Telerik has unveiled an enhanced version of its RadEditor ASP.NET AJAX. The tool retains its current functionality — out-of-the-box XHTML-enabled output, a wide range of HTML editing capabilities, and intuitive formatting tools — while integrating support for advanced screen-reading technologies such as Job Access With Speech (JAWS). Telerik focused particularly on creating logical pathways and functionality for blind and partially sighted users, such as simplifying the process of browsing to content nested several folders deep and making it easier for programs like JAWS to recognize various RadEditor elements, tools, and onscreen dialog.

RadEditor will be deployed as part of the new RNIB website and be a key part of a new Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 (MOSS)-based website developed for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) that will enable better management and sharing of content for blind and partially sighted users. Upgrades to RadEditor were developed in conjunction with RNIB, the UK’s leading charity supporting blind and partially sighted people and Content and Code, a Microsoft Gold Partner specializing in building MOSS solutions. The three organizations formed a collaborative partnership, with key development personnel from each organization working together at Content and Code’s London headquarters.

“Often, when people talk about accessibility, they have neither a fundamental grasp of what the term means nor a true interest in solving real-world accessibility issues,” said Tervel Peykov, Senior ASP.NET developer at Telerik and lead software developer on the RNIB project. “By working closely with RNIB, we came away with both a deeper understanding of some of the challenges faced by blind and partially sighted users and a real desire to address those hurdles. RadEditor was designed to provide the highest level of accessibility possible for all users, which translates into greater opportunities for interaction and productivity.”