Is Zotero Section 508 compliant?

otismalf
I searched the documentation but could not find the answer...

Is Zotero Section 508 compliant (see www.section508.gov)? In other words does it work with screen reader software like JAWS for people with disabilities?

If so, is there VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) documentation available?

If not, are there plans to make it compliant?

Thanks,
Otis
  • otismalf
    By the lack of response I guess that's a "no". If anyone knows one way or the other, please let us know.

    om
  • sybille
    edited August 15, 2008
    Firefox 3 is accessible when run on GNOME and there have been improvements in this area when run on Windows. See the accessfirefox.org site, and in particular:
    http://www.accessfirefox.org/Firefox_3_Accessibility_Features.php

    The VPAT is here: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/vpat-3.html

    For screen reading, GNOME provides the Orca application, which works automatically with Firefox 3 as well as with other GNOME/GTK+ based applications across the platform. This seems to include Zotero. When I enable Orca, it does indicate what happens as I navigate through the different Zotero panes.

    You can find a copy of the GNOME Desktop Accessibility Guide, which has more information about Orca and the other GNOME assistive technologies, here: http://library.gnome.org/users/gnome-access-guide/
  • dstillman
    Accessibility is certainly a goal for us, though we'll need to review the current state of Section 508 compliance.

    As Sybille notes, much of Zotero is automatically accessible by virtue of being part of Firefox. For example, themes applied to Firefox (such as high-contrast themes) will apply to Zotero as well, and modified themes could be created to change any aspect of Zotero's appearance.

    Zotero itself gives you control over the default font size via the preferences (or, for greater control, via the extensions.zotero.fontSize setting in about:config). Much of the interface is accessible via the keyboard, though not all (including, most notably, the translator save icon), and this is one area in particular where we're always looking to make improvements.

    As always, we'd welcome feedback on ways we can enhance Zotero's usability and accessibility for all users.
  • sybille
    Much of the interface is accessible via the keyboard, though not all (including, most notably, the translator save icon)...
    Having a keyboard shortcut for the save icon in the location bar is really crucial, it would be great if that could be added.

    I also couldn't find a way to access the menu items at the top of the Zotero pane with the keyboard (i.e., Tag selector pane toggle and the Actions menu) with the keyboard.
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