Re: Getting Involved
Shervin Emami <[email protected]> Wed, 4 Jun 2025 16:56:03 +1000
| Newsgroups | gmane.comp.kde.devel.accessibility |
|---|---|
| Message-ID | <CAF_wPwvm4encZNY5h0Dg3D4CAdHDFNrqT7XH_5GM_8FhFbOEig@mail.gmail.com> |
--0000000000007cf87e0636b97e80 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Hi Benson, For around 8 years now I've been using speech recognition for many hours per day to control KDE desktop, since that is my main way of working despite having chronic RSI. Since my background is in robotics & AI, I've tried many different alternative interfaces, and gave a talk specifically for Linux (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D3aQfwS5pyrg) If you're mostly interested in dictation, you should consider OpenAI Whisper, because it's possibly the most reliable ASR engine at the moment but also importantly it has very good ASR support for many different languages and dialects and accents, whereas most ASR is targeted for USA and UK English. Whisper doesn't have an interface for directly dictating into applications though. And it's not able to do any commands. I currently use the open-source Faster-Whisper for dictation (with my own code for typing into applications), and the open-source Kaldi-Active-Grammar + Dragonfly for typing commands including for programming / typing things on the terminal or controlling the mouse. ( https://dragonfly.readthedocs.io/en/latest/kaldi_engine.html) It's not a clean solution though, the interaction I've set up between Kaldi and Whisper is quite hacky. But proves that it is very possible! Talon ASR (free but closed-source at https://talonvoice.com/) has a community that have been slowly working towards better interaction with the desktop by voice, they are making excellent solutions for Windows & Mac where user interface elements have a standardised API. But they say Linux has been a nightmare to have anything close to a standardised way of knowing which UI elements are on the screen. And Wayland pretty much doesn't allow interaction with the screen at all! So unfortunately Talon has a community of eager developers that want to improve usability of speech recognition on Linux, but they have basically given up on Linux recently due to these 2 issues. Cheers, Shervin Emami. On Wed, 4 Jun 2025 at 16:38, Bridger Reed-Lewis <[email protected]= > wrote: > K I=E2=80=99m going to get those setup, should I only do one or all? > > On Tue, Jun 3, 2025 at 22:23 Benson Muite <[email protected]> > wrote: > >> On Wed, Jun 4, 2025, at 9:09 AM, Bridger Reed-Lewis wrote: >> > Thank you, I wasn't aware of those barriers. While I am aware that the >> > university has strict rules around applications. I believe there could >> be a >> > way to get around it, if it's used in an educational and >> > collaborative environment. The person I need to check with about this, >> I am >> > going to send them an email tomorrow since it's pretty late. Oh, and I >> > tried accessing the IRC and Matrix but the channel isn't accepting >> anyone >> > else, is there a way for me to get around that? I think it'd be a lot >> > easier then email >> >> >> >> For Matrix, accounts on other servers will allow you to access rooms on >> the >> kde matrix server. In addition to >> >> https://matrix.org/docs/chat_basics/matrix-for-im/#creating-a-matrix-acc= ount >> , >> you could also make an account on one of the servers listed at: >> https://servers.joinmatrix.org/ >> >> https://apps.kde.org/neochat/ >> maybe helpful, in addition to other Matrix clients. >> >> For irc make an account at http://libera.chat >> https://apps.kde.org/konversation/ >> maybe helpful, though there are many other choices for IRC clients. >> >> > >> > On Tue, Jun 3, 2025 at 10:03=E2=80=AFPM Benson Muite < >> [email protected]> >> > wrote: >> > >> >> >> >> >> >> On Wed, Jun 4, 2025, at 8:49 AM, Bridger Reed-Lewis wrote: >> >> > Well I don=E2=80=99t think it would be useful particularly for UAA,= it=E2=80=99s >> just I >> >> > feel a collaboration could be set up depending on the person. And >> with >> >> > everything going on federally, a lot of folks at my work are pretty >> mad, >> >> > it=E2=80=99s the reason