Comment 18 for bug 275450

[quote]
It can not be used to enter the password
[/quote]

Onboard CAN be used to enter the password at GDM ! (if automatic login is not enabled)

Indeed, on the bottom panel there is an icon resembling a man; it is the accessibility icon (the usual wheelchair icon instead of the vetruvian man icon might be easier to understand). Clicking on it will open the accessibility dialog. In the accessibility dialog there is a checkbox named: Type without a keyboard. By activating that checkbox, onboard will appear at the GDM screen.

Of course, for computers used by only one person, it is probably more straightforward to activate automatic login.

[quote]
... it makes it harder for me as a user who needs them to find them. As a result, I feel I can't recommend Ubuntu to friends who need accessibility features...

The more it gets hidden away (or removed to things that require typing), the harder it will be to encourage more people to try Ubuntu on the tablet or other similar set-ups.
[/quote]

Unfortunately, I can only agree !!!