“How cool is that?”, said Jim, as he was told about the new computers in the public library in his suburb.
In particular, Jim was delighted that one of the six available PCs was equipped to cater for blind and visually impaired users by providing both screen-reading and magnification software.
This meant something to Jim as he himself was visually impaired and used special magnification software on PC’s when he had a chance to do so.
He no longer had a PC of his own since his had been stolen some time ago and he was saving up to get another. In the meantime, he was thrilled to be able to use the accessible PC supplied by his library.
Time went by, Jim still did not have his own computer yet, but working from the library meant he could study and research his work in peace and he loved going there to use the machine.
Every now and again, another visually impaired person needed the machine as well and Jim soon learned when the best times were to have access to this PC, and the two worked out a system to share.
He learned that the PC monitor had a large sign on it with the internationally recognised image of the wheelchair in a highly contrasting colour, that even Jim could make out with his very limited vision. In addition the sign stated that the PC was equipped with software to cater for the needs of blind and visually impaired people.
One day, Jim arrived at the library to write a paper for his studies.
He was surprised to see that there was someone sitting at the accessible PC he normally used. He was disappointed but assumed that the person was also visually impaired and therefore had a right to use the machine.
Jim waited around, hoping the other person would leave soon.
He decided to leave, and returning a couple of hours later, he was dismayed to see that the same person was still at the accessible PC .
Jim approached the workstation and noticed now that he was closer, that the man sitting at the PC was using a wheelchair.
Jim addressed the man and asked him if he was going to be very long.
“I really need to get at that PC to complete my paper”.
“By the way”; Jim added. Are you also visually impaired?
The man turned to Jim smiling and said; “no, not at all”.
“So why don’t you use one of the other PC’s available? There are at least two free at the moment”, Jim said.
“Well”, said the man. “ this computer is marked as accessible and intended for people with disabilities, and besides I like using it as it is closer to the bathroom and the door”.
“Yes”, said Jim, “but you could use any of the other PC’s. This one has software on it that I need because I am legally blind. Can’t you see that by using this PC, when you could just as easily use one of the others, you are stopping me from accessing the only PC I am able to use in this library?”
The man turned to Jim, no longer smiling and said; “well, I am here now, and anyway, I am disabled. I have the right to use it.”