[nfbcs] Assistance needed from Programmers

Tue Apr 22 19:05:14 UTC 2014

I do not understand why a lot of code is an impediment to a coder whether
blind or sighted. The issue seems to be how much one can absorb rather than
how fast one can scroll through screens. Of course, if reading speed is 20
or 30 WPM, then reading is an issue. This emphasis on memorization is a
mystery to me. I did not memorize program code--I read it. Surely I could
become familiar with certain parts, but much of the code I saw, especially
as a new programmer, was new to me, and until they started letting me code
on my own, maintenance meant I dealt with something new every week.

It sounds like this programmer works for a company with well-established
procedures and tools that are simply inaccessible. Therefore, everything
they give him needs modification. This is a hard place for him and for them,
but it will likely not occur to them that the problem is not of his making
and not inherent to blindness. The problem initially was in procurement.
They demonstrate a willingness to provide accommodations, but the paradigm
is "You are the person with the special need. We will accommodate that
special need by purchasing special hardware and software. You will have to
tell us what it is, but we want you to succeed and we'll likely make the
purchase." There is goodness and kindness in this. I wonder, however, if the
issue of access doesn't have to go beyond this and embrace the idea that
access software, unless it is playing with software that has some awareness
of what accessibility means, simply isn't enough. Decisions as to what to
purchase should assign a weight for accessibility and it must be enough to
play a significant part in what the company buys and deploys. They need to
be concerned enough about the success of their employee to demand changes in
existing systems to move them toward meeting accessibility standards.

Lastly we get to the question of this person's talent. Where does he or she
shine? With a parttime assistant, could he do some of this work himself? 

I hope others have and will chime in.

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbcs [mailto:nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of David W Bundy
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2014 4:36 PM
To: nfbcs at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nfbcs] Assistance needed from Programmers

I have received an inquiry from an employer related to challenges being
encountered by one of their programmers who is blind. I thought some of the
long-time programmers on the list might have some tips that may help him
address these issues.  Below is the information that was provided to me
(with identifying information removed).  I have some ideas about some of
these, but would welcome any feedback any of you may have.

·        Complexity of Code – Employee needs to be able to navigate through
thousands of lines of code, identify key components and understand how they
relate to other parts of the system, including impacts to  other company
systems

·        Software Limitations – Because of the JAWS software limitations,
employee is unable to:

§  Interpret graphical documentation, such as:

-          Diagrams

-          Scope and design documents

-          Technical specifications

-          Concept Diagrams, etc.

The requirement for additional explanations exists when supporting text is
not adequate for interpretation  

§  View communications with reference to graphical documents or embedded
information, such as:

-          Email communication

-          Project documentation

-          Reference materials

Each document must be revised for employee to be able to receive it. This
includes technical specifications which can be in excess of a hundred pages

§  View PowerPoint presentations 

PowerPoint presentations have to be modified to include words on all images
to describe the image  

§  View Roles documentation 

Due to the software inability to review documentation associated with roles,
employee must schedule personal interviews with employees in specific I/S
roles to support the understanding of those roles and the various
responsibilities

§  Maneuver through the Quality Center software to do research

Unable to access this web-based application  

§  Participate in Meetings/Training presentations that include images or
graphics 

Any training or meeting that employee attends must have every image
explained and a soft copy available so he can follow along. Instances where
computer based training would be assigned to assist with training,
additional explanation or alternate training material must be provided  

PC Hardware/Software already in place:

Specialized software/hardware and associated licenses are required for
employee to interpret text or screen displays.

The following items have been purchased and installed:

·         New PC purchased to handle specialized software (March 2013)

·         Braille Display purchased (May 2013)

·         Upgrade to JAWS Interpretation version of software (October 2013)

Code Walk-Thru and Other Meetings

I/S provides accommodations to assist employee in meetings by preparing a
soft copy and sending to him via email so he can view other's changes in a
walk through. He is also provided with a laptop/PC for his participation in
the meeting. In order for employee to conduct a code walk through, since he
is unable to point out his changes, he must speak to them from memory.  

Work Assignments

Every project that is initiated, the first person we try to fit into an
assignment is this employee .  He is able to do very elementary assignments
and requires a lot of direction and guidance through the system.  While he
is able to code from very detailed specifications, he is unable to maneuver
well through the massive amount of code in our systems. Also, he is unable
to do the necessary research to support an effort during systems testing.
In I/S development, assignments are different with each project.  We are not
in the same program elements time and time again.  This is a challenge for
the employee .  In order for him to maneuver through a program, he pretty
much has to memorize it.    

David W Bundy

Columbia, SC

bundy at pobox.com

(803) 447-7629

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