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Re: Dynamic chart builder/alt table

for

From: Sailesh Panchang
Date: Apr 20, 2012 12:02PM


To summarize :
graphs and charts generally should be used to reinforce data contained
in the document.
They should not be the only means of representing data
In some cases an accessible pie chart may be quite alright.
One cannot assume that a data table is accessible unless it is marked
up to be so.
Sailesh Panchang
Deque Systems

On 4/20/12, Kathy Napierala < <EMAIL REMOVED> > wrote:
> 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
> > > messages to <EMAIL REMOVED>
>
> > > >