Zendalona’s open source software are designed to empower the visually impaired community through innovative solutions.
Zendalona, an organisation focused on FOSS for the visually impaired, is a brainchild of K. Sathyaseelan. At a tender age of 10, Sathyaseelan lost his vision to an accident and often found himself challenged by the lack of infrastructure for screen readers and limited availability of Braille reading material. Sometimes he would sit in a library full of books with only the ability to absorb the scent of the books and not the knowledge. All these and other experiences over his career as a lifelong teacher led to the creation of Zendalona for developing open source products customised to the needs of the visually challenged community.
The Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) movement is more than a development methodology; it is a philosophy that values transparency, collaboration, and community empowerment. By making code and tools openly accessible, FOSS has reshaped the technological landscape, empowering individuals and communities to innovate and solve problems collectively. It has lowered barriers to entry, allowing diverse contributors to enhance existing systems and create solutions tailored to specific needs.
For visually impaired individuals, access to technology can be a significant challenge. This is where Zendalona steps in. By embracing the principles of FOSS, Zendalona is not only addressing these challenges but is also setting a new benchmark for inclusivity in software development. Their tools are thoughtfully designed to empower users by focusing on accessibility, adaptability, and ease of use. Let’s explore how Zendalona’s mission aligns with the FOSS ethos and delve into their transformative suite of products.
Zendalona: Revolutionising accessibility through software
Zendalona develops free and open source tools tailored to meet the unique needs of visually impaired users. By leveraging FOSS principles, Zendalona ensures transparency, adaptability, and community-driven enhancements in their offerings.
Accessible-Coconut (AC)
Description
Accessible Coconut is a GNU/Linux-based operating system designed to cater to the needs of visually impaired users by integrating accessibility features out-of-the-box. It comes with a pre-installed screen reader software for immediate usability, customisable keyboard shortcuts tailored for accessibility, and is compatible with Braille devices and speech output systems.
Benefits
Accessible Coconut provides a seamless computing experience for visually impaired users, eliminating the need for additional software installations and ensuring a user-friendly interface right from the start. While making technology accessible to all, it fosters digital inclusion.
Sharada-Braille-Writer (S.B.W.)
Description
Sharada Braille Writer is a Linux-based text editor that allows Braille input using Perkins-like methods. It simplifies multi-language text creation for visually impaired users. It supports Braille input for over 40 languages including several Indian languages such as Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada, Arabic, etc; utilises key combinations corresponding to Braille dots for intuitive typing, and is compatible with screen readers for seamless interaction.
Benefits
S.B.W. empowers visually impaired individuals to create, edit, and share text in their native languages efficiently, fostering independence and digital literacy.
Linux-Intelligent-OCR- Solution (LIOS)
Description
Lios converts printed or digital text into accessible formats using OCR technology, designed with accessibility at its core. It supports text extraction from scanned images, PDFs, and screenshots, has integrated camera and scanner functionality, and is fully compatible with screen readers.
Benefits
Lios bridges the gap between printed materials and accessible formats, enabling visually impaired users to engage with a broad range of texts for education and daily tasks.
IBus-Braille
Description
IBus-Braille enables Braille typing on graphical desktops using Perkins-style keyboard input, with support for numerous Braille tables. It contains customisable key mappings for user-specific preferences, integration with Liblouis for accurate Braille translations, and one-hand typing support with Three to Six mode.
Benefits
This tool simplifies Braille-based typing for users, enhancing productivity and reducing the learning curve for interacting with digital environments.
Accessible games: TuxMath and TuxType Extensions
Description
These educational games are adapted for visually impaired users, combining entertainment with skill development. They have audio feedback and Braille support for interactive gameplay, math drills and typing practice tailored for accessibility, and multiplayer and single-player modes.
Benefits
These games make learning enjoyable and inclusive, helping users develop essential skills while having fun.
Zendalona stands at the forefront of accessibility innovation, blending FOSS principles with a commitment to inclusivity. Their software does more than address the needs of the visually impaired; it also creates opportunities for empowerment and growth in a digital-first world. By fostering collaboration and adaptability, Zendalona transforms barriers into bridges, equipping users with tools that enable education, employment, and personal growth.
Through their community-driven approach, Zendalona exemplifies how technology can be a force for good, championing equity and ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age. By combining innovation with compassion, Zendalona not only redefines accessibility but also paves the way for a future where inclusivity is the standard, not the exception.
