Understanding Accessibility

Guideline 13. Provide clear navigation mechanisms.

Checkpoint 13.7 - If search functions are provided, enable different types of searches for different skill levels and preferences

Some individuals may not be able to use a search box effectively due to spelling or other cognitive difficulties. Different type of searches such as drop-down menus or a series of logically organised links should be provided to facilitate these individuals.

How do I do it?

If you are not implementing search facilities on your pages, then you do not need to worry about this check. If you do have search facilities, then you must also have alternative search methods, such as a logically organised set of links, or a drop down menu. To insert a jump menu in Dreamweaver (a menu which links to pages) simply click on 'Insert > Form Objects > Jump Menu', and select the 'Insert Go Button' checkbox. The code for this is

html

<form name="form1">
<select name="menu1" onChange="MM_jumpMenu('parent',this,0)">
<option value="index.htm" selected>index</option>
<option value="contact.htm">contact</option>
<option value="about.htm">about</option>
</select>
<input type="button" name="Button1" value="Go" onClick="MM_jumpMenuGo('menu1','parent',0)">
</form>

Xhtml

<form name="form1">
<select name="menu1" onChange="MM_jumpMenu('parent',this,0)">
<option value="index.htm" selected>index</option>
<option value="contact.htm">contact</option>
<option value="about.htm">about</option>
</select>
<input type="button" name="Button1" value="Go" onClick="MM_jumpMenuGo('menu1','parent',0)" />
</form>

How do I check that it meets the WCAG criteria?

Where search boxes are available, pages will also be checked for the existence of another type of search. Pages which have no alternative search method will be deemed to have failed the check.

Related Links:

guideline 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14