RE: “UAAG 2.0 Conformance Applicability Notes" and the distinction between informative and normative material

Hi Eric,

I had always considered the applicability notes (http://www.w3.org/TR/UAAG20/#applicability-notes) to be normative, like the WCAG 2.0 Conformance requirements (http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/#conformance-reqs).

Cheers,
Jan


(MR) JAN RICHARDS
PROJECT MANAGER
INCLUSIVE DESIGN RESEARCH CENTRE (IDRC)
OCAD UNIVERSITY

T 416 977 6000 x3957
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________________________________
From: Hansen, Eric G [ehansen@ETS.ORG]
Sent: December-17-14 5:32 PM
To: w3c-wai-ua@w3.org
Subject: “UAAG 2.0 Conformance Applicability Notes" and the distinction between informative and normative material

In our last meeting indicated that I would suggest language that might be used to make clear that the “UAAG 2.0 Conformance Applicability Notes” themselves are informative rather than normative.   That section does not currently seem to make that clear.

Below is an example, of what might replace the “UAAG 2.0 Conformance Applicability Notes,” which is in the introduction to UAAG.  As you can see below, in this informative section there are abundant references to normative material.

Section: An Introduction for UAAG 2.0 Conformance:

This informative (i.e., non-normative) section highlights some key aspects of UAAG 2.0 conformance.  For more definitive guidance, consult the normative sections of the document (e.g., conformance section, glossary, and success criteria).

Targeted User Agents. Consistent with the glossary entry for “user agent,” this document is targeted at user agents (e.g., browsers, media players) that have broad (as opposed to limited data sets, such as [software M]).

Platforms and Add-ons to Fulfill Success Criteria. As described in [part of the conformance section], user agents can rely not only on their own internal facilities, but may also rely on platforms and add-ons to fulfill success criteria.

Applicability of Success Criteria. As documented in sections A, B, and C of the conformance section, some success criteria may be considered not applicable.  For example, [state an example]. Success criteria that are not applicable do not impede conformance.

Other Conformance Highlights. [This optional section could summarize other highlights but, if present, should refer to normative material elsewhere]


Eric G. Hansen
Research Scientist
Center for Validity Research, MS 10R
Educational Testing Service
Princeton, NJ 08541
609-734-5615
For more resources see:
ETS Accessibility Research <http://www.ets.org/research/topics/assessing_people_with_disabilities>
Accessibility Information & Resources<https://sharepoint.etslan.org/rd/ctrvalres/AIR/default.aspx> (ETS internal only)



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