Skipper Accessibility Suite 1.6.0 Released

Semi-Anonymous Reader writes "Skipper 1.6.0 is a GPLed Linux accessibility suite for the severely physically disabled - cerebral palsy, road traffic accidents, motor neuron disease, Parkinsons etc. It takes input from multiple devices like graphics tablets and microswitches connected directly to the printer port, does input switching and processing (configured graphically like modular synthesisers), and provides clever genetically annealed menu systems for application and desktop control. With just one detectable click, people can have full Web and email access - in fact the whole Linux desktop - in complete privacy. Now the problem's getting it to people who need it. Charities and institutions think physical, Windows and money, so it's down to the geeks. Set up a kid near you this Fall - they might not be the next Einstein or Mozart, but you'll be giving them a lifetime of education, activity, self-expression and self-determination."

Comments

From a user: Thank you!

[the man with the pla]

I lost most of the use of my fingers and 40 percent of my vision in a chemical accident 15 years ago. I am so glad to see linux taking steps to make things more usable for people like me. I truly feel linux will soon take the lead in accessibility (not to mention stability and performance) from Microsoft very soon. Thank you linux hackers! --Berry

Re:translation

[artg]

I read it as :

"Charities and institutions think they need [expensive] special hardware and Windows based software. It's up to geeks to show what can be done with a bit of intelligence and applied engineering"

Due to the relatively small market and high support costs, products made for disabled people are usually pretty expensive. This doesn't only apply to hospital-grade wheelchairs etc., but also to software like screenreaders.