Discussion:
DOC organizations should require that all new or modified pages be tested prior to posting and should determine what testing procedures best meet their specific situation.
While no particular testing method or procedure guarantees full compliance with the Department Web Policy 6 or the law, the following steps are suggested:
1. Test the page with an HTML validator (e.g., W3C HTML Validation Service).
2. View the page in multiple browsers (e.g., Netscape, Internet Explorer, Opera), including one that is "text only" (e.g., Lynx).
3. Use software accessibility testing tools (e.g., WAVE, Bobby, Dreamweaver Accessibility Checker).
4. Have a visually impaired person access the page(s) using assistive technology (e.g., JAWS, Window Eyes).
5. Check the page(s) with style sheets, Java, and JavaScript disabled.
The Department of Commerce neither recommends nor endorses any of the products or services noted above. They are merely examples of some of the many available resources which may be helpful to Web developers attempting to make their Web sites fully accessible. The list above and the more comprehensive resource list are not intended to be exhaustive. Also, users should note that they should not download or install software without first clearing it with their support desk and, if appropriate, security personnel.
More Comprehensive Resource List |