Sakai 2.8 Accessibility Testing Protocol Using JAWS Screen Reader

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Last updated: Sept 29, 2010Version comment
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Background

This is a manual review of the usability and accessibility of the page using the JAWS screen reader. Specific keystroke combinations using JAWS commands are shown in parentheses. There are five essential questions that we want to answer when reviewing a tool with JAWS:

  • Does the page provide the user with a clear understanding of its purpose?
  • Does the page enable the user to accomplish his/her objectives?
  • Can the user move logically and easily within the page?
  • Is the page fully functional?
  • Is content relevant, clear and concise?

These questions can be answered by using JAWS with the navigation methods frequently used by JAWS users.

Required Skills

To use this protocol and report the results effectively, requires knowledge and expertise across many areas, including:

  • Experience using and configuring the chosen web browser
  • Experience using and configuring the JAWS screen reader and strategies for overcoming barriers
  • Approaches for evaluating Web accessibility
  • Web accessibility issues, especially of the barriers facing people with disabilities
  • Accessibility Laws, Guidelines, Standards, and Best-Practice Techniques. Particularly:
    • Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 1.0 and 2.0, and Techniques
    • Section 508 § 1194.22
  • Sakai 2.8 Functionality and Operation
  • (X)HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and related Web technologies

Tools

The following tools will be used in this protocol:

  • Any of the IE 7, IE 8, or Firefox 3.5 or later Web browsers
  • JAWS 10 or later

Getting Set-up for Testing

*Please make sure the chosen Web browser is running as close to the default settings as possible and that no security settings or plug-ins are configured (such as pop-up blockers, JavaScript blockers, ad blockers, etc.) are configured such that they might interfere with using Sakai.

  • Make sure JavaScript is enabled.
  • Reset the text zoom

Accessibility Test

Make a fresh copy of the Sakai 2.8 Accessibility Test using AT Reporting Template.doc and name it something like "Resources_2.8_JAWS_Review.doc". Use it to report the results from the test protocol listed below.

Log into the desired Sakai 2.8 QA Server and find the tool you will be testing. Check and see if any walkthrough scripts have been written and content created for using the tool. If any difficulties are encountered accessing and using the tool, please email the group lead in charge of the testing (currently Brian Richwine -- brichwin@indiana.edu) - please be sure to start the subject line with "Sakai Accessibility Testing".

  1. Open JAWS
  2. Open your browser and type in the address you want to check
  3. Experience the page using JAWS:
    • Listen to page (ins + down arrow)
      • Is all the content read?
    • Listen to page title (insert + t)
      • Does it describe page content?
    • Return to top of page (Ctrl + Home)
    • Tab through links and form inputs (Tab)
      • Are they read in an order that makes sense?
    • Scan through headings (h)
      • Does the page have headings?
      • Are the heading levels read?
      • If the page does not have headings, scan through page paragraphs (p)
    • Review link text (Insert + F7)
      • Do the individual phrases make sense?
    • Review headings (Insert + F6)
      • Do the individual headings make sense?
      • Does the hierarchy of headings make sense?
  4. Review page functionality
    • Links (Tab)
      • Does each link work? (Enter)
      • Does each link phrase match the destination page title?
    • Forms (Tab)
      • Are form labels announced with input boxes or operations? (Enter)
      • Do the forms work? Can items be entered and the form be submitted?
    • Tables (t)
      • Are table captions and/or summaries read?
      • Are column and row headings read when moving between column or row cells? (Down or Up Arrows)
      • Are column and row headings read for the current cell? (Alt + Control + numeric keypad number 5)
    • Widgets
      • Is the type of widget (i.e., "drop down list") announced when it receives focus?
      • Can the widget be manipulated using the keyboard?
      • Is it clear how to use it (tab to item, arrows to move within it, space to set focus, cntrl + arrow to move it, and enter to initiate action)?
      • If it is not clear how to use the widget, is an explanation provided?
  5. Go to the next page, function, or feature of the Sakai tool and repeat the above steps until the tool has been completely exercised.
  6. Quit JAWS (insert + F4)

Save your review by attaching it to the Sakai 2.8 Accessibility Review Results page of confluence using a description such as "Resources 2.8 JAWS Review".