If the JavaScript is behind the scenes, used for includes
and the like, it should not be a problem for screen readers and other assistive
technologies. Here are some basic accessibility guidelines for scripts and
automatic functions.
Scripts
Web page authors have a responsibility to
provide script information in a fashion that can be read by assistive
technology. screen readers will often read the content of a script as a
meaningless jumble of numbers and letters, when functional text that conveys an
accurate description as to what is being displayed by the script is not
included.
Example:
If the function of a script is to fill the contents
of an HTML form with basic default values, the text inserted into the form by
the script should be accessible to a screen reader. In contrast, if a
script is used to display menu choices when the user moves the pointer over an
icon (pop-up menus), functional text for each menu choice cannot be specified
and a redundant text link must be provided for each menu item.
Automated
Functions
Roll-over Controls (onmouseover)
Roll-over controls that move
the user from the current location can make navigation difficult or impossible
for visitors using a screen reader, those who have trouble controlling a mouse
and those whose equipment does not support a mouse or similar pointing
device. Avoid the use of roll-overs in a drop-down list. Instead,
use a separate button to initiate a drop-down menu selection. If a
seperate activation control does not fit with the page layout/design, be
consistent in the functionality of such controls across the site.
Roll-overs
that change the appearance of a control or cause additional information to be
displayed do not cause a problem for screen reader users and may provide useful
feedback for users with learning disabilities or mobility impairments.
However, screen reader users will not be able to access pop-up information or
menus. Be sure to include the text of pop-up information in the ALT tag
for the graphic and provide redundant links for pop-up menu items.
Screen
Refresh
Automatic refreshing of a page may prevent access to the information
for users of screen readers, screen magnification applications and individuals
with learning or cognitive impairments. A method for disabling the
automatic refreshing of a page or site must be provided.
Timed
Responses
When a timed response is required, the user must be alerted and
given an opportunity to indicate that more time is necessary.
Philip M Kragnes, M.S.
Adaptive technology specialist
University of
Minnesota
McNamara Alumni Center
200 Oak Street SE, Suite
180
Minneapolis, MN 55455-2002
P: 612-626-0365
F: 623-626-9654
http://cap.umn.edu
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 10:18
AM
Subject: [CSS-DEV] Screen readers and
java script
Hey all, accessibility question...
Do screen readers
handle java script well? I'm thinking like simple java script includes,
or feed parsers. My recollection might be that some do better than
others.
I know it's not so great for search engines, but there are some
things that I don't care much about search engines, but it needs to be
accessible.
Thanks for any input!
-Dan
--
Dan Sagisser
Media Producer and Web
Designer
College of Education and Human Development
Phone:
612-626-1325
www.cehd.umn.edu-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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