Accessibility wording issues
Hi, I've ran into an issue with a web course I am building.
In the course I have an interactive flash video that relies on using a mouse-over, It is also keyboard accessible.
The problem I am having is the wording for the flash instructions. I was informed that I cannot use directions such as "roll your mouse" because not everyone uses a computer mouse, and cannot use "or tab " because not everyone uses a keyboard. There could be an instance that a user does not use either a keyboard or a mouse and using terms like that could be discriminatory.
How could I word the instructions so that it can be followed by everyone?
Anyone have an idea?
Thank you
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I run into this from time to time. For "click such-and-such" like a link or a button, I tend to use "hit send" or similar. Still, to "click a link" seems to have become accepted nomenclature for activating a link. But a mouse over is obviously trickier. How about something like, "use the [some identifiable object that people are supposed to hover over] to do [something]"?Jon Gibbins, dotjay.co.uk, accessibility.co.uk wiki.
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Yes, it's definitely tricky, when I have a link to click on I generally use the term select the link. An instance like I have where I'm using a flash file really gets confusing, where I cannot use terms like shapes and colours, cannot use logo, photo, image, but I can use terms like video, chart, graph which to me is kind of silly, if a video is a moving photo, why can I not say photo for compliance?
Thank you for your thoughts dotjay, your comment gave me an idea. I'm thinking what I can do is simply say "review the comments below" or something along that line. I also have a text only version of the flash file which pretty much speaks for itself.
I think I may try that and see if it passes my compliance test.
Thanks again
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This language is technical, not personal, so there seem to be no grounds for a case of discrimination.
Users of alternative peripherals still understand what a "click" is. Even if their using and interaction straw and biting, sucking or blowing instead of clicking. Or if their using eye-tracking to wink or blink.
Now, for keyboards and other discrete access mechanisms. "Tabbing" seems like uber-geek jargon, so probably best avoid that entirely. The notion of a "click" usually translates fine to keyboards, switches and so forth. (These make a mechanical noise when operated.)
For voice activation, the instruction you issue is usually "click link text" or similar. So that type of AT is fine with normal instructions, too.
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