Re: Is large print Accessibility?

Search the WAI mailing lists <http://search.w3.org/> for

Are Small Text buttons level 2 compliant

And you will find a huge, inconclusive, ongoing thread on precisely this
topic.

Note:  Having to use a screen magnifier degrades the usability of the
material enough so that it does not automatically remove the idea that the
text itself should be scalable.  As I say, there is not clear consensus on
this thread, but there is that consideration to think about.

Al

At 01:37 PM 2000-10-02 -0400, Ben Morris wrote:
>I would like to pose a question to the group...
>
>Is large print part of accessibility?
>
>
>This question is primarily geared toward using graphics as text (of course
>with alt attributes set) or fixed-size text as links.  My own understanding
>is that in either case, the links will be just fine for aural browsers and
>images turned off.  The problem will be present for 2 groups:
>
>     - Visually impaired, but not completely blind.
>     - Those who need reading glasses.
>
>The first group (it is my understanding) would have tools at thier disposal
>to have access to these images or text, such as screen magnification
>programs.  So that leaves us with those who need reading glasses, like many
>of the middle aged or seniors.  They might have the text set to the largest
>size, but this would not have any effect on images or text that is specified
>to an exact size.
>
>Now I say the following given that I do not have a full understanding of all
>users abilities and equiptment, so I pretty much expect to be somewhat
>wrong.  It seems to me that using images for text isn't much of a barrier to
>legally disabled persons.  It could be, however, for someone like my father
>who has no disabilities, but does need reading glasses.  He might have
>trouble trying to view many pages without his glasses, such as
>www.citigroup.com which uses smaller sized image-text.
>
>So I ask you all, am I forgetting any groups?  Am I wrong to assume that
>those with impaired site (not completely blind) would generally have access
>to a screen magnifier?
>
>Additionally, if this does leave out a group, are there other ways to
>accomidate them with such a site?
>
> - Ben Morris
>

Received on Monday, 2 October 2000 14:28:00 UTC