Chapter 1 Introduction to Accessibility

This chapter introduces you to accessibility in the GNOME desktop.

Overview of Accessibility

The core business of Sun Microsystems is to connect people to information and services, including people with disabilities. Therefore, a key goal of Sun Microsystems is to provide a desktop that incorporates accessibility features to enable people with disabilities to use the desktop easily and efficiently. Recent legislation such as Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act also heightens awareness of the need to provide accessible software.

The GNOME desktop is easy to use and incorporates many accessibility features. Every application and utility in the desktop is designed with accessibility and usability in mind. Users with physical disabilities such as low vision or impaired motor skills can use all of the functionality of the desktop thanks to the customization tools that are available. The customization tools enable you to customize the appearance and behavior of the desktop.

The customizability of the desktop contributes greatly to the accessibility of the desktop. This manual describes the various customization options that you can use to tailor the desktop to suit your particular needs.