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From: Moore, Michael
Date: Wed, Jun 25 2008 7:00AM
Subject: Re: Foreign: WCAG 1.0/2.0 and buttons that open a new window?
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Opening a new window using a JS Alert or similar function should not
cause any accessibility problems. This is typical application behavior.
Screen readers will announce that a dialog box will open, and even
people with cognitive disabilities should minimally affected because
this is typical behavior within forms and applications. Most
applications do this on a regular basis.

The accessibility issue is raised when a link opens in a new window
because if the user does not know that this has happened then the
typical behavior of being able to use the back button on a browser has
been disabled. Window Eyes and JAWS screen readers will announce when a
new window is opened though but it is a good idea to indicate opening in
a new window within a link.

The most severe case is the unannounced popup that is not initiated
deliberately by the user. This type of pop-up is triggered by timing,
closing windows, or through another event not related to clicking on a
link. They are primarily used as advertisements, including within adware
and should always be avoided by reputable developers. If you client
believes that they need this type of functionality on their site, ask
them if return visits to the site are important to them.

Mike

From: Steve Green
Date: Wed, Jun 25 2008 7:30AM
Subject: Re: Foreign: WCAG 1.0/2.0 and buttons that open a newwindow?
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Every time we do user testing we encounter problems when websites open new
windows. Although it affects those with disabilities most, problems occur
with all user groups.

Unfortunately we find that almost no one notices the statements that a new
window will open, whether it is included in the link text or is separate
from it. This doesn't help designers but we can only say what we find.

As Michael says, screen readers do announce that a new window is opening,
but users commonly do not notice. Screen magnifier users often do not notice
that a new window has opened because the window is larger than their
viewport even though it may not be full-screen.

Steve