Re: Call for Review: HTML5 Image Description Extension (longdesc) Last Call

I’m satisfied with this resolution.

On Dec 11, 2013, at 2:15 AM, Charles McCathie Nevile <chaals@yandex-team.ru> wrote:

> James, Matt,
> 
> Thank you for your feedback. I apologise for the length of time it has taken to provide a formal response, but here it is.
> 
> We agree that it would be inappropriate to rely solely on longdesc where standards exist to support accessibility more directly, instead of e.g. providing a MathML version of mathematical content, or using the native accessibility features of SVG. However, even in these cases many users of current-generation technologies which don't support those standards well can benefit from the discoverability and access provided by longdesc.
> 
> We disagree that an "ordinary" link provides the same discoverability as longdesc in the general case.
> 
> We have added the following text to the section on Authoring requirements to further clarify when longdesc is appropriate:
> 
> Suggested Spec Addition:
> 
> "Authors SHOULD NOT rely solely on longdesc where standards exist to provide direct, structured access. Note: (informative) For example a MathML version of mathematical content, or an SVG image that uses the accessibility features of SVG, can provide better accessibility to users with appropriate technology. In such cases, it is appropriate to use longdesc as a fallback strategy, in combination with more modern techniques."
> 
> Please let us know if you are satisfied with this resolution, or would like to maintain a formal objection.
> 
> cheers
> 
> chaals
> TF co-coordinator
> 
> On Tue, 16 Jul 2013 22:19:40 +0400, Matthew Turvey <mcturvey@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> On 16 July 2013 18:40, James Craig <jcraig@apple.com> wrote:
>>> I have an additional suggestion that I believe would help the acceptance of this document within the general working group. Add an informative section detailing several of the many cases where it is inappropriate to use @longdesc. For example…
>>> 
>>> 1. @longdesc is inappropriate when an EPUB footnote is sufficient.
>>> 2. @longdesc is inappropriate for Math. Use MathML instead.
>>> 3. @longdesc is inappropriate for SVG graphics. Make the SVG DOM accessible instead.
>>> 4. @longdesc is inappropriate for graphics of tabular data. Use an accessible table instead.
>>> 
>>> More examples at http://cookiecrook.com/longdesc/
>>> 
>>> These should probably be added to the WCAG 2.0 Techniques documents as well.
>> 
>> I'd also add:
>> 
>> 5. @longdesc is inappropriate when a normal link is sufficient. Example:
>> 
>> <a href="descrip"><img src="pic" alt="*the purpose of the link*"></a>
>> 
>> -Matt
>> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Charles McCathie Nevile - Consultant (web standards) CTO Office, Yandex
>      chaals@yandex-team.ru         Find more at http://yandex.com
>

Received on Monday, 16 December 2013 23:58:39 UTC