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| {{vital-info|Info about available Resident-created tools to make Second Life easier for the disabled}} | | {{vital-info|Info about available Resident-created tools to make Second Life easier for the disabled}} |
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| This page was started to collect and share accessibility resources which make Second Life easier to use. If you spot something missing, please ''do'' add your knowledge so we can all benefit from connecting the pieces together.
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| == Background == | | ==Background== |
| Over time, Linden Lab has added accessibility features to Second Life. Allowing menus to be keyboard-driven, adding keyboard shortcuts, and the [[Dazzle]] UI revamp have been valuable changes on their own, but combined, have made substantial improvements to the inworld experience. There's still a lot that needs to be done.
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| As of 2008-06-25, Linden Lab doesn't have a point person dedicated to accessibility & disability (who would likely work with our Resident Experience Team on usability matters), but as we've continued to hire key personnel for needed specialties and should this change, you'll find the role listed on the [http://lindenlab.com/employment/positions Employment Position Listings] page.
| | ==Definitions== |
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| | '''Accessibility''' means the degree to which an object, function, service, or environment is available for use by as many people as possible. |
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| In addition, we're reviewing better accessibility for our [http://secondlife.com/suport Support Portal]. Our internal project code is DEV-1458.
| | [[Image:Handicap.png]] This is an internationally recognized symbol for accessibility. |
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| == Open source ==
| | In many countries accessibility is legislated and thus may be more clearly defined. |
| Second Life's viewer is [[Open_Source_Portal|open source]], which means Residents are able to improve upon it and add user interface functionality, such as different input devices which make it easier to get around. An actual example of this was the patch for the [[SpaceNavigator]] 3D mouse, which was actually integrated into Linden Lab's main viewer.
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| '''Are there any open source viewers focused on accessibility? Put them here.''' | | '''Universal Design''' (UD) is an approach to creating structures, products, and environments that are accessible to all people. |
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| [http://www.textsl.org TextSL] is an open source interface allowing visually impaired to access Second life using a screen reader.
| | '''Disability''' means a lack of one or more human abilities, which include physical, mental, emotional, sensory, and developmental abilities. The effects of chronic illnesses are often included as disabilities. |
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| == Public Issue Tracker issues focused on improving Accessibility ==
| | The term “disability” is often contrasted with the term “'''impairment''',” which indicates a characteristic of an individual. |
| The [http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Issue_tracker Public Issue Tracker]) website (also known as Jira, Public Jira, or PJira), is a system that helps Linden Lab identify new features that the community of Second Life Residents feels are important. When you log on to PJira, you can vote for a specific feature request if you feel it is very important to have it added to Second Life. '''The more votes a particular feature request gets, the more Linden Lab will prioritize the request.''' [http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Issue_tracker#Vote_for_issues Here are details on how voting works in PJira.] | |
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| This section of the Accessibility wiki is for keeping track of specific feature requests in PJira that are focused on improving accessibility. Please feel free to add links to them so that folks can learn more and have the opportunity to cast their votes.
| | '''Assistive technology''' (AT) includes all devices (whether assistive, adaptive, or rehabilitative) that help people accomplish tasks they can not do adequately or at all without the device. |
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| * [http://jira.secondlife.com/browse/SVC-4515 SVC-4515]) Is a pJira proposing a new prim property be added for "annotation" on prims and objects. This would be made available to viewers centered on accessibility, and would be accompanied by a new function like llSetObjectName/Desc: llSetObjectAnnotation.
| | “'''People first language'''” is one way of emphasizing the similarities among all people before recognizing differences. |
| * [http://jira.secondlife.com/browse/SNOW-178 SNOW-178]) Is a pJira proposing a keyboard shortcut or text interface command for Add Friends.
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| * [http://jira.secondlife.com/browse/SNOW-179 SNOW-179]) Is a pJira proposing a keyboard shortcut or text interface command to Accept Friends request.
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| * [http://jira.secondlife.com/browse/SNOW-180 SNOW-180]) Is a pJira proposing mapping keyboard command and/or shortcut to open context menus.
