well,
there are several packages available for setting up for blind/visually 
impaired computer users.

Brltty - braille interface to tty using outboard braille display unit
speex - speech engine for x (still in beta development)
yatr - (yet another text reader) is in final (see the blinux mailing list for 
details)
Soundtouch - this one is news o me, but is included with debian.

this site has details and listings of most software used by vi/blind folks.
http://linux-sound.org/speech.html

just my thoughts (from a visually impaired computer user)

Technomage Hawke


On Saturday 12 June 2004 01:12 pm, ec wrote:
> Today, while volunteering at the Scottsdale Senior
> Center's open computer lab, I had someone come in and
> ask about 'low vision/blind' computer usage. Since
> these puters are Doze xp machines, all I had was
> upping the font in Word to 500 percent and she still
> had problems.
>
> I suggested that they get a used computer and go to an
> installfest. I also suggested and gave them our list
> site to get in touch with the PLUG mailing list.
>
> Now, being new to the Senior Center, I think that
> possibly there might be a need for one of my 'junkers'
> a k6-2 350 to be setup for the blind IF anyone knows
> how. It is totally available for wipeout and install
> of any distro that is best suited to the purpose of
> demo'ing what Linux has to offer the blind.
>
> Now IF anyone wants to tackle this, I can try to get
> the system either to the next installfest or other
> arrangements.
>
> Once installed, I could drag it into the Senior Center
> for demo's on a pre-arranged basis.
>
> The problem is I am here on Saturday's 10a-2p altho I
> could 'skip' one weekend IF necessary. I could also
> get the system down to the Muse next tuesday IF
> someone wants to take it and set it up.
>
> I am just a Knoppix hacker, and definitely not aware
> of what and how to setup for the blind. Altho, I
> should be..severe glaucoma here. Loose the left eye
> and would need it myself.
>
> Just a request/thought.
>
> Boy did I feel lost today when that couple came in.
>
> =====
> Cyclists should expect and demand safe
> accommodation on our public roads,
> just as does every other user.
>
> Nothing more is expected.
>
> Nothing less is acceptable!
>
>
>
>
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