[games_access] UN convention Overview

[Sandra Uhling]

Hi,

it looks like the topic is very very very difficult.
It is not easy to explain and not easy to understand.

Maybe we start again?
I added numbers to the parts. When there is something not sure, write the
numer.

1. We have a new UN Convention: Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities
2. This convention is for states, but states have to make sure that also
companies do not discriminate people.
   (How states make this real can be very different. It is the choice of the
state what to use for this.)
3. At least 30 countries ratified it. And at the moment the Convention is
transferred into national laws in some countries.

4.
We know that there are no useful information.
We know that it is very difficult.
We know that games cannot be barrier free.
We know that making games more accessible needs a lot of time.
We know that we cannot use the WCAG for games.

5.
We do not want that GA is a law and a force.
We do not want that funds are bound to accessibility, at least for games.
Special Serious Games need often funds. And it is not possible to make them
"barrier free".
(Note: in some countries they use special terms, accessibility should not be
a problem, but "barrier free" is a big problem)

6. BUT:
The people who transfer the Convention into national law, often do not know
about this!
Very often they use the knowledge they have from other media.
They can think games = films, games = software
Ideas can be: 
WCAG also for games, 100% subtitle for games, (rules for state and private
area), ....
No media in schools that are not barrier free,...

7.
Also the "hobby" areas are a topic for the future.
Now they are establishing the basics that can have effects, too.
Rules for schools and funds are often part of the basics.


8.
Usually the request people with disabilities have are very good.
But in some cases they are not possible for games. 
But this is something the people do not know.


9. What to do?????
My personal opinion: Explain the special situation GA and Games
So the people who transfer the Convention into national law,
do not do stupid things ;-)

= Avoid laws.

Best regards,
Sandra