why I got my article. What I=E2=80=99m goin= g to do is reach >> out >> >> to >> >> > the engineers/tech departments, to see if anyone is interested in >> working >> >> > on this project. Along with connecting with student clubs, I am als= o >> >> going >> >> > to install and test what I can with the applications you sent. >> >> >> >> Thanks. >> >> >> >> > >> >> > Oh, about the mentoring program you mentioned. I don't think it's a >> good >> >> > fit for me since I have dyscalculia. I've tried with no luck to lea= rn >> >> > coding. It's just not my thing, what it would be testing along with >> >> setting >> >> > up times to chat around ideas, along with networking which i am sca= ry >> >> good >> >> > at. >> >> >> >> We do use mailing lists, apps also have chat channels, typically on >> Matrix >> >> or IRC. >> >> For Season of KDE, making students and people new to open source awar= e >> of >> >> it >> >> would be helpful. It provides a structured way for people to >> contribute >> >> improvements >> >> to software that they use, these need not be limited to coding >> >> contributions. >> >> >> >> In the US, many applications require accessibility testing reports >> before >> >> they can be >> >> used in an institution. This can be a barrier to adopting open sourc= e >> >> software since >> >> the administrative burden of procuring software which has accessibili= ty >> >> testing done >> >> is low compared to getting open source software and improving it to >> meet >> >> accessibility >> >> standards for which the financial cost would likely be ultimately >> lower, >> >> thereby allowing >> >> institutions to make more effective use of their limited funds. >> >> >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > On Tue, Jun 3, 2025 at 21:37 Benson Muite < >> [email protected]> >> >> > wrote: >> >> > >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> On Wed, Jun 4, 2025, at 7:58 AM, Bridger Reed-Lewis wrote: >> >> >> > I have heard of him, and it=E2=80=99s one of the reasons why I w= ant to get >> >> >> > involved, at the moment I don=E2=80=99t think the university all= ows Linux >> to >> >> be >> >> >> > used, but I could be wrong. At the moment, I am running KDE on m= y >> >> Steam >> >> >> > Deck. But I=E2=80=99m planning on purchasing a think-pad x1 carb= on Gen 10 >> >> soon. >> >> >> One >> >> >> > area I=E2=80=99d like to see get added is dictation. There's an = abandoned >> >> project >> >> >> > here --> https://github.com/abb128/LiveCaptions that could be >> forked >> >> >> into a >> >> >> > simple dictation tool, it's surprisingly, very accurate. >> >> >> >> >> >> This seems to build on another library which maybe worth >> incorporating >> >> into >> >> >> KDE applications: >> >> >> https://github.com/abb128/april-asr >> >> >> >> >> >> There are ongoing discussions withing KDE about using tools traine= d >> on >> >> >> data of unknown origin. >> >> >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> > Outside of that, I would need to look because right now there's >> not a >> >> >> lot, >> >> >> > and disability itself is a spectrum. without seeing what you are >> >> already >> >> >> > working on, giving feedback might be hard. But I am more than >> willing >> >> to >> >> >> > test anything you can give me, as long as you make the install >> process >> >> >> easy >> >> >> > or give me command props. >> >> >> >> >> >> KDE applications are listed at: >> >> >> http://apps.kde.org >> >> >> Some will work on Windows and Mac. Applications that might be >> useful in >> >> a >> >> >> university >> >> >> setting include: >> >> >> - https://apps.kde.org/labplot/ >> >> >> - https://apps.kde.org/ktechlab/ >> >> >> - https://apps.kde.org/accessibilityinspector/ >> >> >> - https://apps.kde.org/krita/ >> >> >> - https://apps.kde.org/okular/ >> >> >> - https://apps.kde.org/kdenlive/ >> >> >> - https://apps.kde.org/digikam/ >> >> >> - https://apps.kde.org/glaxnimate/ >> >> >> >> >> >> It seems there are faculty members familiar with open source >> software: >> >> >> https://pradeeban.github.io/ >> >> >> >> >> >> Maybe you could contact them to see if there are ways to also >> involve >> >> >> students in >> >> >> improving software accessibility? Season of KDE ( >> >> >> https://mentorship.kde.org/sok/) >> >> >> would be one structured way to do this for KDE software that is >> useful >> >> at >> >> >> UAA. >> >> >> >> >> >> Krita, Kdenlive and Glaxnimate may also be useful to people in you= r >> art >> >> >> department: >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/academics/college-of-arts-and-sciences/depart= ments/art >> >> >> and to the student clubs in the art department: >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/academics/college-of-arts-and-sciences/depart= ments/art/clubs/ >> >> >> >> >> >> Finally, in terms of testing, is there a KDE application you use a= nd >> >> would >> >> >> be willing to help >> >> >> test? One-off contributions are welcome, but sustained involvement >> is >> >> most >> >> >> helpful. >> >> >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> > On Tue, Jun 3, 2025 at 20:28 Benson Muite < >> [email protected] >> >> > >> >> >> > wrote: >> >> >> > >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> On Tue, Jun 3, 2025, at 11:15 AM, Bridger Reed-Lewis wrote: >> >> >> >> > Good evening, I am interested in becoming a tester, and help >> >> >> collaborate >> >> >> >> > together on ideas to ensure accessibility in future kde >> iterations. >> >> >> Nate, >> >> >> >> > one of the board members, let me know about your sub-group, >> and I >> >> >> >> emailed a >> >> >> >> > few folks listed as contacts. Just didn't hear back, figuring >> >> reaching >> >> >> >> out >> >> >> >> > directly to this email would be more effective. >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> >> > Before getting involved though, I should introduce myself. I >> am the >> >> >> >> > disability advisor for The University of Anchorage Alaska, an= d >> >> while >> >> >> I am >> >> >> >> > doing this on my own time. I do hope to get the university >> involved >> >> >> since >> >> >> >> > we have a very active disability, and accessibility work >> groups at >> >> >> UAA. >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> >> > Recently, the university wrote a article about me which goes = in >> >> detail >> >> >> >> > about myself you can read about it here... >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/news/archive/2025/05/chd-disability-advisor-b= ridger-r-reed-lewis.cshtml >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> >> > I'm very passionate about what I do, and I believe Steam OS a= s >> a >> >> whole >> >> >> >> > could be a massive benefit to ensure a better market share, >> this >> >> comes >> >> >> >> with >> >> >> >> > some challenges though because while steam os is great for >> gaming, >> >> >> once >> >> >> >> > it's released to the masses later this year. >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> >> > The OS as a whole will have some disadvantages mainly the lac= k >> of >> >> >> >> > accessibility tools, which as someone with a disability has >> been >> >> the >> >> >> >> > largest reason they haven't moved fully to linux. Ended up on >> Macs >> >> >> >> because >> >> >> >> > of how much i hate windows, but once thing apple has about >> them is >> >> >> there >> >> >> >> > gold star for supporting disabilities in there OS. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> Thanks for your interest. Are there any KDE applications that >> you use >> >> >> where >> >> >> >> support could be better? Do you have any computer labs where >> linux >> >> is >> >> >> used >> >> >> >> or KDE applications are used? >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> KDE e.V. recently appointed Ritchie Frodomar as accessibility >> >> engineer: >> >> >> >> https://mail.kde.org/pipermail/kde-community/2025q2/008193.html >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> >> > I also want this in Linux, and I'm here to help along >> >> >> >> > with assisting with networking with professionals to ensure >> >> >> >> communications >> >> >> >> > and collaboration with developers/companies alike. Let me kno= w >> if >> >> you >> >> >> >> have >> >> >> >> > any questions, and I hope to chat with you