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Re: Read only fields

for

From: Moore, Michael
Date: Oct 11, 2006 7:10AM


-----Original Message-----
From: <EMAIL REMOVED>
[mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ] On Behalf Of Patrick Lauke
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 7:05 AM
To: WebAIM Discussion List
Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Read only fields

> Lise L. Hansen wrote:

> Do you know whether it does not satisfy the standards of W3C if the
> background color of Read-only fields are being grayed out, or whether
> it is okay to do? As long as the contrast is still okay, of course.

Lise,

There are two accessibility concepts that apply in the situation that
you described. First the color and contrast issue that you mention. As
long as there is sufficient color difference and contrast that item is
satisfied. The second is that you cannot convey information by color
alone. Fortunately the browser and assistive technology behaviors take
care of that one for you. Screen Readers report the field as read only
and visual users cannot type into the field. You can increase usability
by changing the label to tell the user that it is a read only field,
which may be of benefit to some users and annoying to others, your call.

Mike