Jeopardy test: Alas, I bombed!

Rather than recap the audio portion, I'll post the letter I e-mailed to jeopardytest@sonypictures.com.

I can hope that it will be responded to. I sent it receipt pending and did receieve a e-mail varification that it was received, but I know these big game shows and corporate people are very busy and there are probably very few blind people who are interested in trivia.

To whom it may concern:

I heard with excitement about your new online test. I couldn't wait to try it out.

On Monday, I went on the Web site, registered, made a point of being home early from a board meeting, and figured out how to get my name and password into the flash even though the buttons did not seem to be labeled. I then sat for the next 10 minutes eagerly waiting for the count-down to end.

I then heard some Jeopardy theme music.

I then heard the first question about a girl's name. I then tried putting my answer, Mary, in the box and clicking the submit button. Catastrophe!!!

Nothing happened; I waited and waited and realized my system or something had not been able to work with the flash even though I had made arrangements with an out-of-state friend to help me get the flash macromedia player downloaded in time to use tonight.

I have heard Jeopardy prides itself on its ability to work with and accommodate persons with disabilities. I, therefore, am wondering if there is a way to make this test more accessible. I understand that some flash applications are not very accessible with text-to-speech software. I feel certain that if Jeopardy wished to design a test that is accessible, venders such as freedomscientific.com would assist.

In Ed Timanus, you had an outstanding Jeopardy player. Might we not be able by means of an accessible test to locate more such interesting and inspiring players?

Thanking you in advance for your consideration and interest, I remain:

Sincerely,
David Faucheux
http://www.teleread.org/blind

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Just received...

From: [Sony person's address deleted]
To: triviaguy@bellsouth.net
Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2006 1:47 PM
Subject: Blind and this test

Dear David,

Your email was forwarded to me from our online test Help department.

Although we were eager to put the Jeopardy! test online in order to make the test available to as many of our viewers as possible, we were aware of the limitations of this kind of format. Because of this, we have posted a registration form at our website for anyone who either cannot or chooses not to take the online test.

First I will have to clear your original registration for the online test from our database. Please let me know what email address "user name" you registered. Once I have cleared your information, I will send you a link to the regional registration page for you to re-enter your contact information for the chance to be selected for our regional auditions.

Having been a part of the team who originally interviewed him, I can assure you that we certainly do not want to miss the chance to meet the next Eddie Timanus.

Best Regards,

Grant Loud