WebAim, the Utah State University accessibility project, has released their latest tutorials on technology and accessibility. The first, "Accessibility Features of Dreamweaver MX and MX 2004" covers the new additions to accessibility features built into the Dreamweaver package. Dreamweaver is a web-authoring tool used to create web pages. Dreamweaver MX and MX 2004 now allows developers to be prompted when inserting web widgets that commonly have accessibility issues, such as form objects, frames, media, and images. Dreamweaver now also can validate against common accessibility standards and give the author feedback. Previously, this functionality was limited to plug-ins, but is now a built-in feature. The Dreamweaver development environment also has improved functionality with screen-readers and other assistive technology. The tutorial includes step-by step instructions on how to create accessible content. The information will help novices, web developers and other programmers to create accessible pages using the stock Dreamweaver interface.

The second tutorial titled, "Creating Accessible Macromedia Flash Content", gives an overview of some of the functional limitations people with disabilities face when working with inaccessible Flash presentations. The tutorial explains in depth how Flash supports (or doesn't support) assistive technology, such as screen readers. Next, the tutorial details how to create text equivalent for flash content, and how they work with assistive technology. Another important how-to in the tutorial is how to create keyboard-accessible content, which is a requirement of most accessibility standards. Finally, the article gives other pointers, such as disabling or hiding non-important information (to lessen the cognitive load for users), ways to detect screen readers with Flash, notes about using sound, information about shortcut keys, and notes about the inherent inaccessibility of the product for authors to assistive technology. Any questions related to these topics can be directed to Bob Alvarez, Project Coordinator of Accessible IT Initiatives or call the Great Lakes ADA Center 800-949-4232 (V/TTY).