Fwd: open source assistive technology software

[Guest guest]

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>open source assistive technology software

>http://www.oatsoft.org/Software

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>Project Summary

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>This article describes the plans for OATS (Open-source Assistive

>Technology Software), the development of the first open-source

>software repository and forge dedicated to Assistive Technology (AT).

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>Web-based, OATS will provide a one-stop " shop " for end users,

>clinicians and open-source developers to meet, exchange notes,

>promote new ideas, develop new software and download reliable

>open-source AT software.

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>Initially, the OATS Project is a one-year pilot project finishing in

>March 2006. If successful, its exit strategy will be for it to

>become a self-supporting, on-going web-based service for end users,

>AT professionals, and open-source developers.

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>The Repository:

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>Via its repository or library the project will make existing OATS

>more accessible by:

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> * Listing software in a central web-based database

> * Offering simple and easy methods to find appropriate software

> * Standardising the downloading and installation of software

> * Providing a level of quality assurance to guide potential end users

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>The Forge:

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>Via its forge or " dating agency " the project will also encourage the

>development of innovative OATS by:

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> * Attracting volunteer software developers

> * Developing new AT software based on specific user needs

> * Providing a dynamic discussion forum for users and open-source

> developers

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>Other Benefits for end users of AT:

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> The definition of OATS will be extended to embrace copyright-free material:

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> * Symbol and picture libraries

> * Software resources such as grid sets and user configurations

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>The repository will also allow users of AT to find software that,

>although not open-source, is nevertheless free

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> * Any software license where the end software is made available

> to a user at no cost will be included

> * More emphasis will be given to software that is on its way to

> being open-sourced

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