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RE: Browser-based business tools

for

From: julian.rickards@ndm.gov.on.ca
Date: Jan 29, 2004 1:54PM

If the business tools are browser-based, then, whatever the tools may be,
they may be outputting HTML. However, IE can also use Active-X, and it and
other browsers can also run Java in the browser - those types of
applications are likely not accessible (correct me someone if I am wrong).
If the browser-based business tools (we use online tools for attendance,
expense recording and other types of HR and admin type functions) are
outputting HTML, then it may be possible to make them accessible.


---------------------------------------------------------
Julian Rickards
Digital Publications Distribution Coordinator
Publications Services Section
Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines
Phone: (705) 670-5608
Fax: (705) 670-5690



-----Original Message-----
From: Laura Pierce [mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ]
Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2004 9:24 AM
To: <EMAIL REMOVED>
Subject: Browser-based business tools



Hi All,



Apologies for the long email in advance but please help!?!



We have an in-house resource kit based on principles and checklists from
sources such as Jim Thatcher's teachings, WAI and some e-learning
accessibility guidelines. However, I'm currently assessing a complex, highly
interactive task-based business tool. Some of our in-house tools are
inherently complex (they often enable rather 'involved' tasks) but we would
like to achieve the best level of accessibility for moral reasons if nothing
else.



The British DDA legislation seems a little vague, and the WAI Guidelines
seem rather geared up for accessible ways of presenting web content, which
is great, but I feel like we need something more substantial.



We've asked the Disability Rights Commission for advice on whether there are
more specific guidelines they would recommend but am informed that they
won't help me because we employ over 100 people. Nor do they seem able to
refer me to resources who/which might be able to help.



Does anyone know of any guidelines that might help us identify different
accessibility issues and solutions for browser-based business applications?

The US seems to have advanced much further on accessibility than the UK - is
there anything in 508 that addresses browser-based business tools?



Many thanks for your time and any feedback is much appreciated,

LP


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