Heidsite > Writing > Macromedia Announces Flash Accessibility Initiative

Macromedia Announces Flash Accessibility Initiative

October 25, 2000

Today, Macromedia announced a new accessibility initiative that includes Flash. (I first wrote about the need for Flash accessibility on this site last month.)

The new initiative encompasses extensions for Dreamweaver and Fireworks that are available now. As for Flash, here's what Macromedia says in the press release issued today:

"Macromedia also announced plans for a Macromedia Flash Accessibility Developer Kit and future enhancements to the Macromedia Flash Player, expected by the end of the year. The Macromedia Flash Accessibility Developer Kit will contain guidelines, Smart Clips, and sample code to fully support development efforts. An upcoming version of the Macromedia Flash Player will be modified to allow access to underlying data within a Macromedia Flash (SWF) file, permitting the text within to be interpreted by assistive devices. Further, developers can choose to expose their Macromedia Flash content, making properties such as scale and visibility controllable by end users."

This looks like a great first step. No, this stuff isn't available today, and no, it won't address all the accessibility issues in Flash. But it's good to see Macromedia responding to developer demands and recognizing the importance of making Flash inclusive.

Heidsite > Writing > Macromedia Announces Flash Accessibility Initiative

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