Here is a list of the different kinds of disabilities and what we can do to assist people that have such disabilities:
- Low Vision
- Support larger fonts and graphics (icons) or a screen magnifier.
- Use clearer fonts, i.e. provide the ability to replace for instance a handwriting font by Helvetica.
- Enlarge contrast between foreground and background.
- Remove or avoid distracting background patterns/images.
- Color Blindness
Do not use color as the only way to express information.
To assist blind people in accessing OpenOffice.org we have to provide alternatives to the graphical user interface. These can be
- Speech output uses speech synthesis to give a textual representation of everything visible on the screen.
- Braille display
- Hard of Hearing / Deafness
- Closed captioning for providing textual representation of spoken information.
- Visible representation of audio signals.
- Mobility Impairments
Caused by diseases like Parkin-son's disease or multiple sclerosis or physical injuries resulting loss of limbs there is a wide variety of mobility impairments. People can be assisted by:
- Alternative pointing devices like foot operated mice or eye trackers.
- On screen keyboard that is operated with the mouse or alternative pointing device.
- Speech recognition.
- Sticky keys provide functionality similar to shift locking for keys like control and alternate. This enables the user to operate the keyboard with a single finger.
- Cognitive Impairments or Learning Disabilities
Make the (G)UI clear and easy to understand. Provide help files and documentation (training?).
- Seizure Disorders
Make flashing, rotating, or moving displays adjustable or provide a switch to disable them.