Two weeks ago we aired a show about the Sonar Project which is a specialized GNU/Linux distribution to develop and proof accessibility in a modern distribution. This is a test bed and so every single enhancement and discovery will be sent back upstream so that all distributions will be accessible by default.
The Sonar Project show was downloaded a total of 14,219 times so far and yet only 127 people have donated.
Today it's a case of the blind leading the (simulated) blind as Jonathan Nadeau walks pokey through an install of the Sonar GNU/Linux distribution without a monitor.
So listen along and experience what life is like if you are a blind hacker. Press PAUSE to hear what it would be like if Jonathan had not done so much work already.
Comment #5 posted on 2013-02-20 07:32:25 by William
Hmm
While listening I couldn't help but think it would be much easier for blind people to use a command prompt and lynx-like applications. Perhaps money would be better spend building text based apps for whatever it is that blind folks would like. A text based twitter client specialized for the disabled, stuff like that?
Tabbing through 2d laid out forms - is that really the best way to be doing this?
I'm not blind, but back in the day, I was able to use Windows 95 without a screen to do a few simple things, such as change screen resolution. And it's cool that people who do this a lot get really good at it, but most people shouldn't have to install so many times that they'd get really good at using a GUI without being able to see it.
Also on indiegogo the figure of 1 billion people with disabilities is mentioned. Are there really that many people disabled to the point where they need a special operating system? I admire the project and its goals, but is that not overstating the problem unnecessarily?
I apologize if this sounds harsh. I plan on donating and wish the project luck.
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