Donna Jodhan’s web accessibility Charter Challenge against the Federal Government was covered by a number of major media outlets. Bakerlaw’s David Baker and Meryl Gary were in Federal Court from September 21st-23rd arguing Ms. Jodhan’s case. The court is now resting, and has said that it deliver its verdict in approximate six months’ time. Depending on the outcome, an appeal process could subsequently take place.

There was an excellent turn-out in court by members of the blind and partially sighted communities and their supporters, and at the conclusion of the hearings the judge noted the “unprecedented” level of interest in the case.

The governments of many countries, including the United States, EU member states and Australia have already made their websites accessible to blind users. Canada’s Federal Government has refused to follow suit, despite the fact that accessible sites are easy and inexpensive to build and maintain.

Below are links to a few of the media stories on the case:

“Blind woman says federal websites discriminate against the visually impaired” by Laurie Monsebraaten, Toronto Star 2010/09/19. Click here to read the article.

“Blind woman challenges government web access” CBC.ca 2010/9/21. Click here to read the full story.

“Blind woman sues feds” As it Happens 2010/9 /20 Click here for the episode (audio interview is in Part Two of the broadcast).

“Blind woman sues government, says its websites are not accessible” Globe and Mail (Canadian Press2010/9/21). Cick here for the full story.