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RE: Accessibility issues and AJAX

for

From: Randy Pearson
Date: Nov 30, 2005 5:40PM

AWK wrote:

>> that analogy because of the issue with scripting and Section
>> 508 requirements that applications still function without
>> scripting. How would AJAX function with scripting disabled?

> What section 508 requirement is that? Scripting is OK in 508, but it
> must result in "functional text", unless you're reading things
> differently than I do.

508 includes this:

"(l) When pages utilize scripting languages to display content, or to create
interface elements, the information provided by the script shall be
identified with functional text that can be read by assistive technology."

The key phrase there IMHO is "or to create interface elements". We feel that
script-only links comprise interface elements, and there should, at minimum
be equivalent paths to the same linked pages if scripting is off. Perhaps
one can view the strict language of 508 in a limited way as to not require
this, but it feels wrong and not in the spirit of accessibility.

-- Randy