Technical Information Active Accessibility for Java

Making computers and computer applications easier to use for people with disabilities is an important goal for developers. In March 1997, Microsoft^® announced the release of Active Accessibility^®, a set of technologies designed to help developers create applications called accessibility aids that can be used by people with disabilities. Accessibility aids include utilities that can read the contents of a computer screen by using a voice synthesizer; take spoken dictation; and interpret multimedia sounds with closed caption.

Included in Active Accessibility is Active Accessibility for Java, a suite of standard Java interfaces which enable Java developers to make their applications usable by the millions of computer users with disabilities. Active Accessibility for Java can be employed on any computing platform that supports Java and an accessibility programming model.

The following links provide more detailed information about Active Accessibility:

Active Accessibility for Java Overview - Included is background information about Active Accessibility for Java and who should use it, along with an introduction to its classes and interfaces, and Microsoft's Application Foundation Classes (AFC).

Legal notice and specification - Active Accessibility version 1.0 is available on a perpetual, nonexclusive, royalty-free basis. Read the fine print and the technical specifications for Active Accessibility for Java.

Microsoft Active Accessibility home page - Visit Microsoft's Web site devoted to providing information on what Microsoft is doing to help lower barriers and make the world more accessible.

Press release - Read the March 18, 1997, press release in which Microsoft announced the availability of Active Accessibility for Java.

We're seeking your input. Since the release of Active Accessibility for Java in March 1997, we've made the specifications available for public review and comment. If you have feedback, please send it to javawish@microsoft.com. We will try to respond as quickly as possible.

PC Magazine Online - In an article posted on March 26, 1997, Angela Hickman discusses the importance of accessibility.