Google Reader which is a good example AJAX application, is a highly optimized feed reader that comes with nice keyboard support. It is full of great accessible features. Developers have modified in the code structure to bring about a widespread JavaScript framework. This framework enhances the accessibility of AJAX applications. It is referred to as AxsJAX. This is an open source project and tries to come out of the shadow of Google specific techniques. A large number of web developers have contributed in a big way to build a powerful framework. Web 2.0 applications will be greatly benefited by this framework as it improves the accessibility features of these applications through speedy prototyping.

There are some benefits of using AJAX in increasing the accessibility of websites. It has an option named auto-suggest dropdowns which helps people with physical disabilities like reading and motor impairments. The drag and drop sliders help persons with reading difficulties in a big way because of their descriptive nature.

This increased end-user interaction has led to innumerable AJAX applications. Like the coin has two sides, AJAX also suffers from some accessibility problems. People who use screen readers do not get the updated information on web pages because screen readers can not know about the modifications occurred on a web page and still persist with the same old version of the page. But till recently, visually impaired persons have been at the receiving end as far as AJAX accessibility is concerned. But with the introduction of AxsJAX, that problem is also going to be over. It motivates web world to bring the powerful features of Web 2.0 development to build more interactive programs that can be viewed in an eyes-free ambience.

AxsJAX offers the same level of interactivity to people using screen readers and self-voicing browsers as it has been for other common web surfers. It induces various accessibility improvements as recommended by W3C ARIA. But there are certain conditions that need to be satisfied to enjoy its benefits. AxsJAX needs the support of modern web browsers like Firefox 2.0 or later for W3C ARIA. The technologies that adapt well to the accessibility enhancement guidelines provided by W3C ARIA are essential for AxsJAX. This framework makes use of several standard web techniques such as bookmarklet, Greasemonkey and Fire Vox. A bookmarklet is small snippets of JavaScript that are used to make stylish bookmarks. Greasemonkey makes the task of users easy by allowing them to customize the appearance and functioning of a website through custom scripts. Similarly, Fire Vox automatically inserts AxsJAX scripts if the option to use site specific enhancements is enabled.

To improve AJAX accessibility, it is essential to let the users to know about the updates early in the page. The areas where the updates have taken place must be highlighted. Do not shift the attention to the location of changes. It may disrupt screen readers and their users. There must be an option to disable automatic updates. You must program your site in such a way that it works in the best possible manner even if JavaScript is disabled.

Tags: AJAX Leads to AxsJAX