WebAIM - Web Accessibility In Mind

E-mail List Archives

Re: Drop-down menus using javaScript to navigate and Accessibility Issues

for

From: julian.rickards@ndm.gov.on.ca
Date: May 31, 2004 6:42AM

> -----Original Message-----
> From: mike.brockington [mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ]
>
> While Julian's idea of the 'noscript-only' button is quite
> clever, I think that he may be missing a point. I have often
> seen it said that navigating a select box with the keyboard
> produces an onChange event every time that the user scrolls
> down a line, therefore changing the page location
> unnecessarily.

When I wrote that script, I hadn't realized that keyboard navigation might
trigger the onchange event and I agree that this may be a weakness of my
script. I am interested in hearing alternatives. Maybe onKeypress and
onClick could be used instead of onChange. What about onSelect?

However, I personally don't like the DHTML drop-down menu - there are
questions as to the usability of these types of menus by people who use
screen reader software.

Jules

---------------------------------------------------------
Julian Rickards
Digital Publications Distribution Coordinator
Publications Services Section
Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines
Phone: (705) 670-5608
Fax: (705) 670-5690


> Sent: Monday, May 31, 2004 4:39 AM
> To: WebAIM Discussion List
> Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Drop-down menus using javaScript to navigate and
> Acc essibility Issues
>
>
>
> Hi,
> My suggestion would be that you set up a DHTML drop down
> menu. With careful styling you should be able to get the
> appearance that the client wants, but since the menu would be
> made up of HREF's you would have less trouble with
> accessibility, and no need for a GO button.
>
> Mike
>
>
>
> What's new on www.edinburgh.gov.uk
> View building warrants online www.edinburgh.gov.uk/building
> Keeping people up-to-date with Council decisions and business
www.edinburgh.gov.uk/cpol
Is your garden a potential winner? www.edinburgh.gov.uk/keepedinburghgrowing

**********************************************************************
This Email and files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended
for the sole use of the individual or organisation to whom they are
addressed. If you have received this Email in error please notify the sender
immediately and delete it without using, copying, storing, forwarding or
disclosing its contents to any other person. The Council has endeavoured to
scan this Email message and attachments for computer viruses and will not be
liable for any losses incurred by the recipient.
**********************************************************************

----
To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit http://www.webaim.org/discussion/