Scripts

ISSUE:

when functional text that conveys an accurate description of what is being displayed by a script is not included, screen-readers will often read the content of the script as a meaningless jumble of letters and numbers. Web page authors have a responsibility to ensure that pages are accessible for users whose browser or adaptive technology does not support scripts, applets or other programmatic objects. When it is not possible to do so, equivalent information should be provided on an alternative accessible page.

STANDARD:

• Ensure that pages are usable when scripts, applets, or other programmatic objects are not supported or have been disabled.



• Provide equivalent information and/or functionality on an alternative accessible page, when direct access cannot be achieved.

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 (e.g., Date: ). In contrast, if a script is used to display a pop-up menu when the user moves the pointer over an icon, the menu choices will not be accessible to users of some browsers and users of some adaptive technologies. In this case, accessible alternative links must be provided (e.g., See the "Web Standards", "Hardware Standards", and the "Software Standards" links in the navigation bar on this page).