Abstract: A system and method for user-defined control of the operation and appearance of a computerized instant messaging service and associated user interface is disclosed, providing ease of use, control over presentation and access to instant messaging services, particularly for unsighted and other users requiring assistive technologies. A instant messaging (IM) application includes an active sessions list (ASL) comprised of algorithmically ordered identifiers of all communicants in current active chat sessions with the user. The list is presented on the desktop and focused by a predefined first hot-key. By selecting identifiers from the list and activating a predefined second hot-key, chat windows associated with the communicants are opened and focused for receipt of responsive messages from the user.

Abstract: A method, program, and apparatus for providing a description of current position in an electronic document are provided. The invention first comprises parsing the electronic document into a parse tree. When the system receives a command from the user requesting current position in the electronic document, an algorithm performs a walk up the parse tree, from the current position to the root of the document. A position response, containing nodes in the walk up the parse tree, is constructed by the algorithm and reported to the user.

Abstract: A method, program, and apparatus for providing a description of current position in an electronic document are provided. The invention first comprises parsing the electronic document into a parse tree. When the system receives a command from the user requesting current position in the electronic document, an algorithm performs a walk up the parse tree, from the current position to the root of the document. A position response, containing nodes in the walk up the parse tree, is constructed by the algorithm and reported to the user.