- From: Alan Cantor <acantor@oise.utoronto.ca>
- Date: Sun, 25 Apr 1999 23:27:07 -0400 (EDT)
- To: w3c-wai-gl@w3.org
Use features that enable activation of page elements via input devices other than a pointing device (e.g., keyboard, voice, etc.). Interaction with a document must not depend on a particular input device such as a mouse. If, for example, a form control can only be activated with a mouse or other pointing device, someone who is using the page without sight, with voice input, or with a keyboard or who is using an input device other than a mouse will not be able to use the form. I think this passage needs to be qualified or clarified. Some voice input systems (e.g., NaturallySpeaking and DragonDictate) include a voice-activated mouse emulator. Other speech recognition products (ViaVoice and VoiceXpress) lack this feature (at least for now). A mouse-activated form control may be perfectly accessible to someone using one voice input product, but not another. I suggest that this passage be rewritten to reflect more accurately the current state of speech recognition technology. For example: If, for example, a form control is designed to be activated with a mouse or other pointing device, the control may be unusable by someone who cannot see the pointer or operate a mouse; or who uses keyboard-only techniques, dictation software, or an input device that does not emulate a mouse. "Dictation software" is my (provisional!) way to distinguish between (1) products that are designed primarily for inputting text and (2) products that are good for inputting text AND controlling the PC. (This dichotomy is a bit facile, but I hope you find it useful.) Alan Cantor EOWG
Received on Sunday, 25 April 1999 23:27:10 UTC