Current Posts

One Year Anniversary

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

So it's been over 1 year since my first Web Axe podcast (Sept 18, 2005). My long-time friend Mike (see Most People Are DJs) got me into podcasting. He and I started the e-zine O.D. Mag a decade ago. Then last year, Mike got me into the Detroit Podcasters Network, a great group of computer nerds who do great podcasts, and meet every month and drink beer.

So I said to myself, what do I enjoy, that I know a lot about, that would be unique. Web accessibility of course! I have been programming web sites for accessibility (and standards and usability) for over five years now, and for some reason just find it very fun and interesting.

I'm making more and more connections, and learning more and more about the whole web development industry. It's remarkable how much more there is to learn every year. Thanks to Ross Johnson of 3point7designs.com, who's joined in the Web Axe podcast venture. It's a lot of work, and a lot of fun, and I'm expecting bigger and better podcasts in the future!

-Dennis

posted by Dennis Lembree at 5:19 PM   1 comments

Access Keys

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Dennis and Ross discuss the access key attribute and how it benefits the user.

Download Web Axe Episode 28 (Access Keys)

Links:
Sample code:

<ul id="nav">
<li><a accesskey="1" href="/MySite.com/">Home</a> | </li>
<li><a accesskey="2" href="/MySite.com/who/">Who</a> | </li>
<li><a accesskey="3" href="/MySite.com/events/">Events</a> | </li>
<li><a accesskey="4" href="/MySite.com/articles/">Articles</a> | </li>
<li><a accesskey="5" href="/MySite.com/resources/">Resources</a></li>
</ul>

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posted by Dennis Lembree at 10:43 AM   0 comments

Firefox is Accessible

Thursday, September 21, 2006

If you weren't aware, the Mozilla Firefox browser is fully accessible (since version 1.5 released November 2005). Learn more on the differences between Firefox and Internet Explorer accessibility. Also, IBM and Mozilla are collaborating with Sun Microsystems to make future versions of Firefox accessible on Linux.

posted by Dennis Lembree at 5:08 PM   0 comments

Interview with Jared Smith of WebAIM

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Jared Smith of WebAIMInterview with Jared Smith, Associate Director of WebAIM, a highly recognized organization which promotes web accessibility. Dennis and Ross have a great conversation with Jared, who's a very knowledgable and vital member of the excellent web accessibility organization.

Download Web Axe Episode 27 (Interview with Jared Smith of WebAIM)

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posted by Dennis Lembree at 11:18 AM   0 comments

High Accessibility Is Effective Search Engine Optimization

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

This is an older article from A List Apart, but still very valid and an excellent read. A spidering search engine is like a screen reader...

High Accessibility Is Effective Search Engine Optimization

Coming soon...an interview with Jared Smith from WebAIM.

posted by Dennis Lembree at 10:45 PM   0 comments

Lists and Accessibility -- How and Why?

Friday, September 08, 2006

Lists are a perfect example of good semantic code for accessibility. Dennis and guest host Ross Johnson from 3point7designs talk about the types of lists, the benefits of using them, and the ways they can be used. Also listen for a couple announcements about future shows.

Download Web Axe Episode 26 (Lists and Accessibility -- How and Why?)

[Transcript of Web Axe 26]

Here's sample code for a horizonal menu using list items:

<div id="menu">
<h2 class="hide_offpage">Menu</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="index.php" accesskey="0">Home</a></li>
<li><a href="ce/news.php" accesskey="1">News</a></li>
<li><a href="ce/services.htm" accesskey="2">Services</a></li>
<li><a href="ce/contact.htm" accesskey="3">Contact</a></li>
</ul>
</div>

#menu {
width: 100%;
background: #eee;
color: inherit;
padding-top:0;
border: 1px solid #666;
overflow: hidden;
}
#menu ul {
list-style-type: none;
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
}
#menu ul li{
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
float: left;
}
#menu a {
display: block;
padding: 10px;
font-weight: bold;
text-decoration: none;
border-right: 1px solid #888;
}
#menu a:hover, #menu a:focus {
background-color:#ccc;
}

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posted by Dennis Lembree at 9:34 PM   3 comments

Sponsor Company's Web Site Wins Award

Friday, September 01, 2006

Web Axe's sponsor company CheckEngine USA has won an award from Accessites.org for its excellent web site usability and accessibility.

posted by Dennis Lembree at 12:37 PM   0 comments

About the Hosts

About Dennis

Dennis Lembree is the founder of web development company CheckEngine USA, which specializes in web usability, standards, and accessibility.

About Ross

Ross Johnson runs a web design company (3.7 Designs) that takes a wholistic view on the web and art of constructing pages. They strive to be creative and unique.

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