Dynamic HTML (DHTML) is typically a combination of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), HTML, and JavaScript. DHTML allows developers to display, hide, or move information based upon input from the user or pre-programmed commands. Most drop-down or fly-out menu systems found on Web pages also use DHTML. Because some of these DHTML elements are modified based upon mouse input, they are occasionally inaccessible to users who do not use a mouse.
An example of DHTML is an online slide show presentation. When a user clicks on the “next picture” button, a new image is loaded onto the Web page. DHTML puts the new image onto the existing Web page, without requiring the user to reload a different Web page. This “next picture” button needs to be device-independent, so that the function can be performed using the keyboard.
The following techniques are required to enhance accessibility of DHTML:
- Use only device independent event handlers when generating new content on a page.
- When creating new content or functionality on a page, ensure that the content or functionality is accessible and available to assistive technologies.
- Follow all of the guidelines for creating accessible Cascading Style Sheets and accessible JavaScript.
| Required: | Recommended: |
|---|---|
|
None recommended |
Related script techniques
- Scripts used for background processing and pop-ups
- Scripts using event handlers
- Hidden content, document.write, and scripts that modify content
- Additional techniques to enhance accessibility of essential scripts
©2001, 2008 IBM Corporation
Last updated February 28, 2008.