Re: HAI software

["Dennis" <djr-google.djrlar@xxxxxxxx>]

Robert,

It's really simpler then you might think to make the PC software
accessible.  There's no need to figure out how to interface it to
either a braille or speech output device.  That's all been done and is
incorporated into our PC access software.  What is required is that the
software programmers be aware of the coding techniques, such as
providing keyboard navigation for all functions, labeling graphics with
text labels, use standard Windows controls rather then Custom controls,
ETC.   These are the programming techniques outlined in the Microsoft
document.

NOW!  Lets talk about making the "Control panels" and other interface
hardware to the ELK system accessible.  That's where some interesting
work needs to be done.  How about utilizing the voice capabilities
already existing in the ELK panel to provide voice feedback for the
control panel menu's and buttons as a starting point.  As an incentive
to the marketing department, don't forget our aging population, with
their failing eyesight.

I would be thrilled to work with you and ELK in anyway I can to improve
the accessibility of the ELK system.

Thanks

Dennis



Robert L Bass wrote:
> >> The poor accessibility of the ELK software to blind
> >> computer users is the only reason I am still considering
> >> HAI.
>
> My company has developed software for up/download, control and diagnosis of fire
> alarm control panels for one of the major manufacturers  -- Edwards Signal, now
> part of GE Security.  The code we developed is totally modular and can easily be
> modified to interface with other types of control panels.  As such it would not
> be difficult for us to write an app for the ELK M1G.  Changing the structure of
> the UI to function within the confines of a Braille PC monitor would be an
> interesting but highly doable project.
>
> On the assumption that what you want is a blind-accessible version of the ELK
> software I called ELK and spoke to Brad Weeks in engineering about this.  This
> week Wade Moose and several of the engineers are at the EH Expo show in Orlando
> I'm not going since I'm in Brazil at the moment but I'll follow through on this
> when they get back to on Monday.
>
> Let me know if this is a major interest to you.  Perhaps we can come up with
> something useful for a lot of visually impaired users.  I've designed physical
> user interfaces to security systems for blind clients in the past.  It's an
> interesting challenge figuring out ways to make common hardware accessible.
>
> --
>
> Regards,
> Robert L Bass
>
> Bass Burglar Alarms
> The Online DIY Store
> http://www.BassBurglarAlarms.com
>
> --
>
> Never underestimate the power of very stupid people in large groups.