Flashability
Section Overview
This section discusses blindness, one of the most difficult disabilities to deal with in Flash. There are a lot of potential issues in this category but Flash offers just as many solutions. We will identify and demonstrate some of these solutions.
Each type of visual impairment has separate issues that require addressing when developing web content. Issues associated with complete blindness may be the most difficult to address. Because this type of user relies completely on audio when accessing web content, it is important that websites are compatible with all screen reader applications. Also, many blind users opt for an entirely text based browser. In order for either of these technologies to function, non-graphical text must be accessible and logically organized.
Flash immediately comes to mind as an obvious pitfall since the whole concept of Flash is to provide better visual experience. Expectedly so, visual disabilities seem most daunting within a Flash environment. However, since Flash Player 6, screen readers have been able to access and interpret textual information from a Flash file, just as it would a typical HTML file, via Microsoft Active Accessibility (MSAA). A major advantage that Flash has is its ability to present multimedia, such as audio. Since audio is so easily and effectively incorporated into Flash applications, the use of narration built straight into the application becomes an option. Audio implementation may also benefit the experience of other users as well, depending on the application.