Project summary

Web-based interface for entry of data has become very common in recent years. The browser is used to send application forms, fill out tax returns, book tickets, publish on the internet and intranet etc. A web-based interface is also used to a great extent in administrative software for archive and accounting systems. This trend may be advantageous for people using computer assistive devices in that it for example allows visually impaired users to use similar navigation techniques in very varied applications.

Accessible input controls remain however a significant challenge.
Web forms can be made accessible, but at present there is still a lack of usable solutions for input in rich applications. The production of structured documents is probably the most important challenge. While traditional word processors offer the user alternatives techniques (toolbars, menus, buttons, keyboard shortcuts, the application menu, task pane, etc.), the same flexibility is mssing from web-based applications. Those who are prevented from using the mouse must therefore use an interface that, at best, is extremely inefficient, and at worst, these systems are completely unusable with screen readers, screen magnifiers or other computer aids. This challenge is becoming ever more present, also in systems where people are both producer and consumer (procument): wiki, blogs, discussion forums, etc.

The goal of the project is to create an accessible demonstrator for web-based publishing of structured and universally designed content. By following international guidelines (ATAG), we want to achieve accessibility for everyone. The project's primary target group is severely visually impaired users. A key project result will be a pilot, accessible for publishing structured text, which will be released as open source. This will ensure that the code can be used by others in their own publishing systems, and allow for adaptation of the code for other user groups.

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