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| * [http://jira.secondlife.com/browse/VWR-16510 VWR-16510]) Is a pJira proposing that the Second Life Viewer be made to comply with section 508.
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| == Hearing-impaired ==
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| === Event transcripts ===
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| Linden Lab provides text transcripts of events such as [[Podcast|our podcast interviews]] and even the [[SL5B#Event_Recordings|Second Life's 5th birthday keynotes]].
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| Residents seeking to do the same for their events can learn how to '''[[Voice recording|record voice chat]]'''. Then, if you don't have time to transcribe yourself, you can use the '''[http://mturk.com/ Amazon Mechanical Turk]''' to get an affordable transcription. If you find it confusing to set up tasks, there's also [http://castingwords.com CastingWords], which also uses MTurk as an intermediary.
| | LINKS: |
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| == Visually-impaired ==
| | '''[http://www.ada.gov Americans with Disability Act]''' |
| === Text size too small? ===
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| You can enlarge this in a few ways:
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| * Edit menu > Preferences > General tab and increase UI Size.
| | '''[http://www.section508.gov Section 508]''' |
| * Also in the General tab, uncheck "Small Avatar Names" (to the right of "Show Names").
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| * In Preferences > Text Chat tab, set Chat Font Size to Large.
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| You can also [http://blip.tv/file/975451/ watch a video tutorial].
| | '''[http://www.access-board.gov United States Access Board]''' |
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| === Voice chat ===
| | '''[http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/RightsAndObligations/DisabilityRights/DG_4001068 UK Disability Discrimination Act]''' |
| You may prefer to use voice chat if you find it difficult to continually read text chat. See these articles in our Knowledge Base:
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| * '''[http://support.secondlife.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=4417&task=knowledge&questionID=4536 Voice FAQ]'''
| | '''[http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/dda1992264/ Australian Disability Discrimination Act]''' |
| * '''[http://support.secondlife.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=4417&task=knowledge&questionID=4423 How to Use Voice]
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| We also have '''[[Video_Tutorials#VOICE_CHAT|VOICE CHAT video tutorials]]''' for your benefit.
| | '''[http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/H-6/index.html Canadian Human Rights Act, Article 25]''' |
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| == Mobility-impaired ==
| | '''[http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/refworld/rwmain?docid=45f973632 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities]''' |
| This is an inspiring video featuring a man using brainwaves to control Second Life:
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| <videoflash>d55CJYtHKAI</videoflash>
| | '''[http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/ Web Content Accessibility Guidelines]''' |
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| You can also [http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=YipEdFersgM see a similar video with Japanese text].
| | '''[http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/ Center for Universal Design at North Carolina Sate University]''' |
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| === Alternative input options ===
| | '''[http://www.who.int/icidh/ World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health]''' |
| Depending on your specific needs, a standard keyboard + mouse may not be the best. If possible, try before you buy, or acquire it from a place with a hassle-free return policy. In addition to the numerous [http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/?index=blended&field-keywords=ergonomic%20keyboard ergonomic keyboards] out there, You may consider:
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| * '''[http://www.3dconnexion.com/3dmouse/spacenavigator.php 3Dconnexion alternative mice]''' - Including the SpaceNavigator which has become popular with Second Life. By using a limited range of motion, you can use the 6 axes to move your avatar, camera, and more.
| | ==Accessibility Issues with Second Life== |
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| * '''[http://www.frogpad.com/ Frogpad]''' - A unique form of ergonomic keyboard useful for those who've lost mobility in one hand.
| | ==Solutions and Sources== |
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| * '''[http://www.wacom.com/index2.cfm Wacom tablet]''' - Uses a stylus as a mouse alternative and can be helpful for relieving wrist cramps/carpal tunnel problems. Wacom is among the more expensive graphics tablets, but also durable in quality.
