blind + linux = blinux

[M. J. P. Senk]

http://www.linuxmall.com/news/features/000313_Blinux.php3

carries the following article:

       
                       Feeling Your Way Through Linux
                                      
                              By Michelle Head
                                      
     If "the blind leading the blind" sounds like an inefficient way of
     getting things done, you are definitely not looking at the FAQ or
                         usergroup page for BLinux.
                                      
    The innovative and cooperative spirit of Open Source is illustrated
   best by a group like BLinux (or Blind + Linux). BLinux and its related
    pages, BLinux-list and BLinux-announce runneth over with questions,
    comments and tips from all kinds of users and specialists. Visually
   impaired users or sighted friends who assist them mine that source of
   information constantly, finding new solutions to old problems in Open
                               Source style.
                                      
     The BLinux-announce mailing list heralds new software that can be
    downloaded and concerns about new products can be addressed. The FAQ
   page is informative enough to give anyone an idea of what Linux has to
     offer the blind or visually impaired user. And if you need to ask
     questions, get referrals to other sites or just feel like spouting
                   off, BLinux-list is the place for you.
                                      
   The site addresses individual speech synthesizers, braille terminals,
   screen readers and text editors. Since braille and speech synthesizing
   software are available but no single composite system for the visually
    impaired user currently exits, the site instead provides a wealth of
    downloadable software as well as information on compiling a complete
         system tailored to the needs of the individual Linux user.
   Combinations of different brands and types of equipment are discussed
                in terms of compatibility and effectiveness.
                                      
   In this respect, Linux's flexibility enables the user to configure the
     differing units required by the computer to his/her own needs. One
   BLinux-list member mentioned that changing the "inner workings of any
    OS component to suit one's liking...brands one as a hacker at best,
     and probably a cracker. It will take some time, therefore, for the
       Windows refugee to get accustomed to the idea that this is not
       blasphemous, let alone that it is accepted and even expected."
   Expected, at least, among the visually impaired, who are finding that
            Linux is a great solution to their unique problems.
                                      
     The BLinux administrator regularly updates the information on the
    list; most recently, addresses for new pages about Emacspeak at the
   BLinux site appeared on the email list as well. Emacspeak is a speech
     interface that allows visually impaired users to interact with the
    computer. Emacspeak is also available free on the Internet. One page
    contained several printed-page-long contributions from various users
    explaining, in painstaking detail, the ins and outs of Emacspeak for
                      anyone needing the information.
                                      
    Another BLinux-list member, a systems analyst from South America and
    long-time supporter of Open Source, mentioned that one of the major
   obstacles to computer accessibility for the blind is cost. "Currently
     a few of them are using JAWS/Win98, but most of (the blind) cannot
   afford the license cost. Another reason is that a lot of 486 PCs were
     donated, and I'm confident that using Linux/Emackspeak (sic) and a
      sound card the machine will be a very cheap option for a lot of
   people." Since Linux runs easily on older computers, this sounds like
                              a perfect match.
                                      
    Linked to BLinux's Tips page is the home page of Jos Lemmens; among
       the products discussed here are Jabt, a program that displays
     information form the screen directly on the braille terminal, and
           Xabt, which reads information from the Linux xterm via
     vt100-emulation. Xabt also displays on the braille terminal. Both
     programs include a simple form of Screader, which reads the Linux
        virtual console screen and transmits information to a speech
                                synthesizer.
                                      
      As stated on the home page, "the purpose of BLinux is to improve
   usability of the Linux operating system for the user who is blind." To
      this end, the site contains archives and distribution sites for
    related software and projects for continuing development. For those
    wishing to volunteer their talents in the development or testing of
    such software, project sites are also available at the bottom of the
                              BLinux FAQ page.
                                      

The site is http://www.leb.net/blinux/