[K12OSN] lack of access

[Access Systems]

one of the major gaps in Open source software that is just barely being
addressed is stopping it's use in a number of places.  the State of Mass
wanted to go entirely open source for all state functions, but people with
disabilities have openly opposed it and have threatened court action
because there is insufficient access to adaptible software.  yes if you
are a "Geek" you can make Emacspeak work but that is about all that is
avaliable for visually impaired users and they are the ones with money
and clout.

just the same in any school that recieves federal money in the USA there
is the various inclusion laws.  those other operating systems have
developed some very expensive but easy to use adaptive software and they
are using this as a reason not to switch to open source.

I am familiar with the laws and how they are applied, but I am not a
programmer so am left searching for what little is avaliable, and it isn't
much.   "special ed" is a lucrative market and the software is expensive
and limited but there is almost nothing in FOSS.  before we can expect
many public school systems or governments to adopt open source this issue
has to be addressed.

Bob




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