[nfbcs] Links on a Website

[Rasmussen, Lloyd]

The preliminary stuff on websites is typically across the top, down the left side of the  page, or both.  It frames the text you are looking for.  I use Window-Eyes.  If the h key doesn't work, try the "next text" key, which is n in JAWS and x in Window-Eyes.  I set my W-E up so that it looks for at least two lines of at least 9 characters.  I think that JAWS defaults to one line of at least 25 characters for its next text function.

Unfortunately, there is no substitute for becoming familiar with the quirks of a particular site you visit often.  Facebook changes their code every couple of weeks.  But if I want to go to the "latest news" or "last 300 plus" status messages of my friends, I hit 6h, since this is the first level 6 heading on the page, after a number of other headings.

Hope this helps.


Lloyd Rasmussen, Senior Project Engineer
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Library of Congress   202-707-0535
http://www.loc.gov/nls
The preceding opinions are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Library of Congress, NLS.


-----Original Message-----
From: nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Fred Wurtzel
Sent: Monday, October 25, 2010 10:26 PM
To: Rasmussen, Lloyd; 'NFB in Computer Science Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [nfbcs] Links on a Website

Hi Dave,

I am sure you are right.  I'm just hoping for some innovative person to solve this very annoying problem.  I waste a lot of time, especially on unfamiliar web sites wandering around to explore the layout and controls.
As I mentioned in my original post, this design is acceptable on the front page.  I find it redundant and cluttersome on subsequent or subsidiary pages.  

Sorry, I guess I already said most of that the first time.  It is just annoying and I like to vent!  (smile)

Warmest Regards,

Fred

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of David Andrews
Sent: Monday, October 25, 2010 9:15 PM
To: NFB in Computer Science Mailing List
Subject: Re: [nfbcs] Links on a Website

Fred:

Headings are generally seen as good practice, and an aid to navigation and we are seeing them more often.  As to eliminating the repeated stuff at tops of pages, it isn't going to happen.  Sighted people can skip over it in a glance, but it is there if they need it.  I would guess on most sites, it is pretty small, but to us everything is the same size, so it seems dominant.

We live in a sighted world, and they just aren't going to give that stuff up.  Nor should they, we just need mechanisms to level the playing field.  Headings is one, there are others, and more that needs to be invented.

Dave

At 07:10 PM 10/25/2010, you wrote:
>Hi,
>
>I have some pretty strong feelings on this.  Apparently I am in a 
>minority, since no developer that I have talked to has taken my 
>suggestions.  I am polite and friendly when I offer my suggestions, so 
>it isn't my delivery, I hope.
>
>I would like headings so I can simply pres the letter "h" and move to 
>essential content.  Second, on all subsequent pages to the front or 
>home page, omit all the clutter at the beginning altogether and simply 
>present the essential information.  If it is felt that the links are 
>needed on subsequent pages, put them at the end so the user does not 
>have to continually read them jump over them or simply leave the page 
>because of
all
>the unnecessary clutter.
>
>I hope this makes some sense.  I have been using computers and the 
>internet for 25 years and have come by my feelings through experience.  
>I feel the clutter on many pages is a deterrent to attracting and 
>keeping visitors, at least blind visitors.

                         David Andrews:  dandrews at visi.com Follow me on Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/dandrews920