Re: Top-10 Accessibility API Wish List
Re: Top-10 Accessibility API Wish List
- Subject: Re: Top-10 Accessibility API Wish List
- From: Michael Kamprath <email@hidden>
- Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 22:46:32 -0700
on 9/11/02 12:22 PM, Guy Fullerton at email@hidden wrote:
>
> 2. Being able to determine the z-order and class of windows - My utility is
>
> only interested in windows that are document windows, and it would be great
>
> to be able to determine which window is behind the main window.
>
>
I'm not convinced this is truly necessary for Section 508 support. Why do
>
you want this?
>
>
Because you refer to your "utility," I am compelled to get up on a soapbox
>
for a few seconds:
>
>
The Accessibility APIs are intended for implementing Assistive Applications
>
that intend to provide support for Section 508. The API is not intended as a
>
mechanism to power general utility applications. Therefore, our current
>
policy is to prioritize Section 508 needs before the needs of utility
>
applications.
>
>
I'm not trying to pick on your app/needs specifically. The word "utility"
>
just triggered the response :)
Whoah . . . That's certainly a soap box speech if I ever read one . . Well,
here's mine:
Imagine a user who can only interact with their computer by voice because of
a tragic horsing accident. He would love to work on multiple document in his
favorite application but he can't because his "utility" which he uses to
control his computer by voice cannot respond to the request "Please select
the document window behind the current front window" - or however the poor,
lame Section 508 special case user communicates such intentions to the
computer - because the "utility" cannot determine what window is behind the
current front window.
Please do not let a lawyer's definition of what this API "must do" put
blinders on the decision makers determining what makes a good API.
Michael F. Kamprath
email@hidden
Keyboard Maestro - Conduct Your Mac Like a Pro!
Download a free copy today at: www.KeyboardMaestro.com
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