| | ===Keyboard/Mouse Impairment Accessibility Issues=== |
| | Including inworld work-arounds, voice recognition software (built-in and purchased), alternative keyboards and other input options |
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| * '''[http://www.microsoft.com/enable/training/windowsxp/mousekeys.aspx MouseKeys]''' - "Control the Mouse Pointer Using the Numeric Keypad"
| | ===Hearing Impairment Accessibility Issues=== |
| | Including V2T transcription, delayed transcription, captioning |
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| * '''[http://www.nuance.com/naturallyspeaking/ Dragon Naturally Speaking]''' - Talk-to-write program. Typing words and sentences can be done in Second Life by talking in a microphone. A reasonably fast computer is recommended for doing this since, because like Second Life, Dragon is resources-heavy. If your performance is slow, try lowering your Second Life graphics settings to the minimum to cope with a slower computer. In several countries you can get compensation for buying the program/computer if you are disabled.
| | ===Print Impairment Accessibility Issues=== |
| | Including adjusting UI size, Voice Chat, T2V transcription, text reader devices |
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| * '''[http://www.macspeech.com/ MacSpeech]''' Software similar to [http://www.nuance.com/naturallyspeaking/ Dragon Naturally Speaking] but designed for Mac.
| | ===Other Accessibility Issues=== |
| | Including safety for adult-children |
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| | ==Discussions of Accessibility Issues== |
| | Transcripts and calendar of events |
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| == Related resources == | | ==Public Issue Tracker (JIRAs) Related to Accessibility Issues== |
| * '''[http://www.google.com/coop/cse?cx=001010425210852223575%3Ajldmgpuier0 Second Life Educators Discussion list search]''' - Try searching the archives for keywords like "[http://www.google.com/cse?cx=001010425210852223575%3Ajldmgpuier0&ie=UTF-8&q=accessibility&sa=Search accessibility]".
| | Including directions how to use it |
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| * '''[http://healthinfoisland.blogspot.com/ Health & Medicine in Second Life]''' - Learn more about HealthInfo island and visit their inworld Accessibility Center.
| | ==User-developed Projects To Develop Accessibility Tools== |
| * '''[http://secondlifeaccessibility.edublogs.org/ Second Life Accessibility]''' - "All about accessibility and disability in Second Life virtual worlds."
| | Including the Max technologies, Restricted Viewer, Access Viewer, and Radegast |
| * '''[http://twinx45.wordpress.com/ Second Life Accessibility]''' (a different blog with the same name) - Hasn't been updated since Nov. 2007, but has a selection of useful links on the right-hand side.
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| * '''[http://www.blindsecondlife.blogspot.com/ Second Life for the Visually Impaired]''' - Gareth White is "Analysing the accessibility of Second Life with respect to visual impairment."
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| * '''[http://www.virtualability.org VirtualAbility - Second Life help for disabled people]''' - A community dedicated to helping disabled people in secondlife."
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| * '''[http://www.handsfree3d.com/ Handsfree 3D]''' - "Controlling Virtual Worlds Without a Mouse or Keyboard"
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| * '''[[User_talk:Capstan_Clift|Advocacy Working Group]]''' - "Should a working group be formed to address accessibility in Second Life?"
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| * '''[http://textsl.org TextSL]''' - The University of Nevada in Reno developed a client for Second Life which allows visually impaired /blind users to access Second Life using a screen Reader.
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| * '''[[Helen_Keller_Day|Helen Keller Day in Second Life]]'''
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| * '''[http://delicious.com/secondlife/accessibility Pathfinder Linden's List of Second Life Accessibility Websites]'''
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| * '''[http://www.blinddeafawareness.pbworks.com BlindDeafAwareness Wiki]''' - Started 6/20/09 in anticipation of the Helen Keller day in Second Life on 6/27/09
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| * '''[http://www.virtualhelpinghands.org Virtual Helping Hands]''' - A non-profit corporation dedicated to: making the immersive Internet (virtual worlds) accessible to disabled individuals, providing assistance to those that are disabled, providing resources to those that are disabled, developing and makeing available new or enhanced existing technology to the disabled which enhances their opportunity for social engagement. See also: www.virtualguidedog.org
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| === Blog posts & media mentions === | | ==Academic Research Projects Related to Accessibility== |
| In reverse-chronological order.
