[u-a-dev] Ubuntu 11.10 Accessibility & Human Factors Issues

[Penelope Stowe]

On Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 3:04 AM, Luke Yelavich <themuso at ubuntu.com> wrote:

> This was sent to the dev list, and probably should really be on the main
> accessibility list.
>
> ----- Forwarded message from "lenscom.uk at gmail.com" <lenscom.uk at gmail.com>
> -----
>
> Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:00:25 +0000
> From: "lenscom.uk at gmail.com" <lenscom.uk at gmail.com>
> To: ubuntu-accessibility-devel at lists.ubuntu.com
> Subject: [u-a-dev] Ubuntu 11.10 Accessibility & Human Factors Issues
>
> Dear All
>
> I have been using Ubuntu 10.04 LTS since it was released and have found
> it to be the best desktop user interface in existence. It is rich in
> functions and features for both novice and expert users. I believe the
> Ubuntu 10.04 accessibility and human interface is 1st class for every
> type of user. Listings of all applications are easily accessed from the
> top menu / launcher bar. And application icons can be added or removed
> just as easily. The whole system is very easy to customise
>
> However, I have recently installed version 11.10 and have been very
> disappointed with the inability to quickly access the range of
> applications without having to go through the layers of options from the
> menu bar. I have not yet found any way to customise the side menu /
> launcher bar in order that I can add my frequently used application or
> utilities icons and remove less frequently used applications.  I am
> finding version 11.10 extremely frustrating and difficult to use and
> administer.
>
> I have recently recommended Ubuntu to friends who were thinking of
> purchasing new desktop and laptops. Being curious I thought I ought to
> try Ubuntu 11.10 to ensure I provide support to them if they wanted to
> try it. I am now very concerned about my recommendation and can only
> point them to using version 10.04 LTS until 2013 when the next LTS
> version is released.
>
> To improve and compete with other commercial systems I believe is right.
> However, to incorporate an awkward layered look and feel for accessing
> user applications and system utilities, I think is likely to seriously
> impact the take up and use of Ubuntu.
>
> I therefore, implore the Ubuntu design authorities to seriously review
> the accessibility and human factors aspects of the next LTS version in
> relation to the above comments. I am fearful that the next Ubuntu LTS
> version could fall into the same inaccessibility and poor human factors
> trap that other (non-mentionable) commercial operating systems have
> done.
>
> Best Regards
> Len Watts
>
>
Hi Len,

Could you be a little  more specific about how you use your computer? Are
you using a screen-reading program such as Orca or are you using a mouse?
The Ubuntu Accessibility team is really about making it possible for people
with impairments to be able to use Ubuntu and I didn't notice any specifics
in your post that made it clear to me what your access needs were beyond a
traditional user.

If your problem is that you're having trouble with finding the applications
you want to use when using the computer in a traditional manner (mouse,
keyboard, etc.), you might want to look at the information on how to use
Lenses and how to customize the Launcher (I know for adding and removing,
if you right click on an item while it's in the launcher you can remove or
add it to the Launcher, for example).

If you use Orca or have some sort of access need that means that you don't
use the desktop through traditional means, please let us know how you do
use it so that we can best assist you.

Thank you!
Penelope
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