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RE: Use of Audio Interferes with Screenreaders?

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From: John Foliot - WATS.ca
Date: Feb 6, 2004 8:49AM

Richard,

Half right, half wrong...

I agree, having the flash file with a "start" button is the better way, not
only for the visually impaired, but as you pointed out, all users.

However, the other two suggestions you offered still exhibit the basic
problem... both the screen reader and the flash file start reading
automatically once the page has loaded. Have "hidden" text for the screen
reader which suggests that they hit "escape" or "mute" will start reading at
the same time as Mr. Flash Narration starts talking. Boom! No good...

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying don't have Flash narration... I'm all
for it if it is done properly (text alternative, alt/longdesc if so
required, etc., etc.). Where I personally take issue is with the
auto-start, and as I have outlined previously, while there is no direct
guideline or checkpoint which forbids the use of auto-start in multi-media
presentations, I believe it to be contrary to the "spirit" of universal
accessibility.

Cheers!

JF
--
John Foliot <EMAIL REMOVED>
Web Accessibility Specialist / Co-founder of WATS.ca
Web Accessibility Testing and Services
http://www.wats.ca 1.866.932.4878 (North America)