[nfbcs] Assistance needed from Programmers

[Tracy Carcione]

In my experience of Powerpoint presentations, there are only a few of the 
images that I actually need to know about.  Take organizational charts, for 
example.  Management thinks they're terribly important, but they don't 
matter a hill of beans to me.  All I really need to know is who's my boss, 
and I don't need a chart for that.

If I need to discuss a particular section of code in a meeting or with a 
co-worker, I can do a few things.  I can scribble notes on what it does in 
my braille notetaker, and read it back when I need to.  I purchased my own 
notetaker, because I use it for work and a lot more.
Or I can copy and paste the relevant section of code into an email, send it 
to whoever, and discuss it over the phone while we both look at it.  Or I 
can ask whoever to come to my cubicle and look at the monitor while I use 
the speech.
If I really had to, I could copy and paste a section of code into my 
notetaker, but I don't usually need that kind of detail in a meeting.

I have inherited some large, complex programs.  I skimmed through the 
working sections when I first had them assigned, with Jaws at high revs, to 
get an idea of what was happening, but now, I prefer to get a keyword of 
where the problem might be, find it, and go from there.  For instance, if I 
know there's a problem in the revenue crosswalk section, I'll find "rev" 
until I get the bit I want.
However, I inherited these programs because I am experienced with our system 
and with all the languages we use.  If I was a newbie, I'd need a lot more 
direction.
But I don't think looking through thousands of lines of code, especially 
with no direction or hint, is easy for anyone, blind or sighted.

I don't understand the "roles" bit at all.  If I have a project that 
requires input from someone else, my boss will tell me who to go talk to. 
If I'm not sure what someone else is responsible for, I can just ask.  The 
answer usually takes about 10 seconds.  But other shops may have an entirely 
different structure and style than mine.
Tracy

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David W Bundy" <bundy at pobox.com>
To: <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2014 5:36 PM
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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