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Re: Accessible Javascript

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From: Patrick H. Lauke
Date: Sep 20, 2004 1:50PM

morrison.ben wrote:

> i'm interested in the fact that (some) Screen readers can use
> javascript - how could I then test to see wether it was accessible?

first of all: turn javascript off, then test...can you still access the
core functionality? e.g. if the javascript is used to create some sort
of navigation system, can the site still be navigated when javascript is
not available?

next: check any documentation from screen reader manufacturers. do they
give any information about which javascript functionality is seamlessly
supported by their product? e.g.
http://www.freedomscientific.com/fs_support/BulletinView.cfm?QC=565

"Q: How can I expect JAWS to handle JavaScript on my Web page?

A: JAWS will work correctly with JavaScript if:

* The scripts are activated by clicking a link or clickable item and the
script dynamically updates the HTML source.
* The scripts do not update the page without user intervention."

although there are other cases not covered by this (e.g. scripts
attached to onload behaviour that manipulate the DOM at page load time)

other than that, short of testing it in different screenreader/browser
configurations, the best would be to ask on lists such as this one, i
think...

Patrick H. Lauke
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