WebAIM - Web Accessibility In Mind

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Re: email issue

for

From: Info @ Karlen Communications
Date: Sep 3, 2008 11:40AM

Yes, even using the built in stationary can cause issues. Because there
isn't always good contrast between fonts and background...or even with fonts
people use for replying and forwarding, this can get visually messy and the
readability level decreases. Some days it pays to use a screen reader so I
don't have to wade through the visual clutter.

I had friends without disabilities use stationary and wallpaper and then
write to me complaining that they couldn't see text in a response to their
posts.

Outlook also has a setting to use random colours for replying to e-mail
which can also create readability and accessibility issues so should be
turned off.

Go to Mail Format > Stationary and Fonts in Outlook 2007 and make sure the
"pick new colour when replying or forwarding" is unchecked. It is also in
Outlook 2003 but I forget if the Stationary and Fonts is one button or two
so you'll have to look for it.

Cheers, Karen

-----Original Message-----
From: <EMAIL REMOVED>
[mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ] On Behalf Of Michael R. Burks
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 1:07 PM
To: <EMAIL REMOVED> ; 'WebAIM Discussion List'
Subject: Re: [WebAIM] email issue

All,

It would see to me it could create an issue if it affects contrast, or if it
inserts a "busy" background that makes it hard to read the email.

Sincerely,

Mike Burks





-----Original Message-----
From: <EMAIL REMOVED>
[mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ] On Behalf Of Donna Jones
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 1:03 PM
To: <EMAIL REMOVED>
Subject: [WebAIM] email issue

Hi everyone: about e-mail! i've just had a question from someone who
uses Outlook (Express?) and uses wallpaper in her e-mail (which also
means it would be in html). she is wondering if the wallpaper creates
any accessibility issues.

i told her it created a bigger file (wasting bandwidth) but didn't know
what to say about accessibility. and, come to think of it, i don't even
know how folks read email when there is no sight. does Jaws read
e-mail? are there other programs people use?

i directed her to the website but then realized that i should just sign
up for the list again (its been a while since i was here). I *love* lists.

thanks for any information and enlightenment.

best regards,
Donna Jones