BCS Backs Open Source Project to Boost Software for Users with Disabilities
Published: Jun 24, 2007
The British Computer Society (BCS) is backing the Open Source Assistive Technology Software (Oats) project, a one-year pilot approach to promoting the development of assistive technology.
The project was set up last year to provide a “one-stop shop” for end-users, clinicians and open source developers to meet, exchange notes, promote new ideas, develop new software and download reliable open source assistive technology software.
The emerging importance of assistive technology within the open source field is what made the BCS Open Source Specialist Group support Oats as it comes to the end of its year-long evaluation. If Oats is a success, it aims to become a self-supporting, ongoing Web-based service.
The information is developed and provided on open source assistive technology programs to enable users to find appropriate software. The site hopes to create a community of users who will find appropriate software, comment on it and provide feedback to the authors.
Open source allows easier customization to users’ needs - a likely requirement for people with a disability. The software can often be originated directly from specific users’ needs, as a closer relationship is allowed between the user and the developer. Open source is also a fertile ground for innovation, collaboration and standardization.
In August 2006, the BCS Open Source Specialist Group will hold a meeting dedicated to the support for the Oats project.
Website: www.oatsoft.org
Source: The Open Source Assistive Technology Software (Oats) projectÂÂ
