info-mac@uw-beaver (info-mac) (11/21/84)
From: "Neil F. Stewart" <stewart%iro.udem.cdn%ubc.csnet@csnet-relay.arpa> A friend of mine (a professor, but not in C.S.) uses an Apple IIe very effectively in spite of the fact that he is blind. He scans the screen with an opticon camera with one hand, and feels each character with the other, using a tactile output device. He would like to have access to the Macintosh because that is where software development is going to take place. However, although the Mac is a very nice system for the sighted, it is a major handicap for the blind. There is the problem of knowing the position of the mouse, and also the problem of not having three hands. The first thing that comes to mind is the use of an audible system. But how? Of course, the whole system is visually oriented. But is there a way to give him access to the machine at least, even at less speed and more inconvenience than for the rest of us? N. F. Stewart Dep't IRO (C.S. and O.R.) Universite de Montreal stewart%iro.udem.cdn%ubc.csnet@csnet.relay.arpa