Re: HAI software

[Frank Olson <Use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Robert L Bass wrote:
>>Programmers are so used to
>>programming for mouse navigation, that they forget to include the
>>standard keyboard options, (i.e. use the tab key to move to the next
>>field, hit the alt key to move focus to the menu bar, etc).   Microsoft
>>has documented these programming tips/techniques to help make
>>applications accessible.  They can be found at:
>>
>>www.microsoft.com/enable
>
>
> When we designed the software for Edwards, I was responsible for the UI and the
> help system.  One of the things I insisted on was that every feature of the app
> have keyboard access.  I also insisted that all tables be navigable using [tab]
> and [shift-tab].  To be honest, this had nothing to do with accessibility for
> blind users.  It's because it's much faster accessing sequential and tabular
> data fields using the keyboard than by clicking the mouse.

I'm sure many here will view this as just another "rant" from one of
your detractors, Robert.  This is far from the case.  Anyone that wishes
can email me for the link to the EST site where you can download and
install the Fireshield application, then view Robert's "efforts" first hand.

The Edwards FireShield "Help System" incorporates off-the-shelf software
  called RoboHELP.  At one point in time Robert was using an online
version for bass-home.com.  RoboHELP is a trademark of "eHelp
Corporation".  Robert has no demonstrated involvement in either the
company or in the physical design of the software.  His only
contribution to the FireShield help system involved inputing some sample
help screens that use munged names and took childish "jabs" at some of
the participants in alt.security.alarms.  The software will actually
stand as one of the best examples of "vendetta" in action.

Frank Olson
http://www.yoursecuritysource.com