Re: Flash Accessibility

Hi Angela,

We (Vision Australia Foundation) did some work last year for The Learning
Federation that involved developing guidelines for Flash accessibility.
The document applied Flash accessibility theory to WCAG 1.0 checkpoints as
this was the specification requirement.  The document is now available on
their web site (http://www.thelearningfederation.edu.au/tlf/) to registered
members - a free signup.  I wrote the document based solely on Flash
accessibility theory, my basic knowledge of Flash and comments from Bob
Regan (Macromedia).

I have since been working on improving this document further by developing
my own skills and putting the theories to the test.  My work so far has
greatly improved the original document and we hope to have an advanced
version soon.  Also, I have only tested with Window-Eyes so far and need to
repeat everything with JAWS at some stage.  Macromedia and other parties
have expressed interest in developing this document, particularly with
techniques, to advance it further.

To pre-empt some responses, please be aware that this document does not
mean Flash can be made accessible.  It can only improve the accessibility
of Flash content when it is used.  Thus, it is important to consider what
the Flash movie is being used for.  I still would not use it for anything
other than applications that cannot be implemented in another accessible
technology at this point in time.  In general, this would include learning
objects, training programs and the like, that can stand alone in a browser
window.

NCAM (http://ncam.wgbh.org) also have been doing quite a bit of work on
accessible rich media, including Flash.

I hope that helps somewhat,
Sofia

____________________________
Sofia Celic
Internet Development Consultant
Vision Australia Foundation
454 Glenferrie Road
Kooyong, Victoria, 3144
Ph: 613 9864 9284
Fax: 613 9864 9210
E-mail: Sofia.Celic@visionaustralia.org.au
Web site: http://www.visionaustralia.org.au


                                                                                                                                       
                      Angela K Hilton                                                                                                  
                      <angela.hilton@u         To:      w3c-wai-ig@w3.org                                                              
                      mist.ac.uk>              cc:                                                                                     
                      Sent by:                 Subject: Flash Accessibility                                                            
                      w3c-wai-ig-reque                                                                                                 
                      st@w3.org                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                       
                      21/03/2003 03:25                                                                                                 
                      AM                                                                                                               
                      Please respond                                                                                                   
                      to angela.hilton                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                       





Hi all

I just wanted to ask if anyone knew very much about making Flash Movies
accessible.

The people I work for want Flash movies on the main site, against my advice

really.

Does anyone have much experience in making accessible flash? can it
actually
be done? does MX do what it promises to do?

Specifically - do you know if creating Access Keys, in Flash, overwrites
those
already used by users using screen readers?

are there any opinions in general about Flash + Accessibility.

Thanks
Angela
**********************
Angela K Hilton
Web & E-Learning Officer
UMIST
Tel: 0161 200 3389
**********************

Received on Thursday, 20 March 2003 23:36:54 UTC