(l) When pages utilize scripting languages to display content, or to
create interface elements, the information provided by the script shall
be identified with functional text that can be read by assistive
technology.
Blackboard software uses only minimal dynamic scripting for content
presentation. It does use script to conditionally write some content to
a page. Content rendered in this manner is written to the screen
before the page loads, and can’t be distinguished from standard
content. In addition, Blackboard uses pop-up alert boxes to inform the
user of special conditions (such as missing information in a form being
submitted). Neither of these uses violates Section 508.
(m) When a web page requires that an applet, plug-in or other
application be present on the client system to interpret page content,
the page must provide a link to a plug-in or applet that complies with
§1194.21(a) through (l).
Blackboard supports many plug-ins as embedded content in
Blackboard pages, or as automatically launched files. However, it is
necessary for the plug-ins to be installed on users’ computers in order
for them to view the materials. Blackboard provides Description fields
to allow course builders to link to the appropriate plug-in. (For
example, “This document requires the Adobe Acrobat plugin, which
can be downloaded at
http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/main.html.”)
The chat tool that Blackboard currently licenses with the platform,
Virtual Classroom, does not meet guideline (m). We are working with
our accessibility partners in WebAIM and SALT to add an accessible
chat tool to the Blackboard platform soon after the 5.5 release. Until
that time, accessible transcripts of chats are available in the Virtual
Classroom area of each course or organization. In the meantime,
instructors should work with individual disabled students to find
appropriate workarounds. Blackboard will publish documentation on
how best to use the Virtual Classroom tool with assistive technology,
which should be a valuable instructor resource. For additional
information on accessible chat, contact Reidy Brown, Blackboard
Accessibility Coordinator, at rbrown@blackboard.com or 202-463-
4860 x236.
(n) When electronic forms are designed to be completed on-line, the
form shall allow people using assistive technology to access the
information, field elements, and functionality required for completion
and submission of the form, including all directions and cues.
The Blackboard Course Management System uses forms to help
course builders upload course content. We have made these forms
accessible in the following ways:
● Form labels are placed adjacent to the form input elements they
reference. In general, text labels immediately precede text input
boxes, follow radio button options, and are directly above text
area inputs. This allows screen reader users to appropriately
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