Re: GDM accessibility sans AT-SPI

[Bill Haneman <Bill Haneman Sun COM>]

Henrik Nilsen Omma wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> Another controversial post to g-a ...
>
> I'm currently looking at GDM accessibility and it strikes me that there 
> is a strong case for doing this without using AT-SPI. The themed version 
> currently does not work properly with the AT-SPI features and on the 
> plain greeter version there is still a fair amount of configuration 
> required.
>   
Actually by "themed version" you are referring to branding-type themes; 
the existing gdmlogin screen DOES work quite well with 
accessibility-related themes, for instance large print, high contrast, 
inverse, etc. etc.
> Both the AT-SPI framework and the assistive apps are complex things that 
> will need some work to get working Just Right at the login. It also 
> takes some time to load. AT-SPI is great for global desktop access since 
> adding access to every single app would be silly. However, GDM is *not a 
> desktop app* and also has a simple and predictable interface so it makes 
> sense to look at other options.
>
> I've written a spec describing a login system with built-in access support.
> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Accessibility/Specs/GdmAccessLite
>
> This may not be the right way to go but I think we should consider it 
> before starting work on fixing the current model.
>   
I don't know what needs to be "fixed" in the current model.  I also 
don't think it practical to try to build accessibility into the GDM 
greeter without allowing the use of assistive technologies, and the 
latter functionality clearly requires AT-SPI.

As I see it, the accessibility issues and use cases at login are largely 
the same as the ones that apply when the desktop is posted.  Therefore, 
the same fix (i.e. AT-SPI) is appropriate.

Bill
> Henrik
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