6 April 2007

JavaScript could pose problems to users who require assistive technology such as screen readers or those who cannot use a mouse, one analyst has claimed.

Kevin Yank, a web designer and expert author, wrote on SitePoint that some of the existing issues have led web designers to abandon accessibility concerns - although JavaScript may be simpler than they realise.

An example given by Mr Yank is that JavaScript can be useful for motor-impaired web users who rely upon a keyboard to navigate websites.

"JavaScript accessibility is an issue fraught with controversy and imperfect solutions, particularly when it comes to supporting the screen reader software that many visually impaired users rely on," he wrote.

The World Wide Web Consortium recently unveiled the Roadmap for Accessible Rich Internet Applications, which was designed to overcome the accessibility obstacles raised by JavaScript.

Future initiatives utilising the roadmap will help to address interoperability problems between rich media and assistive technology, the body claimed.

© Adfero Ltd

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