Re: Are we there yet on 10.3 word wrapped columns of text?

    
The existence of such newer technologies is not the only issue.  The other equally important question is how many people actually own/use the newer technologies.  I would hope that access to information will not become dependent upon having the latest technologies.  Even if *all* of the most recent versions of user agents have a specific feature allowing access to specific elements of a web page, the overall principle of ensuring access to those of us who might not have the newer technologies cannot be over emphasized.  The WAI thus far has reflected this in the guidelines and I trust will continue to do so.
-Steve

  

 
>>> <pjenkins@us.ibm.com> 04/21 12:57 PM >>>


I originally sent this note to the Web Content Guidelines Working Group and
did not receive a response:

>Again, if anyone knows of a platform that does not support access to
word-wrapped columns
>- please reply.

Reference:
http://www.w3.org/TR/WAI-WEBCONTENT/wai-pageauth.html#tech-linear-tables 
10.3 Until user agents or assistive technologies render side-by-side text
correctly, provide a linear text alternative (on the current page or some
other) for all tables that lay out text in parallel, word-wrapped columns.
[Priority 2]

After attending CSUN and walking the show floor, it appeared to me that
most, if not all platforms had user agents and/or assistive technologies
that provided a linear text alternative for all tables that layed out text
in parallel, word-wrapped columns.  Please understand, I don't think we are
there yet on navigating tables, and we still need the table header markup
and checkpoints under "if you use tables".   I was just very curious if
anyone knew of a platform that did not support access to word-wrapped
columns.  By platform I mean like OS/2 has a screen reader that works well
with Lynx, and the combination provides access to word wrapped columns, DOS
as a platform has a screen reader and browser that handles word-wrapped
columns of text, and of course the Windows platform has solved the problem
and is quite competitive.  So, are we there yet?

Reference guidelines glossary
http://www.w3.org/TR/WAI-WEBCONTENT/wai-pageauth.html#until-user-agents 
"Until user agents ... In most of the checkpoints , content developers are
asked to ensure the accessibility of their pages and sites. However, there
are accessibility needs that would be more appropriately met by a user
agent or assistive technology. Unfortunately, not all user agents or
assistive technologies provide ... How will content developers know when
most user agents or assistive technologies meet specific needs? The W3C WAI
will make information about support for accessibility features available
from its Web site (either directly or by providing links to the
information). Content developers are encouraged to consult this information
regularly for pertinent updates. "

If we are there, perhaps this is a good candidate to provide information
for a "pertinent update".

Again, if anyone knows of a platform that does not support access to
word-wrapped columns - please reply.

Regards,
Phill Jenkins






------
Steven McCaffrey
Information Technology Services
NYSED
(518)-473-3453

Received on Thursday, 22 April 1999 09:56:40 UTC