Java Accessibility Helper v0.7

For three months last year, I worked on updating a Java application written by Jeff Dunn called the Java Accessibility Helper. It hadn't been looked at in a couple of years and had collected a load of bug reports against it. It also had a couple of serious usability issues.

So what exactly is it I hear you ask? The Helper aids developers in making their JFC-based applications accessible to users with disabilities. The application is run in conjunction with the Helper and a report is generated that includes a prioritized list of problems and potential problems found during this testing.

For example, the Helper verifies that all input fields in an application can be reached using only the keyboard. It does not require the source code for the application being tested and will work with any AWT- or Swing-based application.

Last week, this new version was released as early access software on java.sun.com.

Here is an overview of the changes in v0.7:

• The Helper now uses a separate installer, which needs to be run after the software has been initially downloaded. There is also an uninstaller that can be run to remove the Helper from your system.
• The Java applet support has been adjusted to use an HTML file to define the applet information, rather than directly reading the applet class file. This allows applet name/value pairs to be defined in the HTML file and read in by the Helper.
• Testing of Java applications started by a script now "just works". No need to force the script to recognize special Helper specific command line options.
• Adjusted the Helper to use the JDK 1.4 focus management API calls. Only apps compiled with JDK 1.4.X or later can now be successfully tested with the Helper.
• If you try to overwrite a report file that already exists, it now displays a popup asking you if you want to replace that file or not.
• The initial directory for the "Open Test Set..." file chooser is now the current working directory rather than the users home directory. Similar change for the "Save Test Set As..." and "Save Report As..." functionality.
• The following bugs have been fixed:
  • 4478189 - Feedback dialog should be integrated into main window.
  • 4496254 - empty report should say no items found.
  • 4496262 - must check for proper installation at startup.
  • 4498920 - Report: components with icon should report icon name.
  • 4498929 - Helper behaves strangely when target dies.
  • 4498930 - Incorrect LABEL_FOR error for Combo Box items
  • 4498943 - Menu items should not report 'null accessible description'
  • 4498947 - Allow customization of timeouts.
  • 4498989 - Should check for target executable on PATH.
  • 4523717 - Install option shouldn't allow installation into pre-1.3 JVMs.
  • 4524860 - Installer: locate VM browser should remember path.
  • 4524866 - Installer allows duplicate entries.
  • 4526542 - disabled components are not tested
  • 4645434 - exception occurs during installation.
  • 4645436 - helper fails to test java wrapper script/executable.
  • 4717863 - exceptions testing with netbeans.
  • 4838227 - Report should list getName() value of components.

The documentation is online if you are interested in learning more. There is also a mailing list called jaccesshelper@sun.com where you can ask questions or provide feedback regarding this software.

[Technorati Tag: accessibility]

( Mar 07 2005, 08:48:53 AM PST ) [Listen] Permalink