| Home | Site TOC | Site Search | Technology |

JAVA and JavaScript Accessibility

• JAVA is a programming language developed by Sun.
• JavaScript is a client-side scripting language for use on web pages.
• They are NOT related!

JAVA on the backend.

JAVA applications within webpages: Accessibility

Dependencies (the following conditions must be met)

• JAWS 4.5 or better installed
• Java Runtime Environment 2.0 installed (NOT Windows Virtual Machine)
• Sun's Java Access Bridge 1.1 GA installed
  • installation instructions
• Application/applet is written using Java Swing classes
  • Developer Guidelines - IBM Java Accessibility API using JFC/Swing components (2002)
• It is helpful to have the JAVA applet open in separate window

JAVA Accessibility Resources

• From Sun Microsystems
  • Sun Microsystems Accessibility Home Page
  • Accessibility and the Swing Set
  • Downloads Java Foundation Classes (JFC) Accessibility
  • What's New with Accessibility (good introduction with coding examples for accessible components)
  • How to Support Assistive Technology with Swing (excellent tutorial with working examples) - (scrolling and button examples have a focus problem, they loose it, alt tab out of applet then alt tab back in, focus is restored.)
  • Swing Examples (mostly accessible)
• About the JFC and Swing - tutorial
• Converting JAVA Applet/Programs to Swing
• IBM Java Accessibility Guidelines (checklist)
• Intro Java Accessibility

JavaScript Accessibility

Regarding JavaScript and accessibility, there are two myths:

1. Using any JavaScript at all means that your site is inaccessible.
2. It's impossible to build a modern site without JavaScript, so it's just Too Bad For Accessibility.

Neither of these myths are true. As happens so often, the truth lies in the middle (Thanks to Quirksmode.org).

Why Use Accessible JavaScript

• Google wants to follow links to find and index more content, but it can't follow "javascript:" links, because it doesn't execute Javascript code as it indexes the web.
• 508 and WCAG require that the functionality and content of scripts be accessible to assistive technologies such as screen readers. Additionally, users must be given control over time-based content changes. There are, however, differences between the two accessibility guidelines.
  • WCAG requires that content and functionality be accessible with scripting disabled and that users should be alerted if JavaScript changes the appearance or functionality of the browser window, whereas...
  • Section 508 only requires that the scripting be made accessible or that an accessible alternative is provided. That is, the scripts themselves must be natively accessible. (NOSCRIPT as a last resort, and ONLY works if JavaScript is turned off).

Accessibility Problems with JavaScript

• Event Handlers or Device independence with JavaScript: If you use...
  • onmousedown then also use onkeydown
  • onmouseup then also use onkeyup
  • onmouseover then also use onfocus
  • onmouseout then also use onblur
  • Event Handler Accessibility
  • JavaScript Accessibility Examples
• Fly-Over/Drop-Down Menus
  • main navigation item (e.g., Product, Services) link to a page that contains the sub-menu navigation items
  • National Science Foundation
• Form Validation
  • Always backup with server-side validation!
  • Wait until submission to validate.
  • Never auto-submit!
• Pop-up windows
  • Never use unrequested popups!
  • Warn user on requested popups.
  • Use real href value.
  • Verify new window.

JavaScript Accessibility Resources

• Accessible DHTML
• From James Craig at Cookiecrook.com
  • JavaScript Accessibility Guidelines
  • Event Handler Accessibility
  • JavaScript Accessibility Examples
• WebAIM Creating Accessible JavaScript
• JavaScript Accessibility from Quirksmode.org - overview of js, no script, accessibility, mobile phones. Presented with case study examples.
• Forms & JavaScript Living Together in Harmony - How-To: Mostly about good/usable javascript forms. Can apply to accessibility
• Links & JavaScript Living Together in Harmony - How-To. Link device independence.
• Accessible JavaScript - Web access centre
• Unobtrusive Javascript (aka Accessible JavaScript Tutorial)
• A List Apart: Accessible Pop-up Links
• Jim Thatcher - Section 508 Tutorial: Scripts and Applets
• IE Accessibility Toolbar

Agency Contact Information | Texas State Homepage | Texas State Wide Search

Please complete the comment form or send comments and suggestions to: Jim Allan (Webmaster-Jim Allan)

Last Revision: August 9, 2006

Author: Jim Allan, TSBVI