IBM Helps Firefox Reach Disabled Computer Users
From: VNUNet.com - 08/17/2005
By: Tom Sanders

The addition of support for disability features opens up new markets for the
open-source project, such as government offices where legislation requires
that the disabled have equal access to information.  

A donation of IBM code is allowing the creators of Firefox to help disabled
users make the most of the open-source browser software.  

The code enables improvements to help users with visual and motor impairments
to navigate the Web by enlarging screen images or reading out the text of Web
sites.  

The accessibility feature uses the dynamic hyper text markup language (DHTML). 

The language allows Web designers to build pages that are preloaded into the
computer's memory. When the user clicks on a link, the computer shows him the
previously stored page, allowing for faster navigation. 

Google's Gmail e-mail service uses the language to give subscribers quick
access to their mail. 

Disabled users can expect the language to enable Web sites to be accessible
via a keyboard or to create pages that have fewer navigation features.  

The DHTML feature is scheduled for release in Firefox 1.5. 

The addition of support for disability features opens up new markets for the
open-source project, such as government offices where legislation requires
that the disabled have equal access to information. 

The complete article can be found at:
http://www.linuxinsider.com/story/KpaFa316kPU6TV/IBM-Helps-Firefox-Reach-Disabled-Computer-Users.xhtml

Links:
IBM donates code to make Firefox more accessible
http://www.computerworld.com/developmenttopics/development/story/0,10801,103964,00.html

IBM helps Firefox reach disabled
http://www.usernomics.com/news/2005/08/ibm-helps-firefox-reach-disabled.html

Contributed by Jamie Prioli

