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Re: web access keys

for

From: Thomas Jedenfelt
Date: Aug 17, 2005 1:40AM

Good day John (and hello to everyone else),

8 of the 21 Web sites listed below use Access Keys.

I don't know if it was a Deliberate decision by the 13 Web sites to not use Access Keys.

Also, I don't know if the Web sites made their decision of using, or not using Access Keys either by (or a combination of):

1) user Testing,
2) common Practice,
3) following Guidelines.

(WAI have decided not to use Access Keys.
http://www.w3.org/WAI/sitehelp.html)

Personally, I find Access Keys very convenient. I just wish the Web masters would display the Access Key next to (adjacent) the links. Doing so would also spread Awareness to the public.

Also, Access Keys would be a good way to prevent mouse arm fatigue and RSI (repetitive strain injuries). I have a feeling that this is a more common and a greater concern than that some people having (some?) difficulty finding/accessing links. User surveys will show us the answer.

The intended audience for the Web site is, of course, also a factor to take into consideration.

Why not check with yourself: How would your use of a mouse affect your health for, say, the next 30 years? How big a share would Web Access Keys account for?

A note: The Firefox browser has a function that allows the user to type the first letters of a link (or a word) to focus on it.

(I don't have any disabilities, and I use the Firefox on Windows XP.)

Regards,
Thomas Jedenfelt

*

Below 8 Web Sites Use Access Keys:

Accessify.com
http://www.accessify.com/

AFB, American Foundation for the Blind
http://www.afb.org/

Dive Into Accessibility
http://diveintoaccessibility.org/

Cabinet Office
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk

GAWDS, Guild of Accessible Web Designers
http://www.gawds.org/

NCBI, National Council for the Blind
http://www.ncbi.ie/

University of Salford
http://www.salford.ac.uk/

Vision Australia Foundation
http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/

*

Below 13 Web Sites Don't Use Access Keys:

ALA, A List Apart
http://www.alistapart.com

CAST, Center for Applied Special Technology
http://www.cast.org/

IBM Accessibility Center
http://www-306.ibm.com/able/

ICDRI, International Center for Disability Resources on the Internet
http://www.icdri.org/

Jim Thatcher.com
http://www.jimthatcher.com/

NFB, National Federation of the Blind
http://www.nfb.org/

RNIB, Royal National Institute of the Blind
http://www.rnib.org.uk/

Section 508.gov
http://www.section508.gov/

Soaring Eagle Communications
http://www.webaccessibility.biz/

WebAIM
http://www.webaim.org/

WAI, Web Accessibility Initiative
http://www.afb.org/

WaSP, The Web Standards Project
http://www.webstandards.org/

WATS.ca, Web Accessibility Testing and Services
http://www.wats.ca/


----- Original Message -----
From: "johnorourke1951"
Date: Sat, 13 Aug 2005

>
> Good Day List Members:
>
> I'd be interested in various opinions relating to the following
> subject. Does anyone have thoughts or perspectives concerning the
> implementation of web access keys? I'm considering suggesting web
> access keys for a site I'm consulting with:
> http://www.clickandpledge.com. This site is for associations,
> alumni groups, political candidates (ETC) to accept donations and
> pledges. I'm consulting on the implementation on the site
> accessibility. Any opinions, pro or con will be most welcome.
> Thank you.
>
> John O'Rourke


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