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Section 508 Web Accessibility
- Applets and Plug-Ins Guidelines
§1194.22(m) When a web page
requires that an applet, plug-in, or other
application be present on the client system to interpret page
content, the page must provide a link to a plug-in or applet that
complies with §1194.21(a) through (l).
Checkpoint
Does the page require that an applet, plug-in, or other application
be present on the client system in order to render or interpret
content?
Explanation
Applets, plug-ins, and other applications are used when the web
site contains a document or some other file type that is available
for download, or when the web page contains some sort of mechanism
that cannot be activated by just the User Agent itself.
Checkpoint
For each required applet, plug-in, or other application, does the
page contain a link to a version that complies with provisions (a)
through (l)?
Explanation
Each page that requires an applet, plug-in, or other application
must contain a link to a Section 508 compliant version of the
software.
Guidelines
The link should appear at the top of the page so the users know
where they can get the plug-in before they come across a document
that needs the plug-in. This document must follow vendor guidelines
for accessibility and/or Section 508 compliance.
Additionally, there may be occasions where you will need to create
an HTML version of certain downloadable documents that cannot be
made accessible (e.g. PowerPoint presentations).
NOTE: Do not assume that documents created in MS-Word (generally
.doc and .rtf extensions) are entirely accessible. Many people
with disabilities have claimed that Word is unacceptable for their
specific needs. Also, those outside of your known user base who
have access to your site may not own Word or may use a platform
that does not support Word.
Checkpoint
Does the page contain rich media content that is not accessible by
assistive technology?
Explanation
Rich media formats allow the developer to add elaborate animation
to a page or a select section of a page (e.g. navigation).
Guidelines
Any portion of a web site's functionality that is handled by a rich
media format must be accessible by assistive technology (check the
web site of the rich media format manufacturer for accessibility
information). Otherwise, the entire page must be recreated as a
HTML version.
If a web site contains a splash page (e.g. a page that displays
some sort of animated action) before automatically redirecting the
user to the main content page, the splash page must contain a link
that will skip the splash intro and go directly to the main content
page.
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