WAVE 3.0 Development

  • Funded by: Subcontracts from the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University through prime funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) under Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology at Temple University (H224A90006); Disability Business Technical Assistance Center, Mid-Atlantic ADA Information Center at TransCen, Inc. (H133DO10212); and the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Communication Enhancement at Duke University (H133E980029). Funded for 6 months.
  • Work of the project: WebAIM continued development of the WAVE tool (Web Accessibility Versatile Evaluator) through version 3.0

Project Overview

In 2003, WebAIM was contacted to complete work on the WAVE tool and bring it up to version 3.0. It had previously been developed in an alpha version under the vision and skill of Len Kasday, who passed away. The project accomplished the following tasks:

Actions Accomplishments
Convert the Perl script into a more robust format (i.e. Java) The WAVE was reconceptualized and then rewritten into Java. The WAVE has now undergone the first step to becoming an enterprise-level application.
Add additional algorithms:
  • Reading order of CSS-based layouts
  • Redundant alt attributes
  • Form elements: fieldset, label
  • Data cell association with headers
  • JavaScript jump menus
 WebAIM staff created and added all 5 algorithms listed to the left. In addition several more algorithms (upwards of 100) were added to support an additional 38 major validation rules created to support the current functionality of the WAVE
Create and add additional icons for the new features/ update some of the original icons. A total of 38 icons were developed to support each of the validation rules. In addition, most of the original icons were given an updated look to be consistent with the new content
Add the ability to choose between WAI and 508 compliance validations. Finish the 508 documentation, which Len began in the alpha version. Map 508 feedback to WebAIM 508 Checklist. WebAIM staff completed this item and also added the option to select between levels 1, 2, and/or 3 of the WAI guidelines for validation purposes
Rework the code to allow the WAVE to be embedded in other applications The code has been separated into two parts: the WebAIM Web Content Parser© and the WAVE Library. This separation allows developers to embed the functionality of the WAVE in their own applications, using either the WebAIM Web Content Parser© or their own parser.
Create a downloadable, installable version of the WAVE so that users can validate files on their hard drive. WAVE can be downloaded and installed from a link on the WAVE home page.

WebAIM is an initiative of:
Center for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) Utah State University