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 -----
From: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Dan Sagisser
To: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]
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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