22 Chapter 2:Create Accessible Flash Content
Set up your workspace
First,you ’ll open the start file for the lesson and set up your workspace to use an optimal layout
for taking lessons.
1 To open the start file,in Flash select File >Open.Then do one of the following:
■If you ’re using a Windows 2000 or XP operating system,browse to
<boot drive>\Documents and Settings \<username>\Local Setting \Application Data \
Macromedia \Flash MX 2004 \<language>\Configuration \HelpPanel \ HowDoI \
QuickTasks \start_files and double-click accessibility_start.fla.
Note:If the Application Data folder is hidden,you ’ll need to change your Windows Explorer
settings to see the folder.
■If you ’re using a Windows 98 operating system,browse to
<boot drive>\Windows \Application Data \Macromedia \Flash MX 2004 \<language>\
Configuration \HelpPanel \HowDoI \QuickTasks \start_files and double-click
accessibility_start.fla.
■If you ’re using a Macintosh operating system,browse to <Macintosh HD>/Applications/
Macromedia Flash MX 2004/First Run/HelpPanel/HowDoI/QuickTasks/start_files and
double-click accessibility_start.fla.
Note:The QuickTasks \finished_files folder contains completed versions of lesson FLA files,for
your reference.
2 Select File >Save As and save the document with a new name,in the same folder,to preserve
the original start file.
Note:As you complete this lesson,remember to save your work frequently.
3 Select Window >Panel Sets >Training Layout to modify your workspace for taking lessons.
Specify that your document be accessible to screen readers
You ’ll now specify that your document be accessible to screen readers,and provide a name and
description of your document that a screen reader can read aloud.
1 With nothing selected on the Stage,select Window >Other Panels >Accessibility.
2 In the Accessibility panel,verify that the following options are selected:
Make Movie Accessible is selected by default and allows Flash Player to pass accessibility
information to a screen reader.
Make Child Objects Accessible allows Flash Player to pass accessibility information nested
inside a movie clip to a screen reader.If this option is selected for the entire document,you can
still hide child objects for individual movie clips.
Auto Label associates text next to another Stage object,such as an input text field,as a label or
title for that element.