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"no JavaScript" alternative

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From: mikeyb leeds
Date: Mar 13, 2011 4:24AM

Hello everyone,

I have a question regarding websites that are accessible, but parts rely on
JavaScript being enabled.

I am thinking of creating some functional parts of a website e.g a
calculators, which are accessible, but will not work without JavaScript
enabled. The stats I've found show more than 99.5% of visitors have
JavaScript enabled.

So the behaviour would be as follows:
1. If viewed with a device without JavaScript enabled, a banner would be
displayed saying something like "Please call our 24 hour help line for more
information".
2. If viewed in "accessible" or "mobile" device mode, a lean page, with
text and very few images is displayed.
3. If viewed in desktop mode with JavaScript enabled, there would be more
visual content, but the pages remain accessible.

I currently have a development choice …
Unfortunately we have a system which makes it extremely difficult to change
server side content functionality (e.g. php/jsp) as this is done by another
department but easy to change (html, css and javascript) . So we can either
spend considerable effort maintaining our "none JavaScript" versions of
things like calculators or use a lot less effort to create a site with
better accessibility, usability and features for all users with JavaScript
enabled devices using a "webservice".

For the sake of argument please consider two types of applications:

One you use weekly like a bank balance or investment portfolio, and,

One which you access very occasionally, like twice a year, e.g. insurance
details.

So given the choice, which would you prefer?

Solution "A" has a version which works when JavaScript is disabled.
Solution "B" displays a help desk number when JavaScript is disabled, but
offers better usability and accessibility, and overtime better
functionality.

P.S I know you may be thinking you'd like to do Solution "C", better
usability, accessibility and functionality even when JavaScript is
disabled... me too! unfortunately we only have a fixed amount of resources.

Can those of you who have JavaScript disabled please shout up and tell me
what your are using!


Thanks for your help.

Mike