Do the pages work?, do they display correctly?.
The w3c standard is not for everyone, especially the strict standard, If you did that on most peoples web sites you would find that they will not match this level of conformity.
TiG
-- Hexus Meets Rock! --
The site is built in CSS and is as accessible as I can make it given the current constraints. I am currently rewriting the backend of the system as there is a lot of hardcoded HTML in the news and reviews applications from before my time on HEXUS which is not compliant or accessible.
So, the answer to your question is no, I am not worried, as I am well aware of the validators and accessibility standards. That being said, just because something doesn't pass the W3C validators with flying colours doesn't mean it isn't a well coded site as some of their rules and guidelines are overly strict. In addition, since some of our advertisers use Flash movies so we will never receive complete compliance as Flash movies don't meet any standards and there's nothing I can do about that.
The links at the bottom are to make it easy for me to perform validation checks on pages. If it bothers people I can easily remove them and use the Firefox extensions.
CYNTHIA is a *****. their page is valid. But look at it... its boring.
I remember trying their own page in the past and IT failed one of the tests itself. They seem to have fixed it now...
yeah but try running a screen reader across a page that does not complie !
am looking at training to be a auditor for the disabled access rights.
also i have a m8 that is part blind and relies on screen readers and speech software and the number of sites that failed to work with it is some wat discusting.
this is wat promted me to lrun hexus threw it![]()
A problem I found with adhering strictly to W3C standards is that often the page won't look right in all the browsers (strict HTML4 or XHTML). HTML 4 Transitional is usually OK though.
Apex, the problem is most web developers won't have screen readers to test their site. Additionally the extra cost probably wouldn't be worth it considering the small amount of people who do use them. Nothing personal, but its the sad truthOne day in the future people will hopefully cater for all audiences (not just web sites either, but normal programs, vehicles, etc.).
Apex... is giving a text only alternative for the website useful for screen readers ? And... is there an option variable returned from the browser that can tell developers that a screen reader is being used ?
Do arabic ones work right <- left and thus make english sites amusing.. tee-hee. just a thought. and since you are training to use these things I was interested in hearing a solution.
oh yeah.. the topic. php rulez !
The HEXUS navigation menu is created using CSS and unordered lists which means it degrades nicely for screen readers. There are some issues still there with the site and screen readers but I have access to a copy of JAWS (and a blind person) so I do have some testing with screen readers to provide a usable solution for visually impaired visitors to the site. Given the scope of HEXUS it probably won't be perfect but I'm fully aware of the issues and am trying my best to ensure a consistent experience for as many user groups as possible. There is a complete rebuild of HEXUS nearing completion which is even more accessible so don't base all my comments on the current site
I'll take on any feedback although I may not be able to implement everything
It's good to see that someone else is looking at the Impaired accessibility thing... We've been fighting with it for ages now. Trying to build in AA standard for the rebranding in september.
Text only is not a get out clause for sites that can't be bothered to cater for Impaired people, graphical sites should have at least the basic accessibility in place, the other issue is that text only sites always get out of date quickly (we've got round it using our CMS system).
A good way of tesing sites without screen readers is to ONLY use the tab key (how many forms will you get stuck in?!)
Hexus won't get sued then! (P.S Jaws is Scary!)
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