The purpose of the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template is to assist Federal contracting officials in making preliminary assessments regarding the availability of commercial Electronic and Information Technology products and services with features that support accessibility. It is assumed that offerers will provide additional contact information to facilitate more detailed inquiries.
The first table of the Template provides a summary view of the section 508 Standards. The subsequent tables provide more detailed views of each subsection. There are three columns in each table. Column one of the Summary Table describes the subsections of subparts B and C of the Standards. The second column describes the supporting features of the product or refers you to the corresponding detailed table, "e.g., equivalent facilitation." The third column contains any additional remarks and explanations regarding the product. In the subsequent tables, the first column contains the lettered paragraphs of the subsections. The second column describes the supporting features of the product with regard to that paragraph. The third column contains any additional remarks and explanations regarding the product.
Date: :05/16/2011
Name of product:Adobe Flash Professional CS5.5
Contact for more information: access@adobe.com
Summary Table
| Guideline | Applicable | Compliance |
|---|---|---|
Section 1194.21 Software Applications and Operating Systems |
Applicable |
Supports with exceptions |
Section 1194.22 Web-Based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications |
Applicable |
Supports with exceptions |
Section 1194.23 Telecommunications Products |
Not applicable |
|
Section 1194.24 Video and Multimedia Products |
Applicable |
Supports |
Section 1194.25 Self-Contained, Closed Products |
Not applicable |
|
Section 1194.26 Desktop and Portable Computers |
Not applicable |
|
Section 1194.31 Functional Performance Criteria |
Applicable (Application) Applicable |
Supports with exceptions Supports with exceptions |
Section 1194.41 Information, Documentation, and Support |
Applicable |
Supports |
| Criteria | Supporting features | Remarks and explanations |
|---|---|---|
(a) When software is designed to run on a system that has a keyboard, product functions shall be executable from a keyboard where the function itself or the result of performing a function can be discerned textually. |
Supports with exceptions |
Customizable keyboard navigation or equivalent keyboard accessible controls are provided for all menu commands and most common features in Adobe Flash CS5.5. However, some commands and functions are not usable from the keyboard alone including: Actions related to timeline manipulation, drawing and animation on the workspace are generally not keyboard accessible. However, scripting can be used to add and manipulate predefined objects on the stage. Most panels have a logical tab order that allow all interactive controls to be focused using the keyboard. Some panels however, such as the Properties and Library panels, do require one of the panel controls to be selected by mouse first for this tab order to work. Some controls in panels, such as those in the Motion Editor and color pickers/dropper tools, cannot be accessed without using a mouse. Two keystrokes are provided to move focus to the next (ctrl + f6) or previous (ctrl + shift + f6) opened panel. However, some panels (such as the Timeline and Properties panels) can only be reached using the ‘previous panel’ shortcut. In some panels, such as the Action panel, the context menu cannot be triggered using the keyboard alone. |
(b) Applications shall not disrupt or disable activated features of other products that are identified as accessibility features, where those features are developed and documented according to industry standards. Applications also shall not disrupt or disable activated features of any operating system that are identified as accessibility features where the application programming interface for those accessibility features has been documented by the manufacturer of the operating system and is available to the product developer. |
Supports |
Flash CS5.5 does not interfere with operating system accessibility features. |
(c) A well-defined on-screen indication of the current focus shall be provided that moves among interactive interface elements as the input focus changes. The focus shall be programmatically exposed so that Assistive Technology can track focus and focus changes. |
Supports with exceptions |
There is a clear indication of focus for most focusable elements with minor exceptions. In some cases however focused elements are not programmatically exposed to assistive technology. For example, symbols on the main workspace or controls in the Publish Settings and Create New Symbol dialogs do not provide focus information. |
(d) Sufficient information about a user interface element including the identity, operation, and state of the element shall be available to Assistive Technology. When an image represents a program element, the information conveyed by the image must also be available in text. |
Supports with exceptions |
