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RE: JAWS and online forms question

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From: Hoffman, David
Date: Feb 21, 2003 1:00PM

Lisa,

Welcome to the world of Complex HTML Forms!

I have coined the phrase "Complex HTML Forms" to describe HTML forms that
include instructions and examples, in addition to controls and questions.
The addition of instructions and examples do not present challenges for
visual users, who visually scan such information. However, screen readers
require explicit association between controls, labels, instructions and
examples. How can we provide all appropriate information, while empowering
the user to skip over any of the information at will? Is it reasonable to
expect JAWS users to enter and exit Forms Mode at every control, in a page
that is nothing more than a form? I have considered issues presented by such
complex forms, various options for handling them, and the pros and cons of
various options. I have not yet had the time to begin documenting these
concepts. (

Take care,
David