Accessibility

The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics Online website has been designed with accessibility in mind.

1. Accessibility features

  • WAI WCAG conformance: We aim for AA compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
  • Valid CSS/XHTML: We use valid XHTML markup and CSS for layout, allowing the content to be read with non-visual browsers.
  • Resizable text: We do not override the browser text size, allowing the you to control the text size with your browser's standard controls.
  • Skip navigation link: Allows you to skip to the core content of the page. This is particularly useful if you are using a text-to-speech browser. The skip navigation link is always the first link on the page.
  • ALT text on images: If you can't view images, the alternate text will be displayed or spoken instead.
  • Equations available as MathML or images: See mathematical equations help and below for more details.
  • Unobtrusive JavaScript: Client-side scripting degrades gracefully allowing non-JavaScript browsers to access the core functionality.

If, despite these features, you are still having problems using the site please contact us.

2. Mathematical equations and accessibility

The Dictionary contains a large amount of mathematical equations. These equations are represented using MathML. Both FireFox and Internet Explorer (with MathPlayer installed) will scale the MathML content when the normal font size controls within the browsers are used. Additionally, when viewing with the MathPlayer installed you can zoom into equations by clicking them individually.

When using The Dictionary in Internet Explorer with MathPlayer installed you also have the option to have the equations spoken. This may be the best option for users requiring speech. You can learn about how MathPlayer can speak from Design Science, the makers of MathPlayer. They also have a good overview on MathML and accessibility.

Initiatives to make MathML content more accessible are currently in progress. The Network for Inclusive Distance Education is running a MathML accessibility project.