Microsoft Donates Software Specs To Aid People With DisabilitiesMicrosoft Donates Software Specs To Aid People With Disabilities

Microsoft will contribute its UI Automation specification to the Accessibility Interoperability Alliance, which was recently formed to aid in the creation of products that are accessible to people with disabilities.

Microsoft's UI Automation spec is aimed at helping developers include accessibility functionality in products like screen readers for blind people via operating systems including Windows XP and Vista.

"By making Microsoft UI Automation freely available we hope to increase the accessibility of many information and communications technologies and to drive cross-platform interoperability," said Norm Hodne, Microsoft Windows Accessibility lead, in a statement Thursday.

Other AIA members include Adobe Systems, Bayfirst Solutions, HP, Novell, and Oracle.

Microsoft noted that the goal of the AIA is to encourage collaboration among developers and AIA members to reduce barriers faced by people with disabilities when they seek to use advanced technologies.

Microsoft's UI Automation is aimed at enabling the development of applications that require fewer updates and less customization so they can easily interact with future user interfaces and controls. Microsoft said it will grant royalty-free licenses for any of its patents that are deemed necessary to implement portions of the UI Automation specification.

"Microsoft UI Automation represents what the interface can do rather than how it is presented visually, making it easier for both the application developer and assistive technology developers to create rich experiences for their users including people who are blind," said Hodne.