Blind Student files lawsuit against Miami University

A blind university student, Aleeha Dudley, with the help of the National Federation of the Blind, has filed an accessibility lawsuit against Miami University. Ms. Dudley was a remarkable student enrolled in the zoology program and had thoughts of one day becoming a veterinarian, but her aspirations were crushed when course materials for her program were inaccessible. The accessibility lawsuit declares that the University violated the ADA (American with Disabilities Act) as well as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act by intentionally not providing necessary materials for the impaired student that would ensure she could meet degree requirements. Miami University fell short in delivering supplies, such as college books and course work that were accessible to those with visual impairments. If the university had appropriately supplied the materials, Ms. Dudley could have had the opportunity to maintain her grades and position in her program. Ms. Dudley has fallen behind within the zoology program not as a result of her abilities but, unfortunately, because of the university's inability to provide for its impaired students.

The Disability Rights Ohio Advocacy Group and the NFB are representing Aleeha Dudley’s in the accessibility lawsuit. Evidently, Ms. Dudley’s situation is not the first or even the only visually impaired student to be discriminated against at Miami University. Other blind students have found similar frustrations and unnecessary challenges to effectively accesses course supplies and data. A university has a tremendous opportunity to insure a bright future for those with disabilities, but as Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the NFB, said in a statement regarding this circumstance, the university has failed to acknowledge its moral and legal obligations They failed to provide accessible equipment for Ms. Dudley’s education. The NFB is taking a stand and claims they will not allow the inequalities happening to Ms. Dudley and or to other visually impaired students in America. The NFB will fervently pursue this lawsuit and is encouraging other educational facilities and educational institutions to take the necessary measure to ensure accessibility for their students.

The university student has described her experience at the institution as being a nightmare. Ms. Dudley is now behind her in her degree and may have no hope of fulfilling her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Ms. Dudley explains her actions in filing the accessibility lawsuit stating she is taking on this case not just for herself, but to help pave the path so that other blind students looking to attend Miami University will not experience the same challenges and anguish she had to endure.

5 Reasons to have an accessible web page in 2014

Opening the New Year brings resolutions, ambitions, a rejuvenated sense of hope as well as yearning to make transformations for the better. New Year’s resolutions cover a broad scope ranging from diet and exercise to global impacting decisions. Regardless of resolutions are in 2014, there is certainly one improvement business owners can make that will have a profound influence, by setting a new year’s resolution to make their website accessible. Having an accessible site will enhance the everyday life of impaired internet users in addition to generating more business for your website. Become a part of the movement to bring web accessibility into 2014.

Reasons to focus on making your website accessible in 2014:

1. Enhance the everyday Lives of Impaired Individuals:
Ensuring a internet website is accessible would permit disabled individuals to have a chance to access the same information, goods, services or products as other individuals.

2. New Buyers:
Enabling online impaired internet users the ability to access a business website will open corporations to new consumers.

3. Enhanced Web-page Usability:
Focusing on web accessibility will not simply help disabled users navigate a website significantly better, but in addition will help the entire performance of a site.

4. Enhance Search Engine Optimization and Internet browser Capabilities:
Search engine optimization, internet browser capabilities, as well as accessibility are all connected. The adjustments applied to further improve web accessibility also will allow web crawls to locate a website more easily. The easier it is for web crawlers to find and browse site the greater a businesses online visibility will be.

5. Maximize Earnings:
By improving a company's consumer reach as well as enhancing seo, can attract new customers and bring in more sales.

Isn't it time for the internet to become equally accessible for all consumers?  Businesses should take action, support web accessibility and make a new year’s resolution to have website accessible in 2014.