[misc.handicap] Questions?

Brad.Scott@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Brad Scott) (12/05/90)

Index Number: 12230

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

Lets say, for the sake of argument, that if I were to set up a bulletin 
board for blind computer users, what would be the best software program 
(BBS) to use.  How about a modem type or speed?
Brad Scott

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William.Wilson@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (William Wilson) (12/05/90)

Index Number: 12233

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

 BS> Lets say, for the sake of argument, that if I were to set up a 
 BS> bulletin board for blind computer users, what would be the best 
 BS> software program (BBS) to use.  How about a modem type or speed?

Hey, I'm a sysop!
    Brad,
      This is an easy one....Opus and a U.S Robotics 14.4k HST modem.

       Seeing as I fully anticipate a lot of disagreement with this one,
let me put it this way...
     Any BBS program that is FidoNet compatible should work out nicely,
but the important thing is to join FidoNet and to handle BlinkTalk on
your system!
                                                        Willie
 

... BlinkTalk, Dr. Deb and Silver in Pittsburgh!

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Warren.King@p0.f429.n275.z1.fidonet.org (Warren King) (12/05/90)

Index Number: 12261

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

> Lets say, for the sake of argument, that if I were to set up a
> bulletin board for blind computer users, what would be the best
> software program (BBS) to use.  How about a modem type or speed?
> Brad Scott
> 
> 
Brad,
    I have the feeling that you meant to address this to the sysop of 
the board you entered the message. Instead it got sent to every sysop in 
the entire world who reads this echo!
    To answer your question.  You want to select a bbs software program 
that will not force the user to recieve color or graphic codes.  I have 
selected RBBS because it gives the user the option to select which ever 
he can make the best use of.  Not all visually impaired users are 
completely blind, so the use of color may actually help some to read the 
screen a little better.  For the same reason, graphics help some to 
center their attention where it needs to be.
    A lot depends on the direction you want your bbs to go, what is the 
purpose for it.  Are you going to be for games, echomail, for files....? 
RBBS is a completely configurable software package that is limited only 
by your own knowlege and experience.  However, it IS difficult to set up 
if you are completely raw!
    As far as the modem, a good 2400 baud EXTERNAL modem should do the 
job for you unless you expect to do a lot of out-of-state calling or 
have something so important that out-of-state callers will be flocking 
to your board.
    -Warren-

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Jim.Dunmyer@f2.n234.z1.fidonet.org (Jim Dunmyer) (12/05/90)

Index Number: 12285

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

Brad,
 I'm partial to TBBS. You can make it look like anything you want, or 
whatever is easiest for the *callers*, which is why you want to put up a 
board in the first place, right?

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Dan.Kysor@f999.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Dan Kysor) (12/05/90)

Index Number: 12301

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

warren, we've found on our bbs that it is better not to put color screens on 
because our partially sighted users have told us that their color monitors are 
already configured the way they like the color and we felt that we shouldn't 
dictate the color to our users... dan, out of sight, out of my mind!

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Tandy.Way@f6.n377.z1.fidonet.org (Tandy Way) (12/05/90)

Index Number: 12305

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

 WW>       This is an easy one....Opus and a U.S Robotics 14.4k HST 
 WW>       modem. 

 WW>        Seeing as I fully anticipate a lot of disagreement with 
 WW>  this one, let me put it this way...
 we don't disagree in principle on this one but I think it is only
 fair to add that unless you have local help to get opusup and
 running and figure out a lot of stuff that the authors of opus
 assume you know because they assume you ran 103 first then it is a
 lonely and frustrating street to go down.  since the software is not
 commercial you have no one you can go to for support.  for example I
 don't care what speech package you run oman is a tripple bare to
 operate with speech and damned near impossible for parts of it.  I
 have lost my helpers and as long as the system runs automatically I
 am okay but thinking of making a software change here so I can get
 more stable help and support.  if you got opus people in your town
 who are willing to help it is great but if you don't you are in deep
 s--t

 WW>      Any BBS program that is FidoNet compatible should work out
 WW>  nicely, but the important thing is to join FidoNet and to 
 WW>  handle BlinkTalk on your system!
 WW>                                                         Willie
 WW>  
     
... A yer ago I kudnt spel progrmer now I are won.

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