This belief is more of a problem with mindset than with any actual issues. Clark's site stands out as a challenge and as an inspiration at the same time. While these virtually text-only sites represent one end of the spectrum, I certainly wouldn't call them ugly. To push the envelope even more, Paul Bohman, technology coordinator for WebAIM, is setting out to prove that accessibility does not mean ugly. This kind of insight is important for Web designers who want to see the before and after effects.
Software can fix the accessibility problems.
When it comes to technology, the importance of human insight should not be overlooked. To prove that point, Len Kasday's essay on the human judgments needed to evaluate a Web site emphasizes that 12 of the 16 WAI requirements have some qualitative elements. For example, with regard to multimedia captioning, it's important to ensure that video descriptions are included where necessary. One good example of the importance of decision-making done by humans is determining whether an image is equally accessible with or without color as required by Section 508. Take a look at this before and after example.