Software helps the visually impaired
The South African National Council for the Blind has launched a venture with the Digital Accessible Information Systems (Daisy) Consortium and a large software company to develop solutions for blind and print-disabled (partially blind) people.
At the core of this initiative is a software programming language called Daisy XML, which converts ordinary XML (Extensible Markup Language) documents into a format that can be read by a rolling Braille keyboard.
The structure of Daisy XML documents enables quick navigation by heading or page number, and offers the ability for impaired users to access indexes and other references, all with synchronised audio and text.
Jill Wagner, executive director of the SANCB said: “The investment of time and energy into the often complex conversion process has been the biggest challenge for visually impaired people.
“Together with the SA Library for the Blind, we look forward to testing the product,” she said.
Currently, the library produces a variety of accessible audio and Braille reading materials to about 6500 visually impaired adults who are members of the library service.
“But there are hundreds more people who might benefit from more accessible reading materials, including visually impaired children and those at universities who require learning materials in accessible formats,” Wagner said.
Another barrier to access to computer documents and programmes is the cost of output devices, such as Braille keyboards, which can cost more than R1000.
Tshepo Tsele, a director of Paperless Consulting, said: “The technology is currently being used in major universities.
“Wits University has several units, but the average South African might find the equipment a bit expensive.
“It’s speciality equipment and will cost more than the average PC even though it only produces text,” he said.
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