Many controls and features of the Flash CS5.5 interface provide identity, role, and state information to assistive technology with some exceptions listed below. Input fields in the panels/windows listed below do expose role and value information, but not accessible name. Accessibility information for other controls types is not exposed in the panels/windows listed below: The Stage, Timeline, Toolbox, Symbol Properties, Swap Symbol, Save as Template, Properties, Motion Editor, Message Dialogs, Library, Components, Properties, Font Mapping, Document Settings, Create ActionScript Class, and Check Spelling. |
(e) When bitmap images are used to identify controls, status indicators, or other programmatic elements, the meaning assigned to those images shall be consistent throughout an application's performance. |
Supports |
Bitmap images are used consistently in Flash CS5.5. |
(f) Textual information shall be provided through operating system functions for displaying text. The minimum information that shall be made available is text content, text input caret location, and text attributes. |
Supports with exceptions |
Textual information within the document being authored is not available to assistive technologies. Some panels and dialog boxes, such as the Stage, Timeline, and Symbol Properties, contain text that is not exposed through operating system functions for displaying text. |
(g) Applications shall not override user-selected contrast and color selections and other individual display attributes. |
Supports with exceptions |
Many controls in the Flash CS5.5 interface support Windows High Contrast mode. However, certain panels such as the main workspace, Timeline and Properties panels do not properly inherit user defined high contrast schemes. In some cases labels cannot be viewed under high contrast, in others, the high contrast settings are not inherited and non-high contrast colors are displayed. |
(h) When animation is displayed, the information shall be displayable in at least one non-animated presentation mode at the option of the user. |
Not applicable |
The Flash CS5.5 interface does not use animation |
(i) Color coding shall not be used as the only means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element. |
Supports |
The Flash CS5.5 interface does not use color alone to indicate information. The only exception would be the use of colors to indicate layers when outline mode is used. |
(j) When a product permits a user to adjust color and contrast settings, a variety of color selections capable of producing a range of contrast levels shall be provided. |
Not applicable |
Flash CS5.5 does not allow users to change color and contrast settings. |
(k) Software shall not use flashing or blinking text, objects, or other elements having a flash or blink frequency greater than 2 Hz and lower than 55 Hz. |
Supports |
Flash CS5.5 does not use flashing or blinking text in the user interface. |
(l) When electronic forms are used, the form shall allow people using Assistive Technology to access the information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues. |
Supports with exceptions |
Some forms, such as Symbol Properties, Swap Symbol, Save as Template, Properties, Library and Components, are not accessible to assistive technology. Other forms expose accessibility information. In addition the following actions occur that can be confusing to users of assistive technology:
|
| Criteria | Supporting features | Remarks and explanations |
|---|---|---|
(a) A text equivalent for every non-text element shall be provided (e.g., via "alt," "longdesc," or in element content). |
Supports |
Flash CS5.5 allows authors to assign text alternatives to non-text elements using the Accessibility panel or ActionScript properties. |
(b) Equivalent alternatives for any multimedia presentation shall be synchronized with the presentation. |
Supports |
Flash CS5.5 provides a captioning component that allows captions to be added to video presentations. It also allows audio descriptions to be implemented for multimedia presentations. |
(c) Web pages shall be designed so that all information conveyed with color is also available without color, for example from context or markup. |
Supports |
Flash CS5.5 allows authors to convey meaning with alternatives or with additional text. |
(d) Documents shall be organized so they are readable without requiring an associated style sheet. |
Not applicable |
Flash based content does not rely on CSS for rendering. |
(e) Redundant text links shall be provided for each active region of a server-side image map. |
Not applicable |
Flash based content does not contain server-side image maps. |
(f) Client-side image maps shall be provided instead of server-side image maps except where the regions cannot be defined with an available geometric shape. |
Not applicable |
Flash based content does not contain client-side image maps. |
(g) Row and column headers shall be identified for data tables. |
Supports |
The DataGrid component combines column header names with cell values as pairs. |
(h) Markup shall be used to associate data cells and header cells for data tables that have two or more logical levels of row or column headers. |
Supports with exceptions |
The Flash CS5.5 DataGrid does not provide multiple/nested table headers. If authors were to create a component with multiple rows of header cells, this information should be combined with the accessible name of the associated row or cell (list item). Flash does not provide components that use the accessible roles of header cell or data cell. |
