Authors:
Xabier Valencia
1
;
Myriam Arrue
1
;
Halena Rojas-Valduciel
2
and
Lourdes Moreno
2
Affiliations:
1
University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Spain
;
2
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Spain
Keyword(s):
Accessibility, User Testing, Expert Review, XUL, Mozilla Firefox Browser, Screen Reader.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Accessibility Issues and Technology
;
Web Information Systems and Technologies
;
Web Interfaces and Applications
Abstract:
Web applications based on XUL technology have reached great development. This technology enables
developers to easily create extensions and add-ons of Mozilla Firefox browser. It is essential to keep in
mind accessibility in the development of such applications in order to not discriminate user groups. In this
sense, standards and good practices have to be considered. Furthermore, User-Centred Design and Inclusive
Design approaches should be followed as they involve users with disabilities in the development process.
This paper presents an analysis of XUL accessibility guidelines created by Mozilla Foundation. An
accessible XUL application has been designed and developed based on the guidelines. User testing has been
conducted by two blind users revealing several important accessibility barriers. In addition, an expert review
process was carried on by a blind accessibility consultant. They all used JAWS screen reader. The results
obtained show that the existing guidelines conformance
is not enough for ensuring accessibility of the
application. There are other factors dependent on assistive technologies and user agent that have to be
considered in the development of accessible XUL applications.
(More)