Sealbhach
October 15th, 2008, 10:27 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online/7623147.stm
Some interesting snippets:
Another program aimed at those with visual disabilities is ZoomText which goes further than the basic accessibility software built in to Microsoft Windows.
This program has more colour and magnification options, making a big difference.
But Computer Aid's ambitious project is not just about teaching people, it is about getting them into jobs.....
But these technologies come at a high price. Computer Aid can refurbish a used PC for around $60 (£39) but the adaptive software can retail for 40 times that amount.
Despite having negotiated some special rates, Tony Roberts, Computer Aid's founder, is looking for a new solution...
"We're appealing to open source programmers to come forward and work with us so that we can provide that technology at a cost that all blind and visually impaired users can afford."
Dapo Ladimeji, who founded the Free Software and Open Source Foundation For Africa, believes the times are changing and charities can no longer necessarily expect programmers to do things just for the thrill...
Many Africans like Windows, which they see as a sort of gold standard - partly because it is so widely used in the developed world. In the short term at least, it is Windows that will deliver the widest used solution.
.
Some interesting snippets:
Another program aimed at those with visual disabilities is ZoomText which goes further than the basic accessibility software built in to Microsoft Windows.
This program has more colour and magnification options, making a big difference.
But Computer Aid's ambitious project is not just about teaching people, it is about getting them into jobs.....
But these technologies come at a high price. Computer Aid can refurbish a used PC for around $60 (£39) but the adaptive software can retail for 40 times that amount.
Despite having negotiated some special rates, Tony Roberts, Computer Aid's founder, is looking for a new solution...
"We're appealing to open source programmers to come forward and work with us so that we can provide that technology at a cost that all blind and visually impaired users can afford."
Dapo Ladimeji, who founded the Free Software and Open Source Foundation For Africa, believes the times are changing and charities can no longer necessarily expect programmers to do things just for the thrill...
Many Africans like Windows, which they see as a sort of gold standard - partly because it is so widely used in the developed world. In the short term at least, it is Windows that will deliver the widest used solution.
.