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Re: Is source ordered content accessible?

for

From: Pollard, Larry W. (DRS)
Date: Jan 13, 2011 12:39PM

As I am reading this post, I am in the process of writing new state
standards for E-learning accessibility and using screen readers:

Tabbing from link to link is a way of skimming web content, especially
if users are trying to find a particular section of a web site.

Implication 1: Links should make sense out of context. Phrases such as
"click here," "more," "click for details," and so on are almost
completely meaningless when read out of context. At the same time, it
would be overkill to ensure that every detail about a link destination
is discernable by listening to the link context. Users would not want to
hear "Products page on which a list of all of our products are
presented, including software products and training products, with a
list of prices and availability by region (this page uses the same
navigation template as the page you are now on)." Perhaps a better
alternative would be a link that simply says "Products."

Implication 2: Place the distinguishing information of links at the
beginning of a link. Do not put extra information first, For example, do
not say "Link opens in a new window: Products." Instead, say "Products
(opens in a new window)" (or something along those lines). This is
especially important in this example if several links open in a new
window. With the explanatory information first instead of the main
information, screen reader users would have to listen to the phrase
"link opens in a new window" repeatedly. They will have a harder time
distinguishing between different links, or at least it will take them
longer.
Screen reader users sometimes obtain an alphabetically organized list of
links

Screen readers allow users to extract the links into an alphabetically
organized list, using a keyboard shortcut within their screen reader
software for that purpose. This is especially useful if they have an
idea of what letter the link they are looking for starts with.

Implication: Use link words and phrases that can be intuitively
organized in alphabetical order. For example, the phrase "contact us" is
a common one that users may want to access. If the link says "you can
contact us," or "how to contact us," or some other phrase that is less
intuitive, users may have a more difficult time finding the link.

Larry. Pollard
Accessibility Webmaster
Department of Rehabilitative Services