Announcing the first release of an accessible derivitive of the Hoary Live CD Array 4

[Lindsay]

On Mon, 2005-02-14 at 17:17 +1100, Luke Yelavich wrote:
> Hi all
> 
> I am happy to announce the first testing/proof of concept release of an 
> accessible derivitive of the Hoary Live CD, based on the recently 
> released array CD 4. This CD aims to give blind/vision impaired linux 
> users a chance to use the Gnopernicus screen reader, and explore the 
> many features and applications of the GNOME and Ubuntu desktop.
> 
> Upon booting this CD, the Gnopernicus screen reader loads straight away, 
> and begins speaking as you move around the desktop and GNOME panels. You 
> can read through menus, edit text, surf the internet, and manage your 
> files with constant spoken feedback to let you know where you are at all 
> times.
> 
> Known issues:
> -------------
> * There is no way to notify the blind/vision impaired user that they 
> need to press enter to continue booting the CD.
> * The language and keyboard selection lists are not yet spoken. I am 
> looking into this.
> * You will get no startup sound or action sounds as you would normally 
> get while using the ubuntu desktop, due to the speech server being 
> unable to speak when esd is running.
> * No console screen reading support, and less than useful gnome-terminal 
> reading from gnopernicus.
> * More that I haven't thought of yet. :)
> 
> TODO:
> -----
> * Fix the above issues.
> * Braille display support from bootup.
> * Possible magnification support. (Gnopernicus can do this, but it is 
> not turned on.)
> * Allowing speech and sounds to be heard simultaneously.
> * Some starter documentation on how to use Gnopernicus.
> 
> If you find any problems, suggestions, or wish to help me with this 
> effort, please send me an email and let me know.
> 
> Where can I get it?
> -------------------
> You can download the ISO from here:
> 
> ftp://themuso.homelinux.org/ubuntu/accessibility
> 
> Unfortunately, I only have 128kbps upstream bandwidth, so it may be a 
> little slow. If you are able to offer approximately 520MB for hosting, 
> and have a faster connection to the net, this offer would be much 
> appreciated. Please get in contact with me so we can arrange an upload.
> 
> Enjoy!

Without 'seeing' it, I applaud the effort and consideration.
Seeing person.