[Hudlug] Fwd: FOSS community, disabled users must learn to communicate

[Ben Fowler]

On 3/18/06, Anne Wilson <cannewilson at tiscali.co.uk> wrote:
> This article does seem relevant at this point.
>
> Subject: FOSS community, disabled users must learn to communicate
>
> here is an article I wrote on this subject:
>
> http://software.newsforge.com/software/06/03/13/1628249.shtml?tid=150

I have mixed feelings about Newsforge, and as for the Massachussets and ODF
question, I am frankly embarassed that provision for accessibility has
been dragged
into it.

My main interest is in providing resources and guidance for my
neighbours whether
those neighbours are brain surgeons, rocket scientists or simply
reside in Howden
Clough. Since this group now includes one person with a complete visual handicap
I am interested in every means whereby a group whose credo includes "self help"
can enable access to computing resources for that person.

I am considering things like: Who should chose software me or him? Which things
should be eyes free and which doable with a sighted assistant. (Choosing and
using a document interchange format is well down this list). I am also
doing a lot of
study and reading around these topics.

The biggest thing that FOSS brings to the party is the notion that hard problems
should need to be solved only once; next is the undoubted fact that open source
methods (under whatever name) bring together: A person who has a problem,
a person who understands the problem and a person who can solve the problem.
It is this confluence of point of need and delivery of expertise that makes it
so successful.

Anyway, I will add the link and at some point I will write an essay by way of a
response or supplement to your article.

Ben