[Accessibility_sig] Flash banner with rotating images

[Moore, Michael]

Andrew Wrote:

 

Michael, Flash doesn't support an equivalent to HTML headings (since
there is no role for headings in MSAA) but forms are quite accessible.  

 

Perhaps I should have been clearer. Flash forms can be completed using
JAWS and other screen readers.  What I cannot do is enter the flash site
containing the form, whack the "f" key and go to the first form input
like I can in an html form. At least not in the flash applications that
I have had the opportunity to test.  Additionally, when working in
"multi-page" forms, I am not informed by the screen reader that a new
page has successfully opened.  After I hit a continue, next page, or
whatever label the developer has chosen for the button I must explore
the interface to see if anything has changed.  The title of the page
containing the flash object never changes because the web page that
contains the object does not change. Not to say that all web developers
creating html forms that move through multiple pages give each page a
new title but at least the technology supports it.

 

I am not saying never use Flash. Use Flash when it provides a tangible
benefit in terms of user experience or functionality - not just because
it's "cool."

 

Most of the Flash that I am asked to test is used in training
environments.  Flash is used to create the equivalent of a PowerPoint
slide show. The training usually includes some "interactive" quizzes
that test your knowledge before you move on to the next section.  Users
cannot bookmark particular sections to use as references to return to
after the training, the quizzes are usually clumsy to use with JAWS and
the navigation is uncertain.

 

What I would rather see is an html version of the training, with Flash
added to provide meaningful animations that emphasize, or demonstrate
complex concepts.  Complementing text descriptions of those concepts.
Training sections or pages can be bookmarked for future reference, and
structural navigation can be used with screen readers. Far too often
Flash is an all or nothing proposition. The entire training course or
web site is embedded in a single Flash object, or there is no Flash at
all.

 

</rant>

 

Mike

 

 

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://knowbility.org/pipermail/accessibility_sig_knowbility.org/attachments/20080918/cea670b3/attachment.html