[gui-talk] open office accessibility

[Steve Jacobson]

Allen,

It is my understanding that the accessibility efforts are in the Open Office beta.  There are methods of implementing Java such that the Java Windows Access Bridge 
is not required and I think this is a better approach to take if that is what they are doing.  Which specific version are you using, and are you talking about all of the 
applications? 

On Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:15:11 -0500, Hoffman, Allen wrote:

>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.




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