Re: Forming an Accessibility Steering Committee

["Steve Lee" <steve fullmeasure co uk>]

Aaron your comment is good. Perhaps we just need to keep a collective
eye on the big picture? Having a regular discussion may ensure we
cover strategy? Whatever this discussion is great.

On 19/12/2007, Brian Cameron <Brian Cameron sun com> wrote:
> 2) What would you like to see the Committee be responsible for doing?

Ensuring GNOME 'just works' for as wide a range of users as possible,
covering small a11y tweaks to full-blown ATs.
Ensuring Linux/GNOME is the choice for users wanting a11y

(sorry they're fuzzy)

> 3) What do you see that is blocking progress (or hindering acceptance)
>     of GNOME a11y.  What do you think could be done to improve things?

The issues I see when promoting Open Source a11y around the UK
(oatsoft.org, senit, schoolforge.org.uk) are that with a few
exceptions:

1) users including clinicians and suppliers don't see Linux as a option
2) support organisations are concerned about the cost of having
another OS to support, especially one with many flavours.
3) residual erroneous fears about open source

I think Willie is right in saying that it really needs
evangelism/marketing effort in order alter opinions and get the great
work in GNOME to the users who can benefit.

As Linux becomes a real option for consumers it would be fantastic if
those needing accessibility were drawn to it as it provides the best
options. e.g an eye tracking system would be a winner as commercial
systems are so expensive

Things are definitely moving in the right direction. We should attempt
to further reduce entry barriers by more of:

* help developers understand the general issues and what they can/should do
* reduce the load for app developers in adding and testing a11y
* make creating new innovative AT's easy
* enable users to easily find the options or ATs they will benefit from
* docs/education/evangalism

> 4) Assuming that we can identify a list of tasks in the answers to the
>     above questions, would you be willing to invest time in the Committee
>     to chip in and take on tasks to make progress in these areas?

Sure, given time.

-- 
Steve Lee
--
Jambu - Alternative Access to Computers
www.fullmeasure.co.uk