OU Web Communications

    Web Guide - User Support Requirements

    User Support Requirements

    Supported Browsers, Systems and Screen Resolutions

    We require that all Web content and pages be designed to support the following browsers:*

    • Internet Explorer 6.0+
    • Firefox 2.0+
    • Safari 2.0+

    Common OU browser and O/S Combinations**

    • Internet Explorer/Windows: 77%
    • Firefox/Windows: 14%***
    • Safari/Macintosh: 7%
    • Firefox/Macintosh: 2%
    • All other browser/OS combos equal less than 2% combined.

    Common OU screen resolutions**


    • 1024 x 768: 41%

    • 1440 x 900: 7%

    • 1280 x 800: 23%

    • 600 x 800: 5%

    • 1280 x 1024: 10%

    Bandwidth

    Optimize images and pages for efficient downloading. Average OU page connection speeds**

    • Cable: 49%

    • T1: 15%

    • DSL: 18%

    • Dial Up: 2%

    • Unknown: 16%

    Accessibility

    All Web content and electronic publications, to the extent feasible, should be made accessible to people with disabilities. If accessibility is not feasible, the information should be available by alternative means. University Web sites may be subject to the State of Oklahoma HB2197; Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; the Americans with
    Disabilities Act; and University non-discrimination policies. Web account holders are responsible for verifying that their pages meet all university requirements including accessibility guidelines. Section 508 and HB2197 are only a minimum standard for accessibility and Web pages. Developers are encouraged to go beyond the minimum whenever possible.

    Each page must contain a person to contact if users have trouble accessing content within the site. Each University Web site that provides entry to members of the public must contain an “Accessibility” link to "http://www. ou.edu/publicaffairs/home/main/media_center accessibility_statement.html" in each page footer. This link contains the university’s Web Accessibility Statement and contact information for the Disability Resource Center. This line should appear in all pages that promote campus events or programs: “Accommodations on the basis of disability are available by contacting (phone number, name and address are desirable but optional) by (date or as soon as possible).”

    Special Considerations for Screen Readers:


    • When possible separate your code from your content using CSS to lay out pages.

    • All text links should make sense when read out of context. Don’t use just “click here”, “more information” and “visit” as links.

    • Caption all audio and video.

    • Make sure all Flash is accessible using text equivalents.

    • Avoid excessive descriptions in alt tags as it makes it more difficult for users to pick out the salient information: that the graphic is a link to the home page.

    • Short is good when writing for the Web; it’s even better when writing for screen readers.

    Other Considerations:


    • Ensure information conveyed with color is also available without color. Use a high contrast between text and background.

    • If you must include animations that blink or flash, make sure the screen flicker does not occur between frequencies 2Hz and 55 Hz.




    Accessibility Resources


    • Additional information on HB2197 can be found at: okabletech.okstate.edu/eit/hb2197text.htm

    • Adobe has excellent accessibility-related content at: www.adobe.com/accessibility

    • 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended: www.access-board.gov/sec508/guide/act.htm

    • The Web Communications Office has a test station equipped with JAWS screen reader software that is available for departments to test accessibility.