Greetings:
It would appear that Microsoft is trying to make much of its
purchase of OSM (off screen model) code from Henter-Joyce. It
would seem that we are supposed to regard this as yet another
proof that Microsoft wants to make Windows accessible.
It is interesting to note that at the big vendors meeting, held
at CSUN on March 17, no one was really excited about Microsoft's
announcement that it would provide an off screen model with
future generations of Windows. I am told by one developer who
will remain nameless that most of the work has already been done
in terms of getting data for an off screen model. All screen
readers for Windows have already developed their own off screen
model. So, it would seem that having an off screen model is not
that big of a deal.
I concur with this assessment. It is my belief that if Microsoft
is truly interested in making a splash visa vi accessibility, why
not mandate that its own software will follow its own
accessibility standards. How often have we heard that this or
that Microsoft product (e.g., MS Word and MS Access) would not
work with this or that screen reader? Far too often, I am
afraid.
So, let's keep pressing for Microsoft to mandate adherence to
accessibility standards by developers of its own software.
Regards,
Curtis Chong
curtisc@winternet.com
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