Hi Charles, Okay, first thing. Just because screen magnification software exists does not necessarily mean low vision users will be able to play graphical games. Probably some, but the way screen magnification works is not inherently useful in playing a lot of graphical games. Therefore those users would most likely appreciate spoken feedback and audio versions of games the same as totally blind computer users.
The next issue I'd like to address is just because someone is not braille literate does not necessarily mean he or she is technologically literate either and can use search engines, e-mails, etc. I'd like to point out the vast majority of blind and low vision people in the world are senior citizens and most of them lost their vision later on in life. As a result the kind of educational facilities to learn braille etc was not available to them at that stage of life and many of them have to develop alternative means of gathering and storing information such as audio tapes, a digital recorder, or have to be read to by a friend or family member. They may or may not have a computer, and even if they do we can not automatically assume they have the necessary skills to go on the web and search for games. While I understand your position on braille being the principle format for the pamphlet I wonder though how many people we can really reach if braille is the primary method of information chosen. The sad fact of the matter is the majority of blind people around the world are not braille literate either because they were too old when they went blind or they are rejecting it in favor of technical alternatives. I don't think we want to see us focus completely on braille and loose sight of the fact it is not the primary means of communication for the majority of the world's blind and low vision. Cheers! On 6/20/15, Charles Rivard <[email protected]> wrote: > If you can use screen magnification software on your PC, I would think that > > you can also play graphically oriented games, and so would not fall into the > > market this project is aimed at. > > If you are not braille literate due to a lack of its importance in your > life, and you rely on your audio speech technology, you can use a search > engine or Email, and are not a member of the target audience, either. > > That leaves those who get their information through the use of braille, and > > who are not aware of the existence of computer games designed for blind > people. They may not even have a computer, and the gaming might be what > gets them interested. The braille readers who may be cut off from the > computer literate should be the focus. > > Maybe other methods of pamphlet distribution can be available at conventions > > or other gathering events where there will be a lot of blind and visually > impaired people, but I think that braille should be the main media format. > > --- > Be positive! When it comes to being defeated, if you think you're finished, > > you! really! are! finished! --- Gamers mailing list __ [email protected] If you want to leave the list, send E-mail to [email protected]. You can make changes or update your subscription via the web, at http://audyssey.org/mailman/listinfo/gamers_audyssey.org. All messages are archived and can be searched and read at http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the management of the list, please send E-mail to [email protected].
