JetBrains IDEs are improving accessibility by removing repeated workflow friction. Work focuses on better interaction with OS-level assistive technologies, including cursor tracking for Windows Magnifier so it follows the text cursor while typing. Earlier macOS Zoom cursor tracking support is being extended to Windows. For Linux, JetBrains IDEs will support Orca screen reader and GNOME Magnifier in supported environments starting with version 2026.2. Keyboard navigation is also being improved, including main menu access on Windows by pressing Alt to move focus to the main menu for keyboard navigation. These changes aim to make accessibility less dependent on the operating system and more consistent across platforms.
"One of the key areas we've been working on is improving how JetBrains IDEs interact with OS-level accessibility tools. Improved Magnifier support on Windows Screen magnifiers are among the most commonly used assistive technologies in JetBrains IDEs. Until recently, the built-in Windows Magnifier didn't reliably follow the text cursor in the editor, making navigation and editing more difficult for low-vision users. We've implemented support for cursor tracking so Magnifier follows text as you type, just as it does in other applications."
"This builds on earlier work on macOS, where we addressed text cursor tracking with macOS Zoom. Now, the same support is being extended to Windows. Orca and GNOME Magnifier support on Linux With version 2026.2, coming this summer, JetBrains IDEs will allow you to use the Orca screen reader and GNOME Magnifier in supported Linux environments. This is an active area of work, with multiple related tasks already underway."
"Accessibility shouldn't depend on your operating system, and we're continuing to improve support across platforms. More predictable keyboard navigation We've also been making it easier to move through the IDE without relying on a mouse. Main menu access with Alt on Windows In native Windows applications, pressing Alt moves the focus to the main menu, allowing you to navigate it with the keyboard. This behavior was previously missing from JetBrains IDEs, and screen readers, such as NVD"
#software-accessibility #assistive-technologies #keyboard-navigation #screen-readers #cross-platform-support
Read at The JetBrains Blog
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