, some of the keys are not working. I am using Internet Explorer and JAWS 9. When I get to the categories, it says that a particular category is off and to press open it. When I press Enter, I simply hear the same message, and the category remains closed. I go into a selection of all stations, and not all the stations come up. I am able to choose a category from this area, however. When I do so, I then select a station. Everything works fine. However
RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
The solution lies in demanding all programs be accessible from their beginnings. The law has helped but it needs more teeth. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Peter Scanlon Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 11:03 PM To: PC Audio Discussion List Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) I don't understand why such software is able to be sold legally when Government has laws about accessibility. It really means the laws are pointless. - Original Message - From: albert griffith [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'PC Audio Discussion List' pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 12:52 PM Subject: RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) I don't think so. AOL seems to be acting in good faith but we'll have to wait and see. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of chris ramsay Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:32 PM To: PC Audio Discussion List Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) sounds like time for another law suit. chris - Original Message - From: Steve Pattison [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Access-L [EMAIL PROTECTED]; PC-Audio pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:28 PM Subject: Fwd: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) From: Curtis Chong [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings and felicitations: I have been asked to post the following message on behalf of Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility for America Online (AOL). Mr. Wlodkowski does not bring good news, I am afraid; however, in his favor, he is doing his best to provide us with advance notice and a promise to work to make things better. He and I have worked together for several years on accessibility issues pertaining to America Online, and I believe him to be a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities. Should you wish to contact Mr. Wlodkowski directly, his email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is Mr. Wlodkowski's message and the original post to which it refers: Cordially, Curtis Chong --- The player Mr. Roderick references in his original GUI Talk post below is one built by AOL. While there were some compatibility issues between the AOL Radio player and JAWS due to the use of javascript, it was generally usable. Regrettably, this player will no longer be available as of June 9. In fact we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience and plan to work with our partner to improve usability of our new player in subsequent releases. Beginning on June 9, the AOL Radio product will be powered by CBS Radio. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. As you know through the recent release of the accessible webmail product, AOL Instant Messenger and other products, we're committed to ensuring the usability of our products and services with screen access software. There are times however where business needs put us in a situation where we regrettably cannot deliver an accessible interface when a product is first launched. This is the case with AOL Radio. We will certainly look to you, Mr. Roderick and others to test the accessibility of the new player interface once the team is a bit further down the path of implementing the necessary usability improvements. Best, Tom Forwarded message from Rick Roderick [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [gui-talk] AOL radio To: NFBnet GUI Talk Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am trying the new version of AOL radio. Unfortunately, some of the keys are not working. I am using Internet Explorer and JAWS 9. When I get to the categories, it says that a particular category is off and to press open it. When I press Enter, I simply hear the same message, and the category remains closed. I go into a selection of all stations, and not all the stations come up. I am able to choose a category from this area, however. When I do so, I then select a station. Everything works fine. However, when I hit Alt-Left-Arrow to go back to the list, I can't get out of the current station. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Regards Steve Email: [EMAIL
Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL)
well these olks have to learn that accessibility is a must when making these so claled business decisions. its a cost of doing business and when they ignorit we must use appropriate remedies. chris - Original Message - From: Darrell Shandrow [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: PC Audio Discussion List pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 11:10 PM Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) Yeah, really, even I believe a lawsuit or anything close over this situation would be jumping the gun. I'd definitely like to know about alternative streaming options though. - Original Message - From: albert griffith [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'PC Audio Discussion List' pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 7:52 PM Subject: RE: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) I don't think so. AOL seems to be acting in good faith but we'll have to wait and see. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of chris ramsay Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:32 PM To: PC Audio Discussion List Subject: Re: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) sounds like time for another law suit. chris - Original Message - From: Steve Pattison [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Access-L [EMAIL PROTECTED]; PC-Audio pc-audio@pc-audio.org Sent: Friday, June 06, 2008 10:28 PM Subject: Fwd: Unfortunate News From America Online (AOL) From: Curtis Chong [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Greetings and felicitations: I have been asked to post the following message on behalf of Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility for America Online (AOL). Mr. Wlodkowski does not bring good news, I am afraid; however, in his favor, he is doing his best to provide us with advance notice and a promise to work to make things better. He and I have worked together for several years on accessibility issues pertaining to America Online, and I believe him to be a man of integrity and a person who is deeply committed to ensuring access to AOL's services by all people with disabilities. Should you wish to contact Mr. Wlodkowski directly, his email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Here is Mr. Wlodkowski's message and the original post to which it refers: Cordially, Curtis Chong --- The player Mr. Roderick references in his original GUI Talk post below is one built by AOL. While there were some compatibility issues between the AOL Radio player and JAWS due to the use of javascript, it was generally usable. Regrettably, this player will no longer be available as of June 9. In fact we will take some significant steps backward as we transition to the use of a third party player. We apologize for the inconvenience and plan to work with our partner to improve usability of our new player in subsequent releases. Beginning on June 9, the AOL Radio product will be powered by CBS Radio. The necessity of this new business model was driven by the dramatic increase in the music royalty rates paid for Internet Radio. This action by the record labels left AOL no choice but to look for an alternative way to stay in the internet radio business. Given the business demands and accelerated transition, there wasn't ample time for us to effective address the major usability issues with the CBS Player. The AOL Radio team is aware of the accessibility barriers presented by this transition, and is committed to addressing the issue with CBS Radio once the new player interface launches on June 9. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. As you know through the recent release of the accessible webmail product, AOL Instant Messenger and other products, we're committed to ensuring the usability of our products and services with screen access software. There are times however where business needs put us in a situation where we regrettably cannot deliver an accessible interface when a product is first launched. This is the case with AOL Radio. We will certainly look to you, Mr. Roderick and others to test the accessibility of the new player interface once the team is a bit further down the path of implementing the necessary usability improvements. Best, Tom Forwarded message from Rick Roderick [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [gui-talk] AOL radio To: NFBnet GUI Talk Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am trying the new version of AOL radio. Unfortunately, some of the keys are not working. I am using Internet Explorer and JAWS 9. When I get to the categories, it says that a particular category is off and to press open it. When I press Enter, I simply hear the same message, and the category remains closed. I go into a selection of all stations, and not all the stations come up. I am able to choose a category from this area, however. When I do so, I then select a station. Everything works fine. However, when I hit Alt-Left-Arrow to go back
