Datasheet

• Use navigation consistently.
• Provide the opportunity to skip repetitive navigation links.
27.2.5 Parameter fields
When you include parameter fields in a report, make sure they are clear and simple. Although parameter
fields can be a useful tool for providing accessible content, they can also introduce several accessibility
concerns. It is important to test all parameter fields for accessibility.
Parameter fields should follow these guidelines:
• Provide a list of default values for the user to choose from.
Avoid requiring the user to type a value for a parameter. When users provide their own values, they
need to make sure the format of the value will be recognized by the parameter field. A list of default
values is easier to use, and it ensures that the user chooses from values with valid formats.
• Try to avoid complex parameter fields.
A complex parameter field may be more accessible when it is broken down into multiple parameters.
When you test the accessibility of your parameter fields, pay particular attention to parameters that
require a range. It may be easier to understand if you provide two parameter fields that prompt for
discrete values for the top and bottom of the range, rather than ask the user to choose both values
in the same parameter field.
• For date fields, do not allow users to choose their own values.
The calendar used to select date values is not currently accessible. Provide a pick-list of default
date values. Using a list of default values also helps avoid invalid date formats.
27.3 Designing for flexibility
Flexibility is the key to providing accessible reports. Because different users require different levels of
accessibility, it is good practice to provide a variety of presentation styles and methods to meet the
needs of as many people as possible. For a detailed report, however, you may not be able to provide
multiple presentation styles without cluttering the report with extra objects.
To address this problem, plan the degree to which you want to integrate accessible formats into your
reports. You can provide accessible formatting for each object, for each section, or as a subreport. You
can then allow users to choose their own accessibility options using a parameter field that prompts
them to choose whether or not to display accessible formats.
Using this parameter field, you can conditionally format objects, or conditionally suppress sections that
address different access needs. Or you can provide different display options by using subreports.
2011-05-16679
Creating Accessible Reports