RIA Accessibility

A well-known issue with RIAs or Rich Internet Applications is that of accessibility. Given that most RIAs are created using AJAX or JSON and hence, JavaScript, it impacts the degree to which such applications can be universally accessed across the board by as many people as possible. Issues with JavaScripting and people using assistive technologies is not new; however, the increased usage of and reliance on JavaScripting in RIAs for improved interactivity and functionality has re-ignited this discussion.

Accessibility guidelines allow for the use of JavaScript; however, users dependant on screen readers, for instance, that don't support JavaScript, are unable to benefit from dynamic content changes afforded by RIAs. The more accessible alternative would be a non-JavaScript enabled version of an RIA which is really a contradiction in terms given that the richness is being afforded by JavaScripting. At a minimum, though, messaging surrounding the type of application and technology requirements of the RIA should be provided such that users are informed and can take necessary action such as enabling JavaScript on their browser. Such messaging can manifest itself by way of a statement on the initial page of the RIA and/or the use of the <noscript> tag in the html code for those non-JavaScript enabled browsers. This way such users can opt to turn JavaScript on.