(i) Frames shall be titled with text that facilitates frame identification and navigation. |
Not applicable |
Flash content does not contain frames. |
(j) Pages shall be designed to avoid causing the screen to flicker with a frequency greater than 2 Hz and lower than 55 Hz. |
Supports |
Flash CS5.5 allows content to be generated that does not contain flickering elements, or flickering within safe frequencies. |
(k) A text-only page, with equivalent information or functionality, shall be provided to make a web site comply with the provisions of this part, when compliance cannot be accomplished in any other way. The content of the text-only page shall be updated whenever the primary page changes. |
Supports |
Flash authors can create a text only version of their content. |
(l) When pages utilize scripting languages to display content, or to create interface elements, the information provided by the script shall be identified with functional text that can be read by Assistive Technology. |
Supports |
The ActionScript language allows accessible content and interface elements to be generated that are available to assistive technology. |
(m) When a web page requires that an applet, plug-in, or other application be present on the client system to interpret page content, the page must provide a link to a plug-in or applet that complies with §1194.21(a) through (l). |
Supports |
A plug-in for the Adobe Flash Player is available on the Adobe website. If the plug-in is not installed the user will be presented with a download link. |
(n) When electronic forms are designed to be completed on-line, the form shall allow people using Assistive Technology to access the information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues. |
Supports |
Flash CS5.5 allows authors to assign accessible names and descriptions to form controls to provide information to assistive technology users. For built-in controls, keyboard accessibility is provided. For custom controls, authors can manually assign key events to achieve this. |
(o) A method shall be provided that permits users to skip repetitive navigation links. |
Supports |
Flash CS5.5 allows authors to add interactive controls and shortcuts to move keyboard focus past repetitive navigation links. |
(p) When a timed response is required, the user shall be alerted and given sufficient time to indicate more time is required. |
Supports |
Flash CS5.5 allows authors to use alert boxes to let users confirm more time is required. |
Note to 1194.22: The Board interprets paragraphs (a) through (k) of this section as consistent with the following Priority 1 checkpoints of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 (WCAG 1.0) (May 5, 1999) published by the Web Accessibility Initiative of the World Wide Web Consortium: Paragraph (a) – 1.1, (b) – 1.4, (c) – 2.1, (d) – 6.1, (e) – 1.2, (f) – 9.1, (g) – 5.1, (h) – 5.2, (i) – 12.1, (j) – 7.1, (k) – 11.4.
| Criteria | Supporting Features | Remarks and Explanations |
|---|---|---|
a) All analog television displays 13 inches and larger, and computer equipment that includes analog television receiver or display circuitry, shall be equipped with caption decoder circuitry which appropriately receives, decodes, and displays closed captions from broadcast, cable, videotape, and DVD signals. As soon as practicable, but not later than July 1, 2002, widescreen digital television (DTV) displays measuring at least 7.8 inches vertically, DTV sets with conventional displays measuring at least 13 inches vertically, and stand-alone DTV tuners, whether or not they are marketed with display screens, and computer equipment that includes DTV receiver or display circuitry, shall be equipped with caption decoder circuitry which appropriately receives, decodes, and displays closed captions from broadcast, cable, videotape, and DVD signals. |
Not applicable |
Flash CS5.5 content does not include hardware components. |
(b) Television tuners, including tuner cards for use in computers, shall be equipped with secondary audio program playback circuitry. |
Not applicable |
Flash CS5.5 does not include any television tuner hardware. |
(c) All training and informational video and multimedia productions which support the agency's mission, regardless of format, that contain speech or other audio information necessary for the comprehension of the content, shall be open or closed captioned. |
Supports |
Flash CS5.5 provides a captioning component that enables authors to add closed captions to multimedia presentations. |
(d) All training and informational video and multimedia productions which support the agency's mission, regardless of format, that contain visual information necessary for the comprehension of the content, shall be audio described. |
Supports |
Flash CS5.5 allows authors to provide audio descriptions in multimedia presentations through scripting. |
(e) Display or presentation of alternate text presentation or audio descriptions shall be user-selectable unless permanent. |
Supports |
Caption text can be turned on or off by the user. |
| Criteria | Supporting features | Remarks and explanations |
|---|---|---|
(a) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user vision shall be provided, or support for Assistive Technology used by people who are blind or visually impaired shall be provided. |
