Support for braille and speech devices under Linux

[Jason John Griffin White <jasonw ariel ucs unimelb EDU AU>]

It seems clear to me that one of the principal reasons why more users of 
adaptive technologies do not turn to Linux as their preferred solution is 
the lack of available software to make the operating system accessible 
using a variety of braille and speech devices. This problem has of course 
been a recurring topic for discussion on this list. There are excellent 
programmes currently available, such as Emacspeak and several braille 
display drivers (including a version of Screen designed to operate with a 
braille display). However, the range of supported devices is limited. 
Many potential users do not have the time or proknowledge of computer 
programming required to write additional device drivers or screen access 
software. As Dr. Raman pointed out in a recent message on this list, 
Linux is an excellent alternative when one is not required to use the 
same software as one's colleagues, but wishes to achieve comparable 
results in one's preferred operating environment.

There is consequently a need for those who wish to promote the use of 
Linux to develop strategies for encouraging better support for the 
available braille displays and speech synthesizers, and promote the 
maintenance of software which provides full access to this operating 
system. In my own case, I have a DECTALK-PC speech synthesizer and an 
INKA braille display made by BAUM products. Both of these devices 
cooperate well together under MS-DOS (using a screen reader for the 
speech synthesizer), but neither is supported under Linux. My own 
situation is obviously quite common to potential users of this operating 
system. How can such a problem be addressed? How can people with relevant 
resources and expertise be encouraged to devote time and effort to 
addressing this issue? How can developers of braille and speech hardware 
be encouraged to provide the technical specifications needed in order for 
device drivers to be written? Would it be best to develop a common 
standard by which screen access software could communicate with speech 
and braille devices, as is done in the UltraSoniX screen reader 
(according to some of the descriptions of it which I have read)? Finally, 
should emphasis be placed on access to the Unix shell interface, or 
access to X-Windows, or is it possible to achieve both at once given the 
resources that can be made available? Are there any organizations that 
could offer support and resources for such work?

I do not have answers to any of the above questions, but I do think that 
they, as well as other related matters, ought to be considered and discussed.

Regards,

Jason White.