Scripts and Applets
Scripts
When using scripts such as rollovers or other JavaScripts it's important to remember not to rely on one form of media to convey information. Using mouse rollovers or dynamic mouse visuals may help the designer have a great-looking site and help them convey their information, but it's important to have some alternative forms.
Rollovers are not completely inaccessible and may even help those with
low vision. No matter what type of script or dynamic HTML is being used
there should always be a noscript tag with equal information. When using
image maps try to use client-side image maps as well as have text links
below the image. Be cautious when creating pop up windows as they can
be very disorientating to the user. Also be aware of whether the pop
up window has a toolbar, file menu, or is resizable as all these things
can affect the ability to navigate your page. Lastly, be careful of using
JavaScript to change focus on a page as this can be disorientating as
well.
Applets
The first consideration when using Java applets is that the user of
a text-only browser will be notified that the applet appears on the page,
along with the purpose of the applet. Both of these goals can be accomplished
by following the first rule of accessibility and providing equivalent
alternatives for all non-text elements on a page. The <applet> tag
should include an explanatory alt attribute to give all
users more information about the missing content.
