Removing software development barriers for visually impaired

As part of the project, experts will develop a co-operation tool for diversity teams. The tool will make content available in both graphical and textual format and support various output modes, such as magnification, braille or audio output, depending on the visual impairment. The objective is that every team member can work in a convenient representation mode. The challenge associated with the development of an accessible environment for diversity teams consists in the correct and real-time updates of all representation forms after changes. In parallel to the co-operation tool, training material for visually impaired software developers will be conceived. 

“People with blindness or low vision depend on information in textual mode,” commented Dr. Karin Müller, who heads the Cooperate project at SZS. “Due to their highly visual part, conventional modelling languages, such as the Unified Modeling Language, represent a big obstacle for these persons.” 

“By creating the necessary structures, the project will contribute to the successful integration of persons with visual impairment in the labour market and to good co-operation with normal sighted persons,” added Müller.