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Large-print keyboard with Braille. Pop-up windows present a usability problem for most users, not just those using assistive technology devices. Many users are unaware when a link that they have clicked on has opened in a new browser window. This can lead to confusion and wasted efforts.
Most users have also discovered that pop-up windows often display unwanted advertisements, and they have embraced pop-up blocker tools. For example, the free Google toolbar (http://toolbar.google.com) can be added to Internet Explorer, and it includes a pop-up blocker. Also, some Web browsers like Opera (http://www.opera.com) and Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox) have integrated, customizable pop-up blockers. Without knowing that they need to enable pop-ups to access your page, they may not be able to retrieve information.
Pop-up windows change the focus of the active browser window, which can be very confusing to screen reader users who can't see that this has happened. Some Web developers use JavaScript attributes to alter the default behavior of the browser window, which can block access to information by users of screen magnification tools or other accessibility aids.
Until user agents allow users to turn off spawned windows, do not cause pop-ups or other windows to appear and do not change the current window without informing the user. [W3C WCAG 1.0, Checkpoint 10.1, Priority 2]
Avoid using pop-up windows or causing a hyperlink to open in a new browser window. Do not remove the functionality of the window, such as preventing the ability to resize, display scroll bars, or show tool bars. Always alert the user to the fact that a pop-up window will be opened.
If you are going to open a link within a new browser window, inform the user prior to the hyperlink.
Technique:
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