Suing for AOL Access

National Federation of the Blind claims service violates federal law that mandates disabled access.

Eileen Smith, PC World

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Unlike other service providers, AOL's Internet service is incompatible with the screen access software programs that enable blind people to use the Internet, the NFB alleges. The group filed suit to get AOL to correct this. NFB asks the court to order AOL to effectively redesign its service.

"It's the biggest company and the least accessible," says Marc Maurer, president of the National Federation of the Blind.

NFB has received complaints from its members about AOL Net inaccessibility, according to Maurer. When members took their grievances to America Online, some were reportedly told to sign up regardless of any problems because the software would probably be corrected later.

AOL representatives declined to address specific charges.

"We're disappointed they've filed this lawsuit," says Rich D'Amato, an AOL spokesperson. "We're committed to the work we've done in this area ... We understand the desire [of blind users] to achieve the full potential of the Internet."

Standards Promote Access

Blind people generally run screen-reading programs to use computer software or surf the Internet. These programs intercept and track on-screen text and convert it into synthesized speech or Braille. The problem with AOL lies in its graphics-based interface and unlabeled icons.

In order for blind people to interact effectively with computer programs, graphics need text labels. You must be able to do all functions by keyboard as well as by mouse. Also, programs need to use standard Windows controls such as dialog boxes.

America Online, however, employs its own proprietary software that relies heavily on graphics, mouse commands, and custom controls.

"AOL has broken just about every rule of good programming practice, so we have no access whatsoever," says Curtis Chong, NFB director of technology.

The NFB contacted America Online more than once to try to work out their differences, Maurer says.

"They've never been willing to discuss what they do and how they do it so we can make an adaptable screen reader for [the AOL software]," Maurer says.

The NFB's complaint says its members simply want what an estimated 19 million AOL users already have: equal access.

"AOL is dramatically easy for people to use--that's its claim to fame," Maurer says. "You shouldn't have to have a Ph.D. in computer science if you're a blind person to use it."

The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts on behalf of the NFB, the Massachusetts state NFB, and nine blind individuals.

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