Accessible Software and the AIA

Recall that I recently pointed out that one promise of computers is that they will make life better, especially for people who have vision or mobility impairments. Which is one reason why the
Eclipse Foundation launched its Accessibility Tools Framework (ACTF). It is also why several other companies formed the Accessibility Interoperability Alliance (AIA).

Akin to ACTF, the AIA's stated goal is to foster collaboration aimed at reducing barriers that people with disabilities frequently encounter when accessing information and communication technologies, including websites. To enable this, the AIA hopes to coordinate current technologies to interoperate more easily, and create a unified accessibility model for developers. AIA members include IT companies you're likely familiar with (Adobe, HP, Microsoft, Oracle, among others), and less familiar assistive technology companies (Claro Software, Dolphin Oceanic, GW Micro, HiSoftware, Madentec, QualiLife, and TextHelp Systems).

To jump start the program, Microsoft has contributed and made freely available its UI Automation specification to the AIA. UI Automation is an accessibility framework for Windows that provides programmatic access to most user interface (UI) elements on the desktop, thereby enabling assistive technology products such as screen readers to provide information about the UI to end users and to manipulate the UI by means other than standard input. UI Automation also allows automated test scripts to interact with the UI. The specification is available here. Development guidelines and other interesting resources are available here.

And, of course, the AIA is always looking for developer assistance and support.

-- Jonathan Erickson
jerickson@ddj.com

Posted by Jon Erickson at 09:49 AM  Permalink