debating question assignment

This is a debating question; prepare a report defending your position, either for the “Affirmative” or the “Negative”.  ( 2-3 pages review)

The term “digital divide” was coined to describe the disadvantages in opportunities that people without access to the Internet might experience, relative to those with access — basically, the online equivalent of the “haves” and the “have-nots.”  In the early days of the Internet, content presentation was largely textual. As a result, people with disabilities, such as sight, could rely on screen readers* to have access to the content.  *Screen readers are software applications that convert text to speech, or to Braille displays.

As the world — and technology — has moved onward to more sophisticated content formats, including rich media and heavy use of graphics in displays, Americans with disabilities may find themselves sliding into the digital divide.

ADA Home Page: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm

That’s the preamble; this debate will address the following statements:

Affirmative: Marketers are responsible for providing alternative forms of access to online content for disabled Americans.

Negative: Marketers are not responsible for providing alternative forms of access to online content for disabled Americans.