Pitfalls to Creating Accessible Content

Pop-up Windows

It is extremely disorienting to some people when content opens in a new window.
If you cannot see the screen or if your browser is maximized you probably won't know that a new window has appeared.
If JavaScript is used to open new windows, it is possible to do several things that can impede accessibility such as modifying the size and position of the new window or removing functionality of the window, such as the ability to resize, display scroll bar or show tool bars. Changing the default behavior of the browser window can be a significant problem for people with visual disabilities. If a user must enlarge the content, a small window that cannot be enlarged and does not display scroll bars would be very inaccessible.
Pop-up blockers are built into most browsers and may prevent any users from accessing content that is in a pop-up window.

Do not use spontaneous pop-up windows such as the ones used for advertising.
If you must display content in a new window, include the fact that a new browser window will be opened in the link text ("product list in a new window").
Provide a simple way to close the pop-up.