ParenteNotes
Jason’s notes on Pete’s talk.
Contact information for Peter Parente: pparent@us.ibm.com
Linux Screen Reader:
The term “screen reader” was coined by IBM in 1986. It referred to a software program that reads whats on the screen for an individual who cannot see the screen. The term is a bit of a misnomer today however, and can be more appropriately defined as an access engine for providing an alternative interface to existing software programs.
Who needs to use a screen reader?
- 10 million people with visual impairments
– 1.8 million people with learning disabilities
– 800 thousand switch users
– 101.5 million commuters
– 10 million mobile “surfers”
Current solutions:
- JAWS screen reader
– Clique audio display prototype
Current trends in screen reading:
- At least one screen reader for every major platform
– User base is blind and visually impaired only
– Most are commercial, $800 per user per version
– Development focuses on application compatibility
Linux Screen Reader:
- Seventh screen reader system developed at IBM
– Open source for the Linux GNOME desktop
– Relies on a platform accessibility architecture
– Designed for extensibility and modification
– Roughly nine months into development
– Written in Python
Initial goals:
- Non-visual access to applications out-of-the-box
– Improved usability via cascading scripts
– Application and interface agnostic
– Access to the “Big Three”: Firefox, Eclipse, and OpenOffice
Long term goals:
- Deployment inside IBM
– Inclusion in major Linux distros
– Access to the entire GNOME desktop
– Support for users with other disabilities
– Community feedback and contributions