Access the no space or book without a face

I am sitting here at my yearly retreat to OzeWai, and more importantly, I am sitting infront of Bruce Macguire- who is talking about the world impact of web 2.0 applications such as Myspace, Facebook, blogging etc.

He talks about the fact that these places are the cult of the ammatuer- that maybe the internet is killing our culture. Well, in truth, he doesn't say it- he quotes someone else, but he is saying that art and literature is now the story of the people, it's growth is more organic, but for people with disabilities, the gatekeepers of this technology are shutting the gate and 'throwing out the key' or creating a hostile space between the impaired and the technology providers.

The thing is, I understand what he is trying to say. If this global community is to be truly representative of everyone- as they proport to be, then surely, it is our obligation to lobby these organisations to create usable technology.

Some key issues faced for people with an impairment trying to access these online services, is the relatively new feature of the virtualisation method. This is the part of the sign up process where you are asked to type what you SEE in a picture box in order to validate your sign up process. This is obviously problematic if you cant see the picture box, and replacing it with a sound file is also ridiculous if you cannot hear. So the question is, how do people like Bruce get the same opportunity to play in this ever changing world, if as users A) we aren't aware this is happening B) Dont provide an alternative but equal environment?

Thre truth is, I dont know, but I have another 40 minute workshop in which to bounce ideas...and hopefully, I'll be able to post a more hopeful piece.