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| * 2009-6-23 - '''[http://www.seeingwithsound.com/voice.exe See with your ears]''' - See things with your ears instead of your eyes!
| | ==Related Resources== |
| * 2009-06-17 - '''[http://blogs.secondlife.com/community/community/education/blog/2009/06/17/beautiful-visions-beyond-sight-guide-dogs-and-helen-keller-day-in-second-life Beautiful Visions beyond Sight: Guide Dogs and Helen Keller Day in Second Life]''' - Pathfinder Linden's blog post.
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| * 2008-06-30 - '''[http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080602/lf_afp/sciencelifestylejapantechnologyhealthinternet_080602161821 Paralysed man takes a walk in virtual world]''' - Brainwaves used to control Second Life.
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| * 2008-03-15 - '''"[http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw090207 Exploring Methods of Accessing Virtual Worlds]''' - Techniques for enabling blind users in virtual worlds.
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| * 2007-12-07 - '''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBlaiBV_yJs wheeling in Second Life]''' - Video of "A person with cerebral palsy using second life with a headwand."
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| * 2007-07-28 - '''[http://secondedition.wordpress.com/2007/07/28/empowering-the-physically-challenged/ Empowering the physically challenged]''' - Blog post from Second Edition. SL Resident Simon Walsh operates his in-world nightclub Wheelies.
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| * 2007-01-11 - '''[http://www.it-analysis.com/blogs/Abrahams_Accessibility/2007/1/second_life_open_source_accessible_.html Second Life open source accessible client]''' - Blog post from Abrahams Accessibility. Has ideas for open source devs to make SL more accessible.
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| * 2004-12-15 - '''[http://secondlife.blogs.com/nwn/2004/12/the_nine_souls_.html The Nine Souls of Wilde Cunningham]''' - Blog post from New World Notes. One of the classic stories of Second Life enabling self-expression for the disabled.
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This article or section is missing vital information. You can help the SL Wiki by editing it. Info about available Resident-created tools to make Second Life easier for the disabled
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Background
Definitions
Accessibility means the degree to which an object, function, service, or environment is available for use by as many people as possible.
This is an internationally recognized symbol for accessibility.
In many countries accessibility is legislated and thus may be more clearly defined.
Universal Design (UD) is an approach to creating structures, products, and environments that are accessible to all people.
Disability means a lack of one or more human abilities, which include physical, mental, emotional, sensory, and developmental abilities. The effects of chronic illnesses are often included as disabilities.
The term “disability” is often contrasted with the term “impairment,” which indicates a characteristic of an individual.
Assistive technology (AT) includes all devices (whether assistive, adaptive, or rehabilitative) that help people accomplish tasks they can not do adequately or at all without the device.
“People first language” is one way of emphasizing the similarities among all people before recognizing differences.
LINKS:
Americans with Disability Act
Section 508
United States Access Board
UK Disability Discrimination Act
Australian Disability Discrimination Act
Canadian Human Rights Act, Article 25
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
Center for Universal Design at North Carolina Sate University
World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health
Accessibility Issues with Second Life
Solutions and Sources
Keyboard/Mouse Impairment Accessibility Issues
Including inworld work-arounds, voice recognition software (built-in and purchased), alternative keyboards and other input options
Hearing Impairment Accessibility Issues
Including V2T transcription, delayed transcription, captioning
Print Impairment Accessibility Issues
Including adjusting UI size, Voice Chat, T2V transcription, text reader devices
Other Accessibility Issues
Including safety for adult-children
Discussions of Accessibility Issues
Transcripts and calendar of events
Public Issue Tracker (JIRAs) Related to Accessibility Issues
Including directions how to use it
User-developed Projects To Develop Accessibility Tools
Including the Max technologies, Restricted Viewer, Access Viewer, and Radegast
Academic Research Projects Related to Accessibility
Related Resources
This is an internationally recognized symbol for accessibility.