[uf-discuss] Request for help from screen reader users from the BBC

[Michael Smethurst]

On 22/5/08 17:06, "Alasdair King" <alasdairking at gmail.com> wrote:

>>> I cant see why we cant accept the hAccessibility[2] solution and be done
>>> with it and just use a <span>, I believe most screen readers are not set
>>> up to read out loud the @title on a span by default.
>> 
>> Has anyone tested this in various screen readers?  If not, on what basis
>> would we accept it?
> 
>> From the BBC page linked:
> "We've looked at quite a few screen readers out of the box and by
> default they don't expand abbreviation elements so the user still
> hears 19:30 not 2008-05-15T19:30:00+01:00."
> 
> I infer that they've tested the screenreaders, they're just worried
> there are lots of blind people who have turned on ABBR, and the BBC is
> a big, sensitive target. I know blind people are more annoyed about
> the lack of audio descriptions in iPlayer, but there'll be some
> uber-geek screenreader user in a well-off advocacy group who'll
> complain.
> 
> People who have problems will be the subset of users who (use a
> screenreader) AND (have a screenreader that supports ABBR) AND (have
> turned on abbreviation elements) AND (come across hCalendar ABBR
> elements) AND (find this one thing the biggest headache in using the
> site.) Why not just offer to buy both those people a beer to make up?
> 
> I'll mail my screenreader-using friends and ask them to respond anyway.

Worth pointing out that we're also worried that the abbreviation design
pattern will rule out future non-microformat use of abbreviations for
screenreader users. We're talking to screenreader manufacturers about their
plans

And we're also concerned about the effects of wacky tool-tips on those with
cognitive disabilities.

Anyway, all evidence is good so thanks


http://www.bbc.co.uk/
This e-mail (and any attachments) is confidential and may contain personal views which are not the views of the BBC unless specifically stated.
If you have received it in error, please delete it from your system.
Do not use, copy or disclose the information in any way nor act in reliance on it and notify the sender immediately.
Please note that the BBC monitors e-mails sent or received.
Further communication will signify your consent to this.