The world of generalized content markup (such as HTML) is complimented by markup specifications that facilitate more semantically precise content markup in particular knowledge domains (such as MathML in the domain of mathematics). Similarly, users who rely on assistive technologies (AT) require content access that properly exposes the more complex structures delineated by knowledge domain markup in order to use this content effectively. Unfortunately, the default rendering and content navigation provided by AT is not designed to take advantage of the semantic richness exposed by knowledge domain specific markup and is, consequently, inadequate to serve user needs properly. The Open A11y Expert Handlers SIG is exploring opportunities for specifying a standardized plugin mechanism that would allow both open source and proprietary assistive technology to provide enhanced, semantically rich alternative access to knowledge domain specific content exposed by knowledge domain specific markup.

Neil: too complex a sentence: “Similarly, users who rely on assistive technologies (AT) require content access that properly exposes the more complex structures delineated by knowledge domain markup in order to use this content effectively. Unfortunately, the default rendering and content navigation provided by AT is not designed to take advantage of the semantic richness exposed by knowledge domain specific markup and is, consequently, inadequate to serve user needs properly.”

Janina: access strategies, content not precisely marked-up – need something to handle specific stuff as well

Neil: think i understand where you're going

Janina: next sentence is solution to problem statement

Janina: cites dictionary definition of “delineated” but conceeds could be a problem to comprehension

Neil: sentence too complicated; who, and by and that…

Vladmir: had same problem with sentence; should be understandable by anyone

Pete: define instead of deleneate?

Neil: break into 2 or 3 sentences

Janina: last week a semantic problem; this week just grammar and usage, then i'll take a crack at a draft 4

Janina: word “semantic” which not there prior to this draft is now there too frequently

GJR: Similarly, users who rely on assisstive technologies (AT) require content access that properly exposes the more complex structures. In order to use this content effectively, it needs to be defined by knowledge domain markup. Unfortunately, the default rendering and content navigation provided by AT is not designed to take advantage of the semantic richness exposed by knowledge domain specific markup. Consequently, it is inadequate to serve the user's needs properly.“

Neil: needs more work – need to print out and work out;

Vladmir: different – difference not complexity issue

Janina: good point.

Vladmir: everyone typing on this page?

Janina: a wiki

Neil points out that GJR has lock on page

Neil: would like to take a shot at making structure less complex

Janina: agree – no problem with your taking a whack at it

Neil: agree with Vladmir not more complex but difference

ACTION: (new as of 13 August 2007) Neil to draft version 4 of Mission Statement

• Expert Handlers Mission Statement Drafts Page
• Expert Handlers SIG Main Page