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