soon. >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> >> > Sincerely, >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> >> > Bridger R. Reed-Lewis >> >> >> >> > Disability Advisor | Advocate | Speaker >> >> >> >> > He/Them >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > --0000000000007cf87e0636b97e80 Content-Type: text/html; charset="UTF-8" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable <div dir=3D"ltr"><div><div>Hi Benson,</div><div><br></div><div>For around 8= years now I've been using speech recognition for many hours per day to= control KDE desktop, since that is my main way of working despite having c= hronic RSI. Since my background is in robotics & AI, I've tried man= y different=C2=A0alternative interfaces, and gave a talk specifically for L= inux (<a href=3D"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D3aQfwS5pyrg">https://www= .youtube.com/watch?v=3D3aQfwS5pyrg</a>)</div><div></div><div><br></div><div= >If you're mostly interested in dictation, you should consider OpenAI W= hisper, because it's possibly the most reliable ASR engine at the momen= t but also importantly it has very good ASR support for many different lang= uages and dialects and accents, whereas most ASR is targeted for USA and UK= English.</div><div><br></div><div>Whisper doesn't have an interface fo= r=C2=A0directly=C2=A0dictating into applications though. And it's not a= ble to do any=C2=A0commands. I currently=C2=A0use the open-source Faster-Wh= isper for dictation (with my own code for typing into applications), and th= e open-source Kaldi-Active-Grammar=C2=A0+ Dragonfly=C2=A0for typing command= s including for programming / typing things on the terminal or controlling = the mouse. (<a href=3D"https://dragonfly.readthedocs.io/en/latest/kaldi_eng= ine.html">https://dragonfly.readthedocs.io/en/latest/kaldi_engine.html</a>)= =C2=A0</div><div>It's not a clean solution though, the interaction I= 9;ve set up between Kaldi and Whisper is quite hacky. But proves that it is= very possible!</div><div><br></div><div>Talon ASR (free but closed-source = at <a href=3D"https://talonvoice.com/">https://talonvoice.com/</a>) has a c= ommunity that have been slowly working towards better interaction with the = desktop by voice, they are making excellent solutions for Windows & Mac= where user interface elements have a standardised API. But they say Linux = has been a nightmare to have anything close to a standardised way of knowin= g which UI elements are on the screen. And Wayland pretty much doesn't = allow interaction with the screen at all! So unfortunately Talon=C2=A0has a= community of eager developers that want to improve usability of speech rec= ognition on Linux, but they have basically given up on Linux recently due t= o these 2 issues.</div></div><div><br></div><div><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"= gmail_signature" data-smartmail=3D"gmail_signature"><div dir=3D"ltr">Cheers= ,<br>Shervin Emami.<br><div><br></div></div></div></div><br></div><br><div = class=3D"gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail= _attr">On Wed, 4 Jun 2025 at 16:38, Bridger Reed-Lewis <<a href=3D"mailt= o:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>> wrote:<br>= </div><blockquote class=3D"gmail_quote" style=3D"margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;b= order-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div dir=3D"auto">K= I=E2=80=99m going to get those setup, should I only do one or all?</div><d= iv><br><div class=3D"gmail_quote"><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr">On = Tue, Jun 3, 2025 at 22:23 Benson Muite <<a href=3D"mailto:benson_muite@e= mailplus.org" target=3D"_blank">[email protected]</a>> wrote:<b= r></div><blockquote class=3D"gmail_quote" style=3D"margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex= ;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex">On Wed, Jun 4, 20= 25, at 9:09 AM, Bridger Reed-Lewis wrote:<br> > Thank you, I wasn't aware of those barriers. While I am aware that= the<br> > university has strict rules around applications. I believe there could= be a<br> > way to get around it, if it's used in an educational and<br> > collaborative