Category: podcast

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podcast testing toolbar web

Podcast #32: Testing for Web Accessibility

All about testing for web accessibility — the tools, methods, hows and whys.
Download Episode 32 (Testing for Web Accessibility)
[Transcript for Web Axe 32]

News

General

  • (Generally) Follow guidelines by WCAG, WebAIM, Accessify, this podcast
  • Follow any guidelines required by law (ADA, Section 508, DDA [UK])
  • Ensure multimedia and PDF are accessible
  • Use web standards
  • What CANNOT be tested by most automated tools:
    • Color contrast
    • Simple language
    • Tab order (tabindex) [tabindex no longer recommended]

Methods

  • Automated tools
  • Review site with keyboard only
  • Review site with screenreader, if available
  • Have impaired users test your site
  • Headings used appropriately

Tools

Cynthia Says
  • by HiSoftware
  • Returns long table, listed by checkpoint, if web page passed that checkpoint or not
  • Select WCAG levels or Section 508
  • Included in Firefox Developer Toolbar
A-Prompt
  • Adaptive Technology Resource Centre, University of Toronto
  • Computer application–Windows only
  • Performs automatic repairs
  • Select WCAG levels or Section 508
Watchfire WebXACT
  • Used to be known as Bobby
  • Besides accessibility checks, it gives:
    • Page download size
    • Metadata summary
    • Broken links
    • Browser compatibility
Firefox Web Developer Toolbar
  • turn on/off CSS
  • validate XHTML and CSS
  • disable javascript
  • hide images, display alt tags
  • resize browser
  • edit CSS
  • much, much more!
Accessibility Toolbar
  • IE only
  • validate XHTML and CSS
  • resize browser
  • toggle javascript, images/alt
  • heading structure
WAVE from WebAIM
Lynx viewer
  • by Yellowpipe Internet Services
  • Just enter URL and give your Lynx text-only rendering
  • Also can download and install Lynx application
Opera
  • “User Mode” with text browser emulator and more
  • Easily turn off images
  • Screen sizing
Firefox Speech Browser Extensions
Mobile Web Emulators
Categories
alt attribute podcast seo title web

The Title Attribute

Dennis and Ross discuss the powerful “title” attribute including how it works, the benefits to accessibility, title vs. alt, SEO, and other cool uses.

Download Web Axe Episode 30 (The Title Attribute)

[Transcript of Web Axe 30]

Links:

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podcast web

Access Keys

Dennis and Ross discuss the access key attribute and how it benefits the user.

Download Web Axe Episode 28 (Access Keys)

Links:

Sample code:

Categories
expert interview podcast webaim

Interview with Jared Smith of WebAIM

Jared Smith of WebAIMInterview with Jared Smith, Associate Director of WebAIM, a highly recognized organization which promotes web accessibility. Dennis and Ross have a great conversation with Jared, who’s a very knowledgable and vital member of the excellent web accessibility organization.

Download Web Axe Episode 27 (Interview with Jared Smith of WebAIM)

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lists menu podcast web

Lists and Accessibility — How and Why?

Lists are a perfect example of good semantic code for accessibility. Dennis and guest host Ross Johnson from 3point7designs talk about the types of lists, the benefits of using them, and the ways they can be used. Also listen for a couple announcements about future shows.

Download Web Axe Episode 26 (Lists and Accessibility — How and Why?)

[Transcript of Web Axe 26]

Here’s sample code for a horizonal menu using list items:

#menu {
width: 100%;
background: #eee;
color: inherit;
padding-top:0;
border: 1px solid #666;
overflow: hidden;
}
#menu ul {
list-style-type: none;
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
}
#menu ul li{
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
float: left;
}
#menu a {
display: block;
padding: 10px;
font-weight: bold;
text-decoration: none;
border-right: 1px solid #888;
}
#menu a:hover, #menu a:focus {
background-color:#ccc;
}