Testing Frequently And Making Changes - MACROMEDIA FLASH MX 2004-USING ACTIONSCRIPT IN FLASH Use Manual

Thoroughly test component instances in your applications with a screen reader, because some
components have problems when you use them with screen readers. In particular, test how the
screen reader reads components aloud when the component is in an opened and closed state.
Notice how the reader announces components when using key press actions to open, close, and
select items in the component.

Testing frequently and making changes

It is strongly advised that you test any SWF file that is intended for use with screen readers. Test
your SWF files when each new version of Flash Player is released, including minor revisions, such
as Flash Player 7 (7.0.19.0). In addition to testing the SWF file with different Flash Players, also
test the SWF file with both Window Eyes and JAWS for Windows screen readers. These two
screen readers handle SWF files differently, so you could get different results for the user
experience.
Note: You do not have to test different browsers, because the technology used to expose SWF files
to screen readers (MSAA) is supported only by Internet Explorer on Windows.
To test your sites with a screen reader:
Open your site in a browser without a screen reader, and navigate through your site without
1.
using the mouse.
Open your site in Window Eyes, and navigate through your site, listening to how content is
2.
read in the screen reader.
Try navigating your website after turning off your monitor and using only the screen reader.
3.
Repeat step 2 and step 3 using JAWS for Windows.
4.
If you use audio narration, test your site without speakers.
5.
Test your site with several target visitors.
6.
When listening to your SWF file using a screen reader, check the following points:
•
Is the reading order correct?
•
Do you have descriptions for shortcuts in your SWF file?
•
Do you have adequate and complete descriptions for the elements in the interface?
•
Do you have adequate descriptions for navigating the site's structure?
•
Is the SWF file content read when it is updated or refreshed?
•
If you change the context of any elements on the Stage (such as a button that changes from
Play to Pause), is that change announced by the screen reader?
There is no official tool available for validating SWF files, unlike HTML validation. However,
some third-party tools exist to help you validate the file. For more information on these
extensions, see www.macromedia.com/software/flash/extensions.
Guidelines for accessibility in Flash 135