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RE: Section 508 Question

for

From: Andrew Kirkpatrick
Date: Jan 9, 2006 6:20AM

> > Checkpoint Section 1194.22(l) states: "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."

> intentionally. I would read it as meaning that the
> information provided by the script shall be _given_ as normal
> text that is available without scripting _or_ (if that is not
> possible) _referenced_ that way, so that the user knows how
> to access it or at least knows about it.

This checkpoint doesn't set any requirements for the page to work with
scripting off, just that the content created by the script needs to be
exposed via the operating system in a way that is familiar to screen
readers or other assisitve techologies.

> It's a questionable requirement, since it forbids, for
> example, the creation of an "extra comfort" type of interface
> elements, such as a button for selecting all checkboxes in a
> set. Such a button just adds a shortcut.

This would not be prohibited. The button would need to have text that
indicates the purpose of the button, which is straightforward.

> (Well, if an author adds <noscript>(If you used
> this page with client-side scripting enabled, you would have
> a button for checking all the checkboxes.)</script>, it's
> perhaps not too disturbing, and might even be useful in rare cases.)

But not for a JAWS user, since JAWS doesn't read noscript content.

> > The question is this: if the JS provides core functionality (for
> > example a text input that fires on "OnSelect" without the
> presence of
> > a submit button), does this fail the "interface element" criteria,
> > even though there really is no means of providing "functional text"?

No, this doesn't fail in any section508 criteria. It is, however, not a
good or useable practice.

AWK

Andrew Kirkpatrick
Accessibility Engineer
Adobe Systems
<EMAIL REMOVED>