Thread Subject: Re: Group A: 21(a) keyboard operation

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From: Luke Kowalski
Date: Thu, Oct 19 2006 11:45 AM

[Peter korn wrote] Today all three desktop OSes (Windows, Mac, and UNIX) provide MouseKeys functionality that allows any user who can press a single key on the keypad to move the mouse. Is this reasonable and sufficient? Or should we actually require that every software application provide mouse movement alternatives for moving things like spray cans in painting programs?

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I would like to second Peter's comment about deferring this to the OS layer. Overriding standard mouse control at the OS level with different/local app settings would prob be in conflict with ISO and WCAG points about not breaking interop. Besides...Consistency issues would surface shortly if this were up to each individual authoring app. If there are issues with mousekyes not working in a particular Linux, Windows, or Mac OS, it is probably a separate thing to consider.
The point made earlier about the shapes drawn not being discernible by the reader is also something to mull over as a factor.

luke kowalski, CPE
Corporate UI Architect
http://ui.oracle.com
Redwood Shores, CA 94065
650 506 1227

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