[gui-talk] open office accessibility

[Hoffman, Allen]

Open office does not require Java for access.
it is partially accessible out-of-the-box using JAWS, NVDA, and Windows
Eyes.
I can't claim knowledge of the Linux experience at present.
I believe additional coding and/or screen reader scripting would be
helpful to bring open office up to par with Office which is accessible
because of concerted efforts on both sides of the IT/AT arena.
Just as screen reader vendors worked with FireFox folks to get FireFox
access brought up to speed, the same should take place for Open Office
ASAP.  it takes an economic driver however for commercial folks to
support open source stuff, so if you are buying screen readers, ask the
vendors about open office support.

Just as the Office format has limitations regarding creating fully
accessible information, the Open office format has had some limitations
in the past--however i believe these are pretty much resolved now.

Authoring aids to create accessible information are now becoming
available in both office and Open Office, as they are to some extent in
Adobe Acrobat Pro.


Eventually when we get the combination of authoring tool, underlying
format, and assistive technologies, we will be able to operate smoothly
in the information arena.  i think we are getting a lot closer of late.