Does not support (Application) Supports with exceptions (Flash based output) |
Most actions in Flash CS5.5 related to timeline editing and content editing cannot be performed with a screen reader. Some elements in the application interface do not provide sufficient accessible role, name or state information. Panels and windows that do not expose sufficient information include: File Info, Check Spelling, Code Snippets, Duplicate Symbol, the Library, Color and Swatches, and Document Settings. While keyboard access is provided to the Actions panel selecting particular frames and layers can be difficult. However, it is also possible to write ActionScript code in external files using an external text editor. The workspace can be customized to only display the needed panels and allow for more efficient keyboard access. Flash based Output: Form controls can be made accessible for screen readers. Some events used by assistive technology are not fired by default in the combo box. The text of an editable combo box cannot be reviewed character by character via a screen reader. The role of the numeric stepper is not indicated to users of screen readers. DataGrids that are editable are difficult to navigate via the keyboard by default. Authors are able to extend and customize the DataGrid component to improve the keyboard access. |
(b) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require visual acuity greater than 20/70 shall be provided in audio and enlarged print output working together or independently, or support for Assistive Technology used by people who are visually impaired shall be provided. |
Supports with exceptions (Application) Supports (Flash based content) |
Focus is generally visually indicated, but not always exposed programmatically. Some panels in the application interface do not inherit color and contrast settings specified by the operating system. Flash based Output: All elements in Flash based content can be made focusable and will provide a visual focus indication. Although Flash content does not inherit color and contrast settings specified by the operating system, the Flash author can provide such color schemes manually. |
(c) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user hearing shall be provided, or support for Assistive Technology used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing shall be provided. |
Supports (application) Supports (Flash based content) |
Flash CS5.5 does not require hearing for operation. Flash based Output: Flash CS5.5 allows caption files to be added to Flash multimedia content. For content that uses auditory cues, the Flash author can provide visual cues manually. |
(d) Where audio information is important for the use of a product, at least one mode of operation and information retrieval shall be provided in an enhanced auditory fashion, or support for assistive hearing devices shall be provided. |
Supports (Application) Supports (Flash based content) |
Flash CS5.5 does not require hearing for operation. Flash based Output: Flash CS5.5 allows caption files to be added to Flash multimedia content. For content that uses auditory cues, the Flash author can provide visual cues manually. |
(e) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user speech shall be provided, or support for Assistive Technology used by people with disabilities shall be provided. |
Supports (Application) Supports (Flash based content) |
Flash CS5.5 does not require user speech. Flash based Output: Flash content can be created that does not require user speech. |
(f) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous actions and that is operable with limited reach and strength shall be provided. |
Does not support (Application) Supports (Flash based content) |
Content editing often requires fine motor control using a mouse, or a combination of multiple keys and a mouse. Selecting particular frames and layers can be difficult due to keyboard issues within the Actions panel. While most dialogs and panels support keyboard access there are some issues with illogical tab order and difficulty getting keyboard focus into a panel after switching panels. The keystrokes to switch between panels do not always consistently work as expected. The workspace can be customized to only display the needed panels and allow for more efficient keyboard access. Flash based Output: Flash provides built-in controls that are keyboard accessible, and allow authors to manually implement keyboard support for custom controls. |
| Criteria | Supporting features | Remarks and explanations |
|---|---|---|
(a) Product support documentation provided to end-users shall be made available in alternate formats upon request, at no additional charge. |
Supports |
Adobe provides electronic versions of all product support documentation. |
(b) End-users shall have access to a description of the accessibility and compatibility features of products in alternate formats or alternate methods upon request, at no additional charge. |
Supports |
Adobe provides information on accessibility features in the documentation. Electronic versions of all product support documentation are provided. |
(c) Support services for products shall accommodate the communication needs of end-users with disabilities. |
Supports |
Product support for Adobe products is available in a variety of formats and from a number of online sources available from Adobe. |
