Future Posibilities
The long term goal is to develop a flexible cross platform access system, that enables each user to reach maximum potential for their various User Tasks. The input capabilities of each user will be matched to software features via a 'capability palette' that allows gestures made using various input technologies to be used to control programs according to each users preferences. Other technologies for control and text input such as Dasher and Voice dictation will also be integrated in order to provide the most efficient and transparent experience.
The following ideas represent areas of future development, subject to further funding becoming available.
Cool Graphics design: this wants to be attractive or those with some vision. Possibly from Mozilla community member Ken Saunders (A.K.A mouse runner)
Cross platform: This has the potential to become a central accessibility feature of Linux+Gnome as well as Windows and Mac. Future versions should run on all platforms.
Extended applications: The keyboard 'keys' could show standard symbols sets as used for AAC devices. Speech synthesis and recorded audio 'samples' will also be needed. The WWAAC web browser project,investigated many features required for a highly accessible browser and some could be added to this project.
Hardware communication devices (VOCAs): Many users use dedicated hardware AAC devices to communicate with others using switch input and speech synthesis. Embedded Linux with this program will provide the basis for a low cost alternative system.
User Capability Palette: One way we can really improve on today's experience for users with physical disabilities is to innovate new interaction methods to make the most of all of each user's capabilities. A capability palette could allow the matching of user capabilities to program features. For example, features could include "Go back", "Skip five", "Next input modality", etc. Input capabilities might include "user utterance", "foot switch", "brain switch action", etc.
Enhance Text Input: Integration with Dasher for input. The concept of mouse gestures could be extended to joysticks, head mice and eye trackers, allowing faster text input and feature selection. This needs practical investigation, but could provide a huge improvement in the speed of access. Another useful addition would be the inclusion of word prediction, thus speeding up user input a great deal, even for switch users.
Customisation: The on screen keyboard will be able to drive applications using a variety of means in order to provide control and content creation. It will be visually appealing and usable out of the box, yet offer creative possibilities for skinning and personalisation.
Community Resources: It will be possible to develop online repositories of keyboard layouts, skins and community features such as forums. This could provide a focal point for user discussion and innovation.
Open Standard for keyboard layouts: The definition format for keyboards could be promoted as a standard to be adopted by other programs such as The Grid. This will give users more choice.
Reusable Components: It may be possible to factor out components that will be of use to other projects. For example scanning modes and text prediction.
