From: Julie Dawson 
Subject: Re: AOL and accessibility (fwd)
I thought this might be of interest.  AOL is one of the most speech
unfriendly
online services I know of.  I too have contacted their customer service
via
voice, email and by postal letter.  I invite you to do the same.
Thanks,
Julie Dawson
"Out of many''''one people."
We give of ourselves to share with each other.
we receive from each other to empower ourselves.
Blessed be the Almighty who blesses His people.
Julie, AKA Magnolia in NJ.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 01:48:41 EST
From: M WELLS 57 
Reply-To: RT-L@umbsky.cc.umb.edu
To: RT-L@umbsky.cc.umb.edu
Subject: Re: AOL and accessibility
Hi list members,
I apologise to those of you who got this on AERNET but I am sending it to 
oth
lists.  If you have other lists where it might be helpful to post it please
feel free to do so or let me know.  I need help on the following issue.
America Online is the nation's largest internet and online service provider.
AOL is about to release the latest version of their software, version 4.0.  I
know 3.0 is not accessible, especially to speech users, so I recently 
nquired
in CEO Steve Case's column about steps AOL is taking to make version 4.0 more
accessible.  I was disapointed when a technical staff member responded by
saying that AOL has no plans in the immediate future to make its software
speech accessible and that these features are not included in the new 
rsion.
I would like for everyone who would--especially those of you who use AOL--to
contact AOL and address your concern about AOL's lack of accessibility and
lack of plans to incorporate accessibility features into its service.  I
contacted member services under the keyword suggestions but don't know if 
hat
was who I really needed to contact. If anyone has a more direct e-mail 
ddress
for AOL please let me know.  However, they did provide me with their toll 
ree
technical support number.  That number is:
1-888-265-8006
I would appreciate anyone who will to contact AOL and encourage them to take
steps to incorporate accessibility features into the new version of their
software.  It is time that they truly make their services accessible to all.
Thanks.
Mike Wells
MWells57@AOL.com
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