Alan,

A couple of years ago, I did a survey of screen reader manufacturers,
and about half of the screen readers were able to read Title.  So,
while it may be useful in some cases, it certainly isn't "The answer."

The *big* issue for access is those systems that make a list of links
external to a page, to facilitate navigation.  A long list of "Click
here." links doesn't help much.  It would be important, even when title
is supported, to know if the lists import the title attribute as well
as the text of a link, or these links would still be difficult to
navigate.

Denis Anson


Alan Cantor wrote:


>Hello EASI Colleagues,
>
>What is the story on the HTML title attribute? How well is it
supported? I know title is not a panacea, but it does seem to have
potential for improving access to many previously inaccessible
elements.
>
>This question stems from a message I just received from a web master
who is dealing with content providers who insist that she use "click
here" for a mailto link. She is trying to work around this by using the
title attribute for the link. She writes:
>
>To me [click here] presents a problem. The link is not clear labeled;
it has no definite destination. In addition it is contrary to Guideline
13. Provide clear navigation mechanisms,
>
>checkpoint 13.1 Clearly identify the target of each link. [Priority 2]
>
>Link text should be meaningful enough to make sense when read out of
context-either on its own or as part of a sequence of links. Link text
should also be terse.
>
>For example, in HTML, write "Information about version 4.3" instead of
"click here". In additional to clear link text, content developers may
further clarify the target of a link with an informative link title
(e.g., in HTML, the "title" attribute).
>
>I tested the title attribute on a <<click here>> text link with the
trial version of JAWS. It does not read the title on this text link.
>
>If I [use the mouse to] put the focus in the table cell or near the
link where the link is using the title attribute, JAWS will read the
title.
>
>Regardless of focus JAWS does read the title attribute around a graphic.
>
>What are your thoughts around the title attribute and how does it work
for users?
>
>
>
>Alan Cantor
>Project Manager
>Strategic e-Government Implementation
>e-Government, OCCS
>416-212-1152
>[log in to unmask]
>

--------------------
Denis Anson, MS, OTR
Assistant Professor
College Misericordia
301 Lake St.
Dallas, PA 18612
Phone: 570-674-6413