Google Maps and WCAG 2.0 level A

Question

I have a map that displays custom markers with filtering options and different markers colors based on the filtering options. Clicking a marker displays a text bubble with a picture as expected.

What is required to make a google map comply with level A. Obviously a screen reader version will be far less exciting.

WCAG 2.0

What do I need to do to make my google map comply with WCAG 2.0 level A?

EDIT:

I think I need a solution for:

1.1 TEXT ALTERNATIVES

-Map has hundreds of markers, and not accessible because they exist as js objects

1.3 ADAPTABLE

-It's not possible to detect a screen reader and adapt accordingly

2.1 KEYBOARD ACCESSIBLE

-Google maps does not provide hot-keys although I'm sure it's possible to wire some up with js.

4.1 COMPATIBLE

-This would rule out any js hacks to make google maps respond to hotkeys.

What's best practice? What about linking to a list of my markers as text via an accessible version link?

Answer 1

My solution for this is going to be:

• Treat the map like video/media content
• Provide a text list similar to what's being displayed on the map on an alternate page. With the link clearly labeled as the accessible version.
• Provide a description of what the map is trying to achieve.

This is a section of the WCAG 2.0 that talks about linking to accessible versions:

http://www.w3.org/TR/2013/NOTE-WCAG20-TECHS-20130905/G73

Someone is trying to solve a similar problem here:

http://www.accessifyforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=23294