environment. The person I need to check with about this,= I am<br> > going to send them an email tomorrow since it's pretty late. Oh, a= nd I<br> > tried accessing the IRC and Matrix but the channel isn't accepting= anyone<br> > else, is there a way for me to get around that? I think it'd be a = lot<br> > easier then email<br> <br> <br> <br> For Matrix, accounts on other servers will allow you to access rooms on the= <br> kde matrix server. In addition to <br> <a href=3D"https://matrix.org/docs/chat_basics/matrix-for-im/#creating-a-ma= trix-account" rel=3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://matrix.org/docs/= chat_basics/matrix-for-im/#creating-a-matrix-account</a>,<br> you could also make an account on one of the servers listed at:<br> <a href=3D"https://servers.joinmatrix.org/" rel=3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_b= lank">https://servers.joinmatrix.org/</a><br> <br> <a href=3D"https://apps.kde.org/neochat/" rel=3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_bla= nk">https://apps.kde.org/neochat/</a><br> maybe helpful, in addition to other Matrix clients.<br> <br> For irc make an account at <a href=3D"http://libera.chat" rel=3D"noreferrer= " target=3D"_blank">http://libera.chat</a><br> <a href=3D"https://apps.kde.org/konversation/" rel=3D"noreferrer" target=3D= "_blank">https://apps.kde.org/konversation/</a><br> maybe helpful, though there are many other choices for IRC clients.<br> <br> ><br> > On Tue, Jun 3, 2025 at 10:03=E2=80=AFPM Benson Muite <<a href=3D"ma= ilto:[email protected]" target=3D"_blank">[email protected]= rg</a>><br> > wrote:<br> ><br> >><br> >><br> >> On Wed, Jun 4, 2025, at 8:49 AM, Bridger Reed-Lewis wrote:<br> >> > Well I don=E2=80=99t think it would be useful particularly fo= r UAA, it=E2=80=99s just I<br> >> > feel a collaboration could be set up depending on the person.= And with<br> >> > everything going on federally, a lot of folks at my work are = pretty mad,<br> >> > it=E2=80=99s the reason why I got my article. What I=E2=80=99= m going to do is reach out<br> >> to<br> >> > the engineers/tech departments, to see if anyone is intereste= d in working<br> >> > on this project. Along with connecting with student clubs, I = am also<br> >> going<br> >> > to install and test what I can with the applications you sent= .<br> >><br> >> Thanks.<br> >><br> >> ><br> >> > Oh, about the mentoring program you mentioned. I don't th= ink it's a good<br> >> > fit for me since I have dyscalculia. I've tried with no l= uck to learn<br> >> > coding. It's just not my thing, what it would be testing = along with<br> >> setting<br> >> > up times to chat around ideas, along with networking which i = am scary<br> >> good<br> >> > at.<br> >><br> >> We do use mailing lists, apps also have chat channels, typically o= n Matrix<br> >> or IRC.<br> >> For Season of KDE, making students and people new to open source a= ware of<br> >> it<br> >> would be helpful.=C2=A0 It provides a structured way for people to= contribute<br> >> improvements<br> >> to software that they use, these need not be limited to coding<br> >> contributions.<br> >><br> >> In the US, many applications require accessibility testing reports= before<br> >> they can be<br> >> used in an institution.=C2=A0 This can be a barrier to adopting op= en source<br> >> software since<br> >> the administrative burden of procuring software which has accessib= ility<br> >> testing done<br> >> is low compared to getting open source software and improving it t= o meet<br> >> accessibility<br> >> standards for which the financial cost would likely be ultimately = lower,<br> >> thereby allowing<br> >> institutions to make more effective use of their limited funds.<br= > >><br> >> ><br> >> ><br> >> ><br> >> > On Tue, Jun 3, 2025 at 21:37 Benson Muite <<a href=3D"mail= to:[email protected]" target=3D"_blank">[email protected]= </a>><br> >> > wrote:<br> >> ><br> >> >><br> >> >><br> >> >> On Wed, Jun 4, 2025, at 7:58 AM, Bridger Reed-Lewis wrote= :<br> >> >> > I have heard of him, and it=E2=80=99s one of the rea= sons why I want to get<br> >> >> > involved, at the moment I don=E2=80=99t think the un= iversity allows Linux to<br> >> be<br> >> >> > used, but I could be wrong. At the moment, I am runn= ing KDE on my<br> >> Steam<br> >> >> > Deck. But I=E2=80=99m planning on purchasing a think= -pad x1 carbon Gen 10<br> >> soon.<br> >> >> One<br> >> >> > area I=E2=80=99d like to see get added is dictation.= There's an abandoned<br> >> project<br> >> >> > here --> <a href=3D"https://github.com/abb128/Liv= eCaptions" rel=3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://github.com/abb128/L= iveCaptions</a> that could be forked<br> >> >> into a<br> >> >> > simple dictation tool, it's surprisingly, very a= ccurate.<br> >> >><br> >> >> This seems to build on another library which maybe worth = incorporating<br> >> into<br> >> >> KDE applications:<br> >> >> <a href=3D"https://github.com/abb128/april-asr" rel=3D"no= referrer" target=3D"_blank">https://github.com/abb128/april-asr</a><br> >> >><br> >> >> There are ongoing discussions withing KDE about using too= ls trained on<br> >> >> data of unknown origin.<br> >> >><br> >> >> ><br> >> >> > Outside of that, I would need to look because right = now there's not a<br> >> >> lot,<br> >> >> > and disability itself is a spectrum. without seeing = what you are<br> >> already<br> >> >> > working on, giving feedback might be hard. But I am = more than willing<br> >> to<br> >> >> > test anything you can give me, as long as you make t= he install process<br> >> >> easy<br> >> >> > or give me command props.<br> >> >><br> >> >> KDE applications are listed at:<br> >> >> <a href=3D"http://apps.kde.org" rel=3D"noreferrer" target= =3D"_blank">http://apps.kde.org</a><br> >> >> Some will work on Windows and Mac. Applications that migh= t be useful in<br> >> a<br> >> >> university<br> >> >> setting include:<br> >> >> - <a href=3D"https://apps.kde.org/labplot/" rel=3D"norefe= rrer" target=3D"_blank">https://apps.kde.org/labplot/</a><br> >> >> - <a href=3D"https://apps.kde.org/ktechlab/" rel=3D"noref= errer" target=3D"_blank">https://apps.kde.org/ktechlab/</a><br> >> >> - <a href=3D"https://apps.kde.org/accessibilityinspector/= " rel=3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://apps.kde.org/accessibilityin= spector/</a><br> >> >> - <a href=3D"https://apps.kde.org/krita/" rel=3D"noreferr= er" target=3D"_blank">https://apps.kde.org/krita/</a><br> >> >> - <a href=3D"https://apps.kde.org/okular/" rel=3D"norefer= rer" target=3D"_blank">https://apps.kde.org/okular/</a><br> >> >> - <a href=3D"https://apps.kde.org/kdenlive/" rel=3D"noref= errer" target=3D"_blank">https://apps.kde.org/kdenlive/</a><br> >> >> - <a href=3D"https://apps.kde.org/digikam/" rel=3D"norefe= rrer" target=3D"_blank">https://apps.kde.org/digikam/</a><br> >> >> - <a href=3D"https://apps.kde.org/glaxnimate/" rel=3D"nor= eferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://apps.kde.org/glaxnimate/</a><br> >> >><br> >> >> It seems there are faculty members familiar with open sou= rce software:<br> >> >> <a href=3D"https://pradeeban.github.io/" rel=3D"noreferre= r" target=3D"_blank">https://pradeeban.github.io/</a><br> >> >><br> >> >> Maybe you could contact them to see if there are ways to = also involve<br> >> >> students in<br> >> >> improving software accessibility?=C2=A0 Season of KDE (<b= r> >> >> <a href=3D"https://mentorship.kde.org/sok/" rel=3D"norefe= rrer" target=3D"_blank">https://mentorship.kde.org/sok/</a>)<br> >> >> would be one structured way to do this for KDE software t= hat is useful<br> >> at<br> >> >> UAA.<br> >> >><br> >> >> Krita, Kdenlive and Glaxnimate may also be useful to peop= le in your art<br> >> >> department:<br> >> >><br> >> >><br> >> <a href=3D"https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/academics/college-of-arts-an= d-sciences/departments/art" rel=3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://ww= w.uaa.alaska.edu/academics/college-of-arts-and-sciences/departments/art</a>= <br> >> >> and to the student clubs in the art department:<br> >> >><br> >> >><br> >> <a href=3D"https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/academics/college-of-arts-an= d-sciences/departments/art/clubs/" rel=3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">htt= ps://www.uaa.alaska.edu/academics/college-of-arts-and-sciences/departments/= art/clubs/</a><br> >> >><br> >> >> Finally, in terms of testing, is there a KDE application = you use and<br> >> would<br> >> >> be willing to help<br> >> >> test? One-off contributions are welcome, but sustained in= volvement is<br> >> most<br> >> >> helpful.<br> >> >><br> >> >> ><br> >> >> > On Tue, Jun 3, 2025 at 20:28 Benson Muite <<a hre= f=3D"mailto:[email protected]" target=3D"_blank">benson_muite@emai= lplus.org</a><br> >> ><br> >> >> > wrote:<br> >> >> ><br> >> >> >><br> >> >> >><br> >> >> >> On Tue, Jun 3, 2025, at 11:15 AM, Bridger Reed-L= ewis wrote:<br> >> >> >> > Good evening, I am interested in becoming a= tester, and help<br> >> >> collaborate<br> >> >> >> > together on ideas to ensure accessibility i= n future kde iterations.<br> >> >> Nate,<br> >> >> >> > one of the board members, let me know about= your sub-group, and I<br> >> >> >> emailed a<br> >> >> >> > few folks listed as contacts. Just didn'= ;t hear back, figuring<br> >> reaching<br> >> >> >> out<br> >> >> >> > directly to this email would be more effect= ive.<br> >> >> >> ><br> >> >> >> > Before getting involved though, I should in= troduce myself. I am the<br> >> >> >> > disability advisor for The University of An= chorage Alaska, and<br> >> while<br> >> >> I am<br> >> >> >> > doing this on my own time. I do hope to get= the university involved<br> >> >> since<br> >> >> >> > we have a very active disability, and acces= sibility work groups at<br> >> >> UAA.<br> >> >> >> ><br> >> >> >> > Recently, the university wrote a article ab= out me which goes in<br> >> detail<br> >> >> >> > about myself you can read about it here...<= br> >> >> >> ><br> >> >> >><br> >> >><br> >> <a href=3D"https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/news/archive/2025/05/chd-dis= ability-advisor-bridger-r-reed-lewis.cshtml" rel=3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_= blank">https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/news/archive/2025/05/chd-disability-advis= or-bridger-r-reed-lewis.cshtml</a><br> >> >> >> ><br> >> >> >> ><br> >> >> >> > I'm very passionate about what I do, an= d I believe Steam OS as a<br> >> whole<br> >> >> >> > could be a massive benefit to ensure a bett= er market share, this<br> >> comes<br> >> >> >> with<br> >> >> >> > some challenges though because while steam = os is great for gaming,<br> >> >> once<br> >> >> >> > it's released to the masses later this = year.<br> >> >> >> ><br> >> >> >> > The OS as a whole will have some disadvanta= ges mainly the lack of<br> >> >> >> > accessibility tools, which as someone with = a disability has been<br> >> the<br> >> >> >> > largest reason they haven't moved fully= to linux. Ended up on Macs<br> >> >> >> because<br> >> >> >> > of how much i hate windows, but once thing = apple has about them is<br> >> >> there<br> >> >> >> > gold star for supporting disabilities in th= ere OS.<br> >> >> >><br> >> >> >> Thanks for your interest. Are there any KDE appl= ications that you use<br> >> >> where<br> >> >> >> support could be better?=C2=A0 Do you have any c= omputer labs where linux<br> >> is<br> >> >> used<br> >> >> >> or KDE applications are used?<br> >> >> >><br> >> >> >> KDE e.V. recently appointed Ritchie Frodomar as = accessibility<br> >> engineer:<br> >> >> >> <a href=3D"https://mail.kde.org/pipermail/kde-co= mmunity/2025q2/008193.html" rel=3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://ma= il.kde.org/pipermail/kde-community/2025q2/008193.html</a><br> >> >> >><br> >> >> >> ><br> >> >> >> > I also want this in Linux, and I'm here= to help along<br> >> >> >> > with assisting with networking with profess= ionals to ensure<br> >> >> >> communications<br> >> >> >> > and collaboration with developers/companies= alike. Let me know if<br> >> you<br> >> >> >> have<br> >> >> >> > any questions, and I hope to chat with you = soon.<br> >> >> >> ><br> >> >> >> > Sincerely,<br> >> >> >> ><br> >> >> >> > Bridger R. Reed-Lewis<br> >> >> >> > Disability Advisor | Advocate | Speaker<br> >> >> >> > He/Them<br> >> >> >><br> >> >><br> >><br> </blockquote></div></div> </blockquote></div> --0000000000007cf87e0636b97e80--