How To submenu:
How To Advanced Topics: Language | Forms | Frames
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Students Affected: 
Principles: Follow Web Standards, Degrade Gracefully, Provide Meaningful Alternatives
Frames divide the browser window into separate panes that contain different 
HTML pages. Clicking a link in one frame can change any other frame or open a new window. Frames can be accessible if they are designed correctly. However, frames are rarely vital, and removing them often improves the accessibility of a Web site.
| Example |
| The sample Web page below has three frames: a banner frame across the top of the screen, a navigation frame on the left side of the screen, and a main content frame on the right side of the screen. |
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If You Do It Wrong: Screen reader users may become disoriented because they cannot see the visual layout of the page. For example, a screen reader may not indicate when a link in one frame changes the page in a different frame. This may lead a screen reader user to assume the link isn't working properly or to search the entire Web page to find the one place where the content has changed.
If You Do It Right: Screen reader users can access each frame separately and navigate between frames. Browsers that don't support frames display a non-framed version of the page.
How It Works
- Label each frame with a title attribute that names the function and content of the frame, such as "Primary Navigation" or "Main Content."
| Example |
| <frame src="UMUC_banner.html" title="University of Maryland University College Banner" noresize="noresize" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0"> |
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- Provide equivalent content without frames. Include a <noframes> section on your home page that links to no-frame versions of your Web pages.
| Example |
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<noframes>
This page uses frames. To access the content, turn on frames, download a frames capable-browser, or select from the following links:
<a href=syll.html>Syllabus</a>
<a href=assign.html>Assignments</a>
<a href=contact.html>Contact Information</a>
</noframes>
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- Warn users before opening new windows.
| Example |
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This link opens in a new window: <a href="syll.html" target="_blank">Syllabus</a>
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- Use the target attribute to remove your frameset when you link to external Web sites.
| Example |
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<a href="http://whatever.com/" target="_top">
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Visit these Web sites for more information about accessible frames:
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Testing Tips
Use an accessibility evaluator to test your frames pages.
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Phone: 800-888-UMUC (800-888-8682)
