RE: Barriers to Equal Access

[Rebekah Tanner <foxgull@foxgull.com>]

Dear Bill you very wisely say:

"True computer based communication does not reach all people but that is no reason not to use this powerful tool.  What is important important is to define the assumptions we can draw about the feedback we get. What segment of the whole population are we dealing with? What characterizes that group? What is their background, experience and reason for becoming involved in a dialogue? What population do theu represent? Can we and should we extrapolate their views to a wider population?"

I think that all outeach tools will by their very nature, only reach a limited audience, at best. If we can determine the limitations of any method, perhaps use a number of methods at the same time, and then make a special effort to reach those who are marginalized, we can be somewhat more effective.

What I think we should shy away from is the extrapolation -- it seems impossible to assume that the commments (and indicated needs) of a sophistocated computer literate user will bear any resembelance to those in special populations: be they members of land-based cultures; individuals having physical, learning or other disabilities; the urban poor; small children; ... or any number of other types of folks who potentially might have limited access and ability in computer literacy.

Now, I know some members of any of those groups might be computer literate, and I know that it might, in fact, be found that their needs are similar to the folks already participating in this discussion, but I think it is dangerous for us to ASSUME that by any extrapolation methodology.

Rebekah Tanner