Thanks for the great response - I think you managed to clear up a lot of ideas difficult to explain and confusing even for me from time to time.
I wish we could find someone to create a libre web site that, based on the answers to certain questions, it will recommend a number of free software solutions that they can use to improve their computing experience. I absolutely do not want to put this onto a FSF/GNU site as a bug could cause a lawsuit which is just about the last thing we need. Of course, the site would need to be wrapped in disclaimers and it may need to be self voicing as we can't assume a person has a screen reader installed when they first encounter the page.
cdh
On 06/30/2010 06:51 PM, Peter Korn wrote:
Richard,
* We've also discussed "typing disabilities" which is another trash can name as a bunch of things get tossed in that have little relationship to each other. Maybe the right thing to do is to stop categorizing people, and instead categorize the technology in terms of the input or output medium.
I kind of agree, but...
I fundamentally think we need to do both. There isn't a 1:1 mapping here (e.g. not all folks having "typing disabilities" are aided by voice recognition, and voice recognition helps a number of folks not all of whom have "typing disabilities"). But at the same time, it is useful to capture the fact that we have two sets: (1) issues folks have, and (2) tools folks can use. Doing this helps identify gaps - where the set of FLOSS a11y tools isn't sufficient to meet the needs that folks have (and thus inform where we might target further work/investment).
This can also be valuable strategically. The console & graphical GNU/Linux desktop has become a pretty good solution for blind folks. Knowing where the blindness needs gaps are and filling them all in is a potentially useful strategy -> it demonstrates a potentially full FLOSS replacement for proprietary desktops. Having a complete "win" or two becomes a powerful argument for gaining momentum toward further wins. As compared to having a whole bunch of 70% solutions for a variety of disabilities that in the end mean only those folks who (a) don't have money, and (b) don't pirate; or (c) hold to FLOSS principals over functionality, will use a FLOSS solution with some disappointment for what they could have if they were (able /willing to) move to the proprietary world.
Regards,
Peter
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