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Re: Dynamic chart builder/alt table

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From: Kathy Napierala
Date: Apr 20, 2012 11:44AM

Thanks Sarah - the dynamic report builder doesn't differentiate between which data sets will display in which formats - it makes any set requested by the users available in several formats, one being a pie chart and one being a table. It is up to the individual user to select the format he or she wants, and if one isn't to their liking they can choose another.

Kathy Napierala | Manager
Instructional Media Center | JBS International Inc.
* 5515 Security Lane * Suite 800 * North Bethesda, Maryland * 20852 *
T: 240.645.4185 (direct)
T: 301.495.1080 (main)
E: <EMAIL REMOVED>


-----Original Message-----
From: Bourne, Sarah (ITD) [mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ]
Sent: Friday, April 20, 2012 12:05 PM
To: WebAIM Discussion List
Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Dynamic chart builder/alt table

Skirting your actual question, I would argue that a pie chart with 12 variables is unlikely to be usable by anybody.

For a long read about why this is so, see, "Getting Past the Pie Chart," by Veronique Greenwood at http://seedmagazine.com/content/article/getting_past_the_pie_chart/ :
"Above all, we should remember that throwing data into a chart is not always the route to greater understanding. Says Spence: 'There is a place for tables in the world.'"

sb

Sarah E. Bourne
Director of Assistive Technology &
Mass.Gov Chief Technology Strategist
Information Technology Division
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
1 Ashburton Pl. rm 1601 Boston MA 02108
617-626-4502
<EMAIL REMOVED>
http://www.mass.gov/itd

-----Original Message-----
From: <EMAIL REMOVED> [mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ] On Behalf Of Kathy Napierala
Sent: Friday, April 20, 2012 11:54 AM
To: <EMAIL REMOVED>
Subject: [WebAIM] Dynamic chart builder/alt table

Hi everyone,

My organization is building a dynamic report builder, where the user chooses a data set and variables. The report generator then creates bar charts, pie charts, and tables showing the information.

We are trying to create a 508 compliant color scheme (contrast) for the pie charts. However, with over a dozen possible pie wedges, this isn't feasible. My question: since the same data is available as an accessible table, are we providing reasonable accessibility for those with color perception or vision impairments? I believe the table alternative meets the letter of the law, do they also meet the spirit?

Your input is appreciated!
KN