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Re: javascript

for

From: Reidy Brown
Date: Aug 27, 2001 3:59PM

Leo,
I ran my Javascript explanation past Doug Wakefield (Accessibility
Specialist at the Access Board, which authored these standards), to make
sure I wasn't misrepresenting 508-- here it is:
"The assumption is that the user will have a reasonably current
browser/assistive technology combination, such as IE 5 and Jaws for Windows
3.7, specifically, one that supports javascript. [This is the biggest
philosophical difference between 508 and WAI.]
In this case, you're assuming that behind-the-scenes Javascript (such as
validation) will work properly. If so, you need only to make sure that
"visual" content is available to all users. For example, a form that
validates for an email address could pop up an alert box saying "Please
enter an email address." Jaws 3.7 can read alert boxes, so this is
acceptable."
I hope this helps clarify the issue.
Reidy Brown
------------------------------------------- Reidy Brown Accessibility Coordinator/Sr. Software Engineer Blackboard, Inc. (202) 463-4860 x236 -------------------------------------------
Blackboard 5.5 Fully Implements Section 508 Accessibility Standards! Learn more:
http://products.blackboard.com/cp/bb5/access/index.cgi
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