Flash became popular because it allowed for animation and sound
in web sites without huge file sizes. However, it has often been
criticised because it is inaccessible to those using screen readers
to translate the contents of web pages for speech synthesisers or
Braille displays. In response to such criticism, Macromedia
announced that it would make accessibility a feature of Flash MX,
with captioning, descriptors and text for blind and deaf users.
In addition to ethical and commercial arguments for
accessibility, there is also a legal argument. In the UK, if a web
site is inaccessible to those with disabilities, it can amount to
discrimination under the Disability Discrimination Act. Many expect
the RNIB to bring a test case against the operator of a
non-accessible UK web site.
The game, Look Louder, was developed by software company Bluewave
to coincide with the RNIB’s fundraising campaign, “Look Loud Day”
on Friday 14th June. However, the charity expressed disappointment
that the game only works for those using the latest version of the
Windoweyes screen reader, version 4.2. If other screen readers are
used, the Flash MX files will not be accessible to the user.
The RNIB said that “Macromedia have assured us that that their
products will be accessible to many more screen readers very soon.”
It added, however, that it is for individual web designers to
ensure that the sites they design are usable by people with
disabilities.
The game takes the form of a screen-based cartoon character that
can be dressed in a choice of “loud” clothing. People using the
application have the option to send their creation on to friends
and colleagues, encouraging them to visit the site and put together
their own badly dressed characters. The site then takes users
through to a donation page.
Dean Russell of Bluewave said: "When most people think of
accessibility they think of plain text on cream backgrounds, this
does not have to be the case."
The game is at: http://lookloud.bluewave.com
