First page Back Continue Last page Overview Graphics
What is the Accessibility API's role?
AT today uses many techniques to obtain the information needed to provide access:
- Make standard system calls for things that help them
- Patch/replace/chain video drivers to build Off-Screen Models of the contents of the screen; keyboard drivers in order to redirect keyboard control
- Use application-specific APIs to get information from specific applications
Accessibility APIs replace some/most/all of these with supported programming interfaces
- Some Accessibility APIs may be comprehensive enough to replace the need for an Off-Screen model