Re: Digital Web Magazine - Seven Accessibility Mistakes (Part 1)

On 1/31/06, Karl Dubost <karl@w3.org> wrote:

> -- Digital Web Magazine - Seven Accessibility Mistakes (Part 1)
> http://www.digital-web.com/articles/ 
> seven_accessibility_mistakes_part_1/
> Wed, 01 Feb 2006 01:02:03 GMT

The author advises:

> Here's a dirty little secret: A screen reader is also a tool that
> comes with own rules. Many Web developers believe myths
> about screen readers. Test one, or ask a person that is
> dependent on assistive technology how they use it and what
> they really need and want.

...this is only half-right.

Testing a screenreader will only perpetuate myths about them.  The
advice to ask real users how they use them is much better than the
idea that developers should try out screenreaders.

Developers attempting to use a screenreader is a waste of time and
will lead to mistaken impressions about what actual users need.
Screenreaders are too complex to be casually test-driven by developers
who aren't motivated to learn how to use them as their primary means
of computer access.

I only bring this up because the original post had the "test one" in a
large, highlighted pullquote.

--Kynn

Received on Wednesday, 1 February 2006 01:54:38 UTC