WebAIM - Web Accessibility In Mind

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RE: flash - alternatives

for

From: Paul Bohman
Date: Sep 3, 2002 7:54AM

You should put the alternative information first. People using the
keyboard (which includes most people who use screen readers and some
with certain kinds of mobility impairments) can get stuck in Flash
objects and never reach the alternative info if it comes after the Flash
object. To test this out yourself, go to a page with Flash embedded,
then use your tab key to navigate through the page. If the Flash object
has navigational elements, Flash will trap the keyboard focus, making it
impossible to access other parts of the page.

It's true that there are workarounds that Flash authors can employ, but
they are not perfect. It's just best to put the alternative info first.

Paul Bohman
Technology Coordinator
WebAIM (Web Accessibility in Mind)
www.webaim.org
Center for Persons with Disabilities
www.cpd.usu.edu
Utah State University
www.usu.edu