ODF and Open Source Solutions at CSUN

I was just glancing over the list of General Sessions for the upcoming CSUN conference. OpenDocument Format and open source solutions are certainly well-represented this year:


  • Collaboration and Web Access using the Orca Screen Reader

  • Creating Accessible Documents in OpenOffice.org

  • DAISY: Free, Open-source Tools from the Urakawa Project for Authoring Accessible Multimedia

  • IBM’s Accessible Open Computing Strategy: Usable Access of Emerging Technologies and Platforms

  • Obtaining and Installing Ubuntu Linux Using the Orca Screen Reader*

  • Opening Doors with Open Source: Screen Reader Access to Linux/UNIX*

  • OpenOffice Document Access using the Orca Screen Reader

  • Remote Access Bridge: Cross-Platform Accessible Remote Access to the Linux Desktop

  • Sakai: A Case Study of Accessibility in Open Source Applications

  • Tools for Improving OpenDocument Format (ODF) Accessibility

  • Topics in Java, UNIX, and Open Document Format Accessibility

*Disclosure: I am one of the co-presenters in this session.

There are at least two additional presentations addressing the barriers posed by the high cost of commercial assistive technology products, including:


  • A Review of Lite Tech Low Cost Communication Devices (Those under $1500)

  • Accommodating Seniors on $100/Computer or Less


(The fact that “low cost” and “under $1500” are used synonymously speaks volumes, doesn’t it? )

Should be an excellent conference for folks interested in finding ways to bridge the “digital divide.”

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