David,
 
I spent yesterday working through some of the permutations.
 
I resolved a couple of my own questions.  First, that  Python based NVDA 
functions independent of the Java Runtime Environment - Java Access Bridge. 
 
NVDA does require the JRE and Java Access Bridge to properly control programs 
that are implemented with the Java Access Bridge API, unfortunately that 
includes LibreOffice. 
 
But NVDA will remain functional with the JRE & JAB removed. NVDA only needs to 
be momentarily shut down when uninstalling the JAB & JRE and can be restarted 
as the uninstall completes.
 
=-=-=
 
Another issue, per-user LibreOffice profile from past installation attempts or 
prior versions must be removed.  
 
Uninstallation of LibreOffice leaves the per-user configuration files intact. 
 
This is intentional from the LibreOffice developers perspective--but it 
adversely affects installation or re-installation of LibreOffice with 
accessibility tools and needs to be rebuilt cleanly.
 
The per-user configuration is located at:
 
C:\Users\<yourusername>\AppData\Roaming\LibreOffice
 
Simply delete the LibreOffice folder and subfolders. And proceed with removal 
and reinstallation of the JRE, enabling the JAB, and lastly installing 
LibreOffice with AT enabled.
 
=-=-=
 
Finally, I am curious as to how incomplete the Flat Review LibreOffice JAB 
based Assistive Technology tools are compared to the Windows IAccessible2 based 
tools, or Linux AT-SPI based, or even the Apple Accessibility API based 
renderings.
 
Since IBM continues to develop and distribute the Lotus Symphony suite, current 
release is 3.0.1 and is free to download and  use.
 
http://symphony.lotus.com/software/lotus/symphony/home.nsf/home/ 
<http://symphony.lotus.com/software/lotus/symphony/home.nsf/home/>  
 
I grabbed a set of Windows installers (32-bit), and the FixPack1 for 3.0.1 from
 
http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/downloads/ls/symphony/ 
<http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/downloads/ls/symphony/> 
 
In a side by side comparison using NVDA and the same .odt document -- the 
IAccessible2 based Symphony clearly accessed more of the MSAA-IAccessible roles 
than did the Java Access Bridge based LibreOffice.  Cursor navigation, and 
object based mode functioned--as did reporting of font changes, style and 
header levels and voicing of program annotations like spelling errors. Clearly 
under NVDA Symphony Document is more useable as an editor. Similar results in 
the Spreadsheet compared to Calc.
 
=-=-=
 
I'm going to press on and do the same comparison between a Linux Orca session 
of LibreOffice's  AT-SPI based interface, and Symphony (in both Windows and 
Linux versions)--but suspect it will simply confirm there are serious 
shortcomings to the Java Access Bridge -- UNO a11y  role mappings in 
LibreOffice on the Windows side. 
 
I can't say if this has been the state since inception, or is a recent change 
but will have a little better feel of what roles are working in Linux  with ATK 
side versus in Windows with JAB and may then be able to rationally present the 
case of regression or needed enhancement to the developers. There is an open 
metabug on the Linux AT-SPI ATK AT-SPI2 side for Orca  , maybe we need 
something similar on the Windows JAB side.( 
https://bugs.freedesktop.org/show_activity.cgi?id=36549 )
 
=-=-=
 
In the interim, until the Java Access Bridge based Windows functions are 
corrected--or until LibreOffice moves fully to and UNO a11y role -  
IAccessible2  role mapping under the IBM Symphony contribution--you may want to 
look at using the free IBM Symphony 3.0.1--of course that leaves you without 
Draw, Base or an Equation editor.
 
Stuart
 
p.s.  CC'd to the Dev list--looking to contact whomever has the best grasp of 
the JRE Java Access Bridge based Assistive Technologies used on the Windows 
side mappings of the UNO a11y  roles.  Difficult to tell what is not working as 
intended, versus what has never been implemented, versus issues with the JRE 
and Java Access Bridge. What I know for sure is that other than the missing 
enhancements of IAccessible2, LibreOffice for Windows is not meeting its AT 
functional goals.

________________________________

From: David Goldfield [mailto:dgold...@asb.org]
Sent: Tue 10/9/2012 7:44 AM
To: V Stuart Foote
Subject: RE: [libreoffice-accessibility] Latest Libo Won't Play Nice with myJRE



Hello.
I uninstalled the components in the order in which you suggested.  Using 
another installed screen reader I reinstalled all software in the order 
suggested and ensured that the a.t. support checkbox was checked when 
installing Libreoffice 3.6.  I also enabled JAB via the control panel under 
accessibility settings but I still find that I have no access with LO 3.6 and 
NVDA 2012.2.1.
David


David Goldfield
Computer Technology Instructor
919 Walnut Street
4th Floor
Philadelphia, PA  19107

215-627-0600 ext 3277
FAX:  215-922-0692

mailto:dgold...@asb.org
http://www.asb.org <http://www.asb.org/> 


Serving Philadelphia's and the nation's blind and visually impaired population 
since 1874.

         
-----Original Message-----
From: V Stuart Foote [mailto:vstuart.fo...@utsa.edu]
Sent: Sunday, October 07, 2012 9:05 PM
To: Kevin Cussick; accessibil...@global.libreoffice.org
Subject: RE: [libreoffice-accessibility] Latest Libo Won't Play Nice with my JRE

Kevin,

Golly. I hate to keep harping on this.  And I know it must seem like we are 
asking you to jump through hoops.

But as Tom notes the effort is to clear it everything off and start clean from 
a known state. In your latest attempt you've ended up non-functional.

To have a correct outcome, the install order IS important. LibreOffice gets 
install LAST.

Remove in this order: 

  1.   LibreOffice
   2.  NVDA
   3.  Java Access Bridge
   4.  Java Runtime Environment

Install in this order

    1. Java Runtime Environment
    2. Java Access Bridge
    3. NVDA
    4. LibreOffice

But note this:  with JRE 1.7u7, the Java Access Bridge v2.0.3 is installed 
automatically and just needs to be enabled with a "jabswitch.exe /enable" 
command.   Only for JRE 1.6 do you still need to use the JWin utility to 
install and configure Java Access Bridge v2.0.2. 

In other words you should no longer use the JWin program with JRE 1.7 greater 
than update 6. Rather, simply enable the built in Java Access Bridge and then 
install NVDA and finally LibreOffice.

Also, during LibreOffice 3.6 installation, on the last page of Installation 
Wizard configuration "Ready to Install the Program" there will be two check 
boxes 1) "Create a start link on desktop", and 2) "Support assistive technology 
tools"  Check that box and then select the Install button.

The assistive technology checkbox is off by default--and must be checked to 
enable assistive technology in LibreOffice without navigating the Tools -> 
Options -> Accessibility and Tools -> Options Java menus. 

Without the Accessibility "Support assistive technology tools" checked, NVDA 
will read the outside frame elements of LibreOffice-but will not be able to 
read or navigate text within the components.

Stuart

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