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Understanding accessibility

If you are new to accessibility, review "Understanding accessibility" before completing the checklist or contacting the Human Ability and Accessibility Center for help.

IBM Java™ accessibility checklist

Use this checklist for:

Techniques pages, accessed via the link in each checkpoint, may contain more recent updates than the checklist itself. Be sure to review the techniques pages for the latest accessibility guidance.

IBM Java accessibility checklist - version 3.6
1 Keyboard access Comments
1.1 Provide keyboard equivalents for all actions.  
1.2 Do not interfere with keyboard accessibility features built into the operating system.  
2 Object information Comments
2.1 Implement the Java Accessibility API by:
- using the Java Foundation Classes (JFC) / Swing components and/or
- following the guidelines for " Building Custom Components" when extending the Java Foundation Classes and when implementing the Java Accessibility API on custom components.
 
2.2 Set the focus.   
2.3 Set the name on all components and include the description on icons and graphics. If an image is used to identify programmatic elements, the meaning of the image must be consistent throughout the application.  
2.4 Associate labels with controls, objects, and icons.  
2.5 When electronic forms are used, the form shall allow people using assistive technology to access the information, field elements and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues.  
3 Sound and multimedia Comments
3.1 Provide an option to display a visual cue for all audio alerts.   
3.2 Provide accessible alternatives to significant audio and video.   
3.3 Provide an option to adjust the volume.   
4 Display Comments
4.1 Use color as an enhancement, not as the only way to convey information or indicate an action.  
4.2 Support system settings for high contrast for all user interface controls and client area content.  
4.3 When color customization is supported, provide a variety of color selections capable of producing a range of contrast levels.  
4.4 Support system settings for size, font and color for all user interface controls.  
4.5 Provide an option to display animation in a non-animated presentation mode.   
5 Timing Comments
5.1 Provide an option to adjust timed responses or allow the instruction to persist.  
5.2 Avoid the use of blinking text, objects, or other elements.   
6 Verify accessibility Comments
6.1 Test for accessibility using available tools.  
Totals Summary of checklist Number of Yes Responses ______
Number of No Responses ______
Number of Planned Responses ______
Number of N/A Responses ______
 


©2001, 2008 IBM Corporation

Last updated February 15, 2008.

Related checklists

Use the IBM Software Accessibility Checklist for applications written in Java 1.1.x using standard AWT components, those written intended to run on only Windows platforms. The same checklist applies to applications written completely with Eclipse controls.

Resources

The "IBM Guidelines for Writing Accessible Applications Using 100% Pure Java" are available as a separate document. This is the industry's first set of 100% Pure Java application development guidelines for accessibility.


Accessible Java samples

References

Some additional references on Java accessibility.