online banking with Bank of America: not quite accessible enough

[Janina Sajka]

iAll right, Darrell, you've thrown down the gauntlet. Now let's hear
some specifics.

What function of the web is unsupportable in text-based browsers?

Please don't answer javascript, because that isn't a function--it's a
technology to implement functions. I'm not asking about any particular
markup technology, I'm asking about functions.

The kinds of functions I'm thinking of include "tracking state," which
is currently not supported in lynx/links, but certainly could be.

And in the case of changing state, it's going to be an issue for blind
users regardless of whether the browser is gui or text-based. We're not
going to be able to do it without relying on taking samples--unless we
try to map the state changes to another medium, such as sone kind of
sonic gestures.

So, what functions can't be supported. You say text is obsolete. Prove
it.

Darrell Shandrow writes:
> From: "Darrell Shandrow" <nu7i at azboss.net>
> 
> Hi David,
> 
> Unfortunately, pure-text based browsers like Links and Lynx are simply
> obsolete.  There's no reasonable expectation that any company should be
> forced, in any way, to support such technology.  We must strive to separate
> any and all concepts of web accessibility from these obsolete technologies,
> as any such link hurts our cause.
> 
> Darrell Shandrow - Shandrow Communications!
> Technology consultant/instructor, network/systems administrator!
> A+, CCNA, Network+!
> Check out high quality telecommunications services at http://ld.net/?nu7i
> All the best to coalition forces carrying out Operation Iraqi Freedom!
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "David Poehlman" <poehlman1 at comcast.net>
> To: "Speakup is a screen review system for Linux." <speakup at braille.uwo.ca>
> Sent: Saturday, January 31, 2004 7:22 AM
> Subject: Re: online banking with Bank of America: not quite accessible
> enough
> 
> 
> > If anyone is in regular touch with these people, they need to know that
> they
> > need to work on their insulting statement.
> >
> > ----- Original Message ----- 
> > From: "Cheryl Homiak" <chomiak at charter.net>
> > To: "speakup" <speakup at braille.uwo.ca>
> > Sent: Friday, January 30, 2004 11:46 PM
> > Subject: online banking with Bank of America: not quite accessible enough
> >
> >
> > Here's what I just got when I tried to sign in to online banking. it's a
> > little puzzling because I am using ssl, and I though that met the
> > encryption requirements.
> > This was with lynx the cat. with links the chain it was even worse; I
> > never even
> > got to try to log in because where it said to sign in after I put in my id
> > and passcode, links the chain had no link (pun intended).
> > Am I missing something on the site or has anybody using online banking
> > been doing it with Windows? Ironically, the application process is
> > accessible. It really won't ruin banking for me at Bank of america, as I
> > can use the phone and I'm getting my braille statements etc., but it is
> > disappointing.
> >
> > What I got at attempt to log in with lynx the cat:
> >    Bank of America Higher Standards Online Banking
> >
> >    Unsupported Browser
> >
> >    To provide maximum security and protection, Bank of America requires
> >    that you use a browser that supports 128-bit encryption.
> >
> >    We have determined that you are using lynx Version 2.8.5dev.16.
> >
> >    In order to use Online Banking, you will need to use or download
> >    another browser.
> >
> >    You can download a new browser for free from either the Netscape or
> >    Microsoft. For your convenience click on the appropriate link below to
> >    download a web browser. Once you have installed the new browser you'll
> >    be ready to use Online Banking.
> >
> >    Please note: Bank of America does not recommend the use of beta or
> >    test browsers with Online Banking.
> >
> >
> > Cheryl
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Speakup mailing list
> > Speakup at braille.uwo.ca
> > http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Speakup mailing list
> > Speakup at braille.uwo.ca
> > http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup at braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

-- 
	
Janina Sajka
Email: janina at rednote.net		
Phone: +1 (202) 408-8175

Director, Technology Research and Development
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
http://www.afb.org

Chair, Accessibility Work Group
Free Standards Group
http://a11y.org