This is a status update on the project to make the backend of Joomla web accessible. You can see a copy of my final project plan and design composition on my Community Google Summer of Code page.

I have turned the design comp into a working template. It's still using the old menus and layouts, however. Next week I'll start working an accessible menu. I'll be following guidelines on menu accessibility that I outlined in an earlier blog.

To know if a site is truly accessible you need to test it with actual users with disabilities. I'm working with people associated with the Hampshire Education Collaborative and AI Squared to set up appropriate tests and testers. I'm lucky enough to be working with someone who actually creates testing plans professionally.

Currently the backend will not work without JavaScript. If we are to meet the WCAG guidelines we will need to institute progressive enhancement (or at the very least, graceful degradation) that will allow the administrator to function if JavaScript is disabled. I have been given some excellent ideas for solutions that could address this issue. We would not be doing away with JavaScript for those who have it. We would just be presenting a functional site for those who are unable to use it.