The BCS is backing an open source initiative to promote
the development of assistive technology.
Assistive technology is an area of computing closely related to
accessibility and usability. It provides developers with an insight
into usability that can be directly related to more mainstream
software.
The technology includes equipment designed to assist people do
anything from speak (for example, by using a synthesised voice),
access a computer, control a TV, turn on the lights or generally
live a full and independent life.
Typical assistive technology devices include text-to-speech
screen readers, alternative keyboards and mice, head pointing
devices, voice recognition software, and screen magnification
software.
The Open Source Assistive Technology Software (Oats) project is
a one-year pilot scheme. It was set up last year to provide a
"one-stop shop" for end-users, clinicians and open source
developers to meet, exchange notes, promote new ideas, develop new
software and download reliable open source assistive technology
software.
Given the emerging importance of assistive technology within the
open source field, the BCS Open Source Specialist Group is
supporting Oats as it comes to the end of its year-long evaluation.
If successful, Oatsaims to become a self-supporting, ongoing
web-based service.
The project develops and provides information on open source
assistive technology programs to enable users to find appropriate
software.
It is hoped that the site will create a community of users who
will find appropriate software, comment on it and feed back to the
authors.
The nature of open source development allows easier
customisation to users' needs - a likely requirement for people
with unique needs as a result of a disability. The user is allowed
a closer relationship with the developer and software can often be
originated directly from specific users' needs. Open source is also
a fertile ground for innovation, collaboration and
standardisation.
As part of its support for the Oats project, the BCS Open Source
Specialist Group will be holding a meeting dedicated to it in
August.
The BCS Open Source Specialist Group exists to help demystify
open source practice and its implications, to illuminate the pros
and cons of open source and to act as a centre of expertise on open
source within the BCS.
www.oatsoft.org