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Re: opening new browser windows?

for

From: Jared Smith
Date: Nov 6, 2003 1:28PM

I would argue with the idea that all pop-up windows are bad. There are
many cases when providing content in an external window could be both
useful and beneficial to users. I do agree that in all cases, the
user should be alerted to the fact that the link is opening in a new
window. WebAIM has made the decision with our recent redesign to open
links to content external from our site in a new browser window. We
are doing so with javascript, though the link acts normally if
javascript in turned off. You can see examples of our approach at
http://webaim.org/ The links to the Wave open in a new window.

Jared Smith
WebAIM (Web Accessibility In Mind)
Center for Persons with Disabilities
Utah State University



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On Thursday, November 06, 2003 you sent:
MB> What is the proper way to handle a link that when clicked, opens a new
MB> browser window (target=_blank)? Does it need to be addressed for
MB> accessibility and if so, why and how?

MB> I have read in the WAI about Checkpoint 10.1 "Until user agents allow users
MB> to turn off spawned windows, do not cause pop-ups or other windows to appear
MB> and do not change the current window without informing the user. [Priority
MB> 2]".

MB> Seems like this only applies to server spawned windows and not user
MB> initiated clicking?

MB> TIA,
MB> -mark


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