Motif and Common Desktop Environment: Style Guide Migration Version

Motif and CDE 2.1 Style Guide

Existing Keyboard Access Features

When designing Motif applications, be aware of existing system-level keymappings that access features used in the X Windows server. These server features, known as AccessX, provide basic workstation accessibility, typically used by people with mobility impairments. AccessX became a supported part of the X Windows server in Version X11/R6.

The built-in server-level access features include:

StickyKeys

Provides locking or latching of modifier keys (for example, Shift, Control) so that they can be used without simultaneously pressing the keys being modified. This allows single-finger operation of multiple key combinations.

RepeatKeys

Delays the onset of key repeat, allowing a user with limited coordination time to release keys before multiple characters are sent.

SlowKeys

Requires a key to be held down for a set period before keypress acceptance. This allows a user with limited coordination to accidentally press keys without sending too many keypress events.

MouseKeys

An alternative to using the mouse, provides keyboard-based explicit control of cursor movement and all mouse button press/release events.

ToggleKeys

Indicates a locking key state with a tone when pressed, for example, Caps Lock.

BounceKeys

Requires a delay between keystrokes before accepting the next keypress so a user with tremors can accidentally press the same key without sending too many keypress events.

To avoid conflicts between Motif applications and current and future access tools, use Table 10, which lists the key mappings that have been reserved for AccessX.

Table 10. AccessX Key Mappings

Keyboard Mapping	Reserved For
5 consecutive clicks of shift	On/Off for StickyKeys
Shift held down 8 seconds	On/Off for SlowKeys and RepeatKeys
6 consecutive clicks of Ctrl	On/Off for screen-reader numeric keypad functions.
6 consecutive clicks of Alt	Reserved for future AccessX use.