OSS Watch team blog

The recent launch of the new JISC TechDis toolbar sees the introduction of an accessibility tool for students and others when accessing the web. This replacement for the previous TechDis toolbar increases the accessibility of almost any web site by running directly in popular web browsers, and provides features like text to speech of page content.

One important feature that may not be obvious from using the toolbar, is that the Accessibility Team at the University of Southampton Learning Societies Labs, developed the toolbar for TechDis while also making it an open source project.

By supporting this TechDis have increased the opportunity for sustainability by allowing the project to continue to evolve while attracting contributions from others, whether they are users submitting bugs and feature requests, or development teams interesting in using it in new applications. OSS Watch’s advise on open development practices has enabled EA Draffan to include these in her management of the project. In addition Seb Skuse, the lead developer, has used established open practices in his daily work on the project.

Seb attended one of the OSS Watch workshops on engaging with open source and found what he discovered useