Re: Getting Involved
Bridger Reed-Lewis <[email protected]> Tue, 3 Jun 2025 23:27:14 -0800
| Newsgroups | gmane.comp.kde.devel.accessibility |
|---|---|
| Message-ID | <CAFyN0FLNaP-DrOejAxTqh7RsXVpEFpzCMYjbJO8mBOtfGJ0aMw@mail.gmail.com> |
--000000000000db69f40636b9edf6 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Okay I will do do that, thank you for the suggestions. On Tue, Jun 3, 2025 at 11:06=E2=80=AFPM Benson Muite <benson_muite@emailplu= s.org> wrote: > Most of KDE uses Matrix, so the onboarding experience will probably > be easier. > > Due to your location, you might also consider making an account at: > https://element.seattlematrix.org/#/welcome > > IRC has lighter hardware utilization requirements but takes a little more > time to learn. > > Developers do also respond to mail about their applications on their > mailing lists - these are publicly searchable and archived. > https://mail.kde.org/mailman/listinfo > > Would suggest creating an account on a Matrix server first, then > adjusting depending on who you need to contact. > > Finally, you might also reach out to people who have used Linux > in Alaska. For example: > - https://aklug.org/ > - Jef Spaleta > https://www.redhat.com/en/blog/introducing-fedora-project-leader-jef-spal= eta > > On Wed, Jun 4, 2025, at 9:32 AM, Bridger Reed-Lewis 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 t= he > >> > university has strict rules around applications. I believe there cou= ld > >> 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 lo= t > >> > easier then email > >> > >> > >> > >> For Matrix, accounts on other servers will allow you to access rooms o= n > the > >> kde matrix server. In addition to > >> > >> > https://matrix.org/docs/chat_basics/matrix-for-im/#creating-a-matrix-acco= unt > >> , > >> 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 UA= A, 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 pret= ty > >> mad, > >> >> > it=E2=80=99s the reason why I got my article. What I=E2=80=99m go= ing 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 > also > >> >> 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 > learn > >> >> > coding. It's just not my thing, what it would be testing along wi= th > >> >> setting > >> >> > up times to chat around ideas, along with networking which i am > scary > >> >> 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 > aware > >> 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 > source > >> >> software since > >> >> the administrative burden of procuring software which has > accessibility > >> >> 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= want to > get > >> >> >> > involved, at the moment I don=E2=80=99t think the university a= llows > Linux > >> to > >> >> be > >> >> >> > used, but I could be wrong. At the moment, I am running KDE on > my > >> >> Steam > >> >> >> > Deck. But I=E2=80=99m planning on purchasing a think-pad x1 ca= rbon Gen > 10 > >> >> soon. > >> >> >> One > >> >> >> > area I=E2=80=99d like to see get added is dictation. There's a= n > 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 > trained > >> 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 a= re > >> >> 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 > your > >> art > >> >> >> department: > >> >> >> > >> >> >> > >> >> > >> > https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/academics/college-of-arts-and-sciences/departm= ents/art > >> >> >> and to the student clubs in the art department: > >> >> >> > >> >> >> > >> >> > >> > https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/academics/college-of-arts-and-sciences/departm= ents/art/clubs/ > >> >> >> > >> >> >> Finally, in terms of testing, is there a KDE application you use > and > >> >> 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 hel= p > >> >> >> 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, figuri= ng > >> >> 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, > and > >> >> 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 goe= s > in > >> >> detail > >> >> >> >> > about myself you can read about it here... > >> >> >> >> > > >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> > >> >> > >> > https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/news/archive/2025/05/chd-disability-advisor-br= idger-r-reed-lewis.cshtml > >> >> >> >> > > >> >> >> >> > > >> >> >> >> > I'm very passionate about what I do, and I believe Steam OS > as 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 > lack > >> 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 > know > >> if > >> >> you > >> >> >> >> have > >> >> >> >> > any questions, and I hope to chat with you soon. > >> >> >> >> > > >> >> >> >> > Sincerely, > >> >> >> >> > > >> >> >> >> > Bridger R. Reed-Lewis > >> >> >> >> > Disability Advisor | Advocate | Speaker > >> >> >> >> > He/Them > >> >> >> >> > >> >> >> > >> >> > >> > --000000000000db69f40636b9edf6 Content-Type: text/html; charset="UTF-8" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable <div dir=3D"ltr">Okay I will do do that, thank you for the suggestions.=C2= =A0</div><br><div class=3D"gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir=3D"l= tr" class=3D"gmail_attr">On Tue, Jun 3, 2025 at 11:06=E2=80=AFPM Benson Mui= te <<a href=3D"mailto:[email protected]">benson_muite@emailplus= .org</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class=3D"gmail_quote" style=3D"mar= gin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1= ex">Most of KDE uses Matrix, so the onboarding experience will probably<br> be easier.<br> <br> Due to your location, you might also consider making an account at:<br> <a href=3D"https://element.seattlematrix.org/#/welcome" rel=3D"noreferrer" = target=3D"_blank">https://element.seattlematrix.org/#/welcome</a><br> <br> IRC has lighter hardware utilization requirements but takes a little more<b= r> time to learn.<br> <br> Developers do also respond to mail about their applications on their<br> mailing lists - these are publicly searchable and archived.<br> <a href=3D"https://mail.kde.org/mailman/listinfo" rel=3D"noreferrer" target= =3D"_blank">https://mail.kde.org/mailman/listinfo</a><br> <br> Would suggest creating an account on a Matrix server first, then<br> adjusting depending on who you need to contact.<br> <br> Finally, you might also reach out to people who have used Linux<br> in Alaska. For example:<br> - <a href=3D"https://aklug.org/" rel=3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https= ://aklug.org/</a><br> - Jef Spaleta <a href=3D"https://www.redhat.com/en/blog/introducing-fedora-= project-leader-jef-spaleta" rel=3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://ww= w.redhat.com/en/blog/introducing-fedora-project-leader-jef-spaleta</a><br> <br> On Wed, Jun 4, 2025, at 9:32 AM, Bridger Reed-Lewis wrote:<br> > K I=E2=80=99m going to get those setup, should I only do one or all?<b= r> ><br> > On Tue, Jun 3, 2025 at 22:23 Benson Muite <<a href=3D"mailto:benson= [email protected]" target=3D"_blank">[email protected]</a>><= br> > wrote:<br> ><br> >> On Wed, Jun 4, 2025, at 9:09 AM, Bridger Reed-Lewis wrote:<br> >> > Thank you, I wasn't aware of those barriers. While I am a= ware that the<br> >> > university has strict rules around applications. I believe th= ere could<br> >> 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 ab= out this, I<br> >> am<br> >> > going to send them an email tomorrow since it's pretty la= te. Oh, and 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= 9;d be a lot<br> >> > easier then email<br> >><br> >><br> >><br> >> For Matrix, accounts on other servers will allow you to access roo= ms on the<br> >> kde matrix server. In addition to<br> >><br> >> <a href=3D"https://matrix.org/docs/chat_basics/matrix-for-im/#crea= ting-a-matrix-account" rel=3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://matrix.= org/docs/chat_basics/matrix-for-im/#creating-a-matrix-account</a><br> >> ,<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" tar= get=3D"_blank">https://servers.joinmatrix.org/</a><br> >><br> >> <a href=3D"https://apps.kde.org/neochat/" rel=3D"noreferrer" targe= t=3D"_blank">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"n= oreferrer" 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 h= ref=3D"mailto:[email protected]" target=3D"_blank">benson_muite@em= ailplus.org</a><br> >> ><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 partic= ularly for UAA, it=E2=80=99s just<br> >> I<br> >> >> > feel a collaboration could be set up depending on th= e person. And with<br> >> >> > everything going on federally, a lot of folks at my = work are pretty<br> >> mad,<br> >> >> > it=E2=80=99s the reason why I got my article. What I= =E2=80=99m going to do is reach<br> >> out<br> >> >> to<br> >> >> > the engineers/tech departments, to see if anyone is = interested in<br> >> 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 think it's a<br> >> good<br> >> >> > fit for me since I have dyscalculia. I've tried = with no luck 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, ty= pically on<br> >> Matrix<br> >> >> or IRC.<br> >> >> For Season of KDE, making students and people new to open= source aware<br> >> 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 c= oding<br> >> >> contributions.<br> >> >><br> >> >> In the US, many applications require accessibility testin= g reports<br> >> before<br> >> >> they can be<br> >> >> used in an institution.=C2=A0 This can be a barrier to ad= opting open source<br> >> >> software since<br> >> >> the administrative burden of procuring software which has= accessibility<br> >> >> testing done<br> >> >> is low compared to getting open source software and impro= ving it to meet<br> >> >> accessibility<br> >> >> standards for which the financial cost would likely be ul= timately 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 hre= f=3D"mailto:[email protected]" target=3D"_blank">benson_muite@emai= lplus.org</a><br> >> ><br> >> >> > wrote:<br> >> >> ><br> >> >> >><br> >> >> >><br> >> >> >> On Wed, Jun 4, 2025, at 7:58 AM, Bridger Reed-Le= wis wrote:<br> >> >> >> > I have heard of him, and it=E2=80=99s one o= f the reasons why I want to get<br> >> >> >> > involved, at the moment I don=E2=80=99t thi= nk the university allows Linux<br> >> to<br> >> >> be<br> >> >> >> > used, but I could be wrong. At the moment, = I am running KDE on my<br> >> >> Steam<br> >> >> >> > Deck. But I=E2=80=99m planning on purchasin= g a think-pad x1 carbon Gen 10<br> >> >> soon.<br> >> >> >> One<br> >> >> >> > area I=E2=80=99d like to see get added is d= ictation. There's an abandoned<br> >> >> project<br> >> >> >> > here --> <a href=3D"https://github.com/a= bb128/LiveCaptions" rel=3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://github.com= /abb128/LiveCaptions</a> that could be<br> >> forked<br> >> >> >> into a<br> >> >> >> > simple dictation tool, it's surprisingl= y, very accurate.<br> >> >> >><br> >> >> >> This seems to build on another library which may= be worth<br> >> incorporating<br> >> >> into<br> >> >> >> KDE applications:<br> >> >> >> <a href=3D"https://github.com/abb128/april-asr" = rel=3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://github.com/abb128/april-asr</a= ><br> >> >> >><br> >> >> >> There are ongoing discussions withing KDE about = using tools trained<br> >> on<br> >> >> >> data of unknown origin.<br> >> >> >><br> >> >> >> ><br> >> >> >> > Outside of that, I would need to look becau= se right now there's<br> >> not a<br> >> >> >> lot,<br> >> >> >> > and disability itself is a spectrum. withou= t seeing what you are<br> >> >> already<br> >> >> >> > working on, giving feedback might be hard. = But I am more than<br> >> willing<br> >> >> to<br> >> >> >> > test anything you can give me, as long as y= ou make the install<br> >> 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"noreferre= r" target=3D"_blank">http://apps.kde.org</a><br> >> >> >> Some will work on Windows and Mac. Applications = that might be useful<br> >> in<br> >> >> a<br> >> >> >> university<br> >> >> >> setting include:<br> >> >> >> - <a href=3D"https://apps.kde.org/labplot/" rel= =3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://apps.kde.org/labplot/</a><br> >> >> >> - <a href=3D"https://apps.kde.org/ktechlab/" rel= =3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://apps.kde.org/ktechlab/</a><br> >> >> >> - <a href=3D"https://apps.kde.org/accessibilityi= nspector/" rel=3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://apps.kde.org/access= ibilityinspector/</a><br> >> >> >> - <a href=3D"https://apps.kde.org/krita/" rel=3D= "noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://apps.kde.org/krita/</a><br> >> >> >> - <a href=3D"https://apps.kde.org/okular/" rel= =3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://apps.kde.org/okular/</a><br> >> >> >> - <a href=3D"https://apps.kde.org/kdenlive/" rel= =3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://apps.kde.org/kdenlive/</a><br> >> >> >> - <a href=3D"https://apps.kde.org/digikam/" rel= =3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://apps.kde.org/digikam/</a><br> >> >> >> - <a href=3D"https://apps.kde.org/glaxnimate/" r= el=3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://apps.kde.org/glaxnimate/</a><br= > >> >> >><br> >> >> >> It seems there are faculty members familiar with= open source<br> >> software:<br> >> >> >> <a href=3D"https://pradeeban.github.io/" rel=3D"= noreferrer" 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 o= f KDE (<br> >> >> >> <a href=3D"https://mentorship.kde.org/sok/" rel= =3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://mentorship.kde.org/sok/</a>)<br> >> >> >> would be one structured way to do this for KDE s= oftware that is<br> >> useful<br> >> >> at<br> >> >> >> UAA.<br> >> >> >><br> >> >> >> Krita, Kdenlive and Glaxnimate may also be usefu= l to people in your<br> >> art<br> >> >> >> department:<br> >> >> >><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> >> >><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 app= lication you use and<br> >> >> would<br> >> >> >> be willing to help<br> >> >> >> test? One-off contributions are welcome, but sus= tained involvement is<br> >> >> most<br> >> >> >> helpful.<br> >> >> >><br> >> >> >> ><br> >> >> >> > On Tue, Jun 3, 2025 at 20:28 Benson Muite &= lt;<br> >> <a href=3D"mailto:[email protected]" target=3D"_blank">be= [email protected]</a><br> >> >> ><br> >> >> >> > wrote:<br> >> >> >> ><br> >> >> >> >><br> >> >> >> >><br> >> >> >> >> On Tue, Jun 3, 2025, at 11:15 AM, Bridg= er Reed-Lewis wrote:<br> >> >> >> >> > Good evening, I am interested in b= ecoming a tester, and help<br> >> >> >> collaborate<br> >> >> >> >> > together on ideas to ensure access= ibility in future kde<br> >> iterations.<br> >> >> >> Nate,<br> >> >> >> >> > one of the board members, let me k= now about your sub-group, and<br> >> 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 mo= re effective.<br> >> >> >> >> ><br> >> >> >> >> > Before getting involved though, I = should introduce myself. I am<br> >> the<br> >> >> >> >> > disability advisor for The Univers= ity of Anchorage Alaska, and<br> >> >> while<br> >> >> >> I am<br> >> >> >> >> > doing this on my own time. I do ho= pe to get the university<br> >> involved<br> >> >> >> since<br> >> >> >> >> > we have a very active disability, = and accessibility work groups<br> >> at<br> >> >> >> UAA.<br> >> >> >> >> ><br> >> >> >> >> > Recently, the university wrote a a= rticle about me which goes in<br> >> >> detail<br> >> >> >> >> > about myself you can read about it= here...<br> >> >> >> >> ><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, and I believe Steam OS as a<br> >> >> whole<br> >> >> >> >> > could be a massive benefit to ensu= re a better market share, this<br> >> >> comes<br> >> >> >> >> with<br> >> >> >> >> > some challenges though because whi= le steam os is great for<br> >> gaming,<br> >> >> >> once<br> >> >> >> >> > it's released to the masses la= ter this year.<br> >> >> >> >> ><br> >> >> >> >> > The OS as a whole will have some d= isadvantages mainly the lack<br> >> of<br> >> >> >> >> > accessibility tools, which as some= one with a disability has been<br> >> >> the<br> >> >> >> >> > largest reason they haven't mo= ved fully to linux. Ended up on<br> >> Macs<br> >> >> >> >> because<br> >> >> >> >> > of how much i hate windows, but on= ce thing apple has about them<br> >> is<br> >> >> >> there<br> >> >> >> >> > gold star for supporting disabilit= ies in there OS.<br> >> >> >> >><br> >> >> >> >> Thanks for your interest. Are there any= KDE applications that you<br> >> use<br> >> >> >> where<br> >> >> >> >> support could be better?=C2=A0 Do you h= ave any computer labs where<br> >> linux<br> >> >> is<br> >> >> >> used<br> >> >> >> >> or KDE applications are used?<br> >> >> >> >><br> >> >> >> >> KDE e.V. recently appointed Ritchie Fro= domar as accessibility<br> >> >> engineer:<br> >> >> >> >> <a href=3D"https://mail.kde.org/piperma= il/kde-community/2025q2/008193.html" rel=3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">h= ttps://mail.kde.org/pipermail/kde-community/2025q2/008193.html</a><br> >> >> >> >><br> >> >> >> >> ><br> >> >> >> >> > I also want this in Linux, and I&#= 39;m here to help along<br> >> >> >> >> > with assisting with networking wit= h professionals to ensure<br> >> >> >> >> communications<br> >> >> >> >> > and collaboration with developers/= companies alike. Let me know<br> >> 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 | Sp= eaker<br> >> >> >> >> > He/Them<br> >> >> >> >><br> >> >> >><br> >> >><br> >><br> </blockquote></div> --000000000000db69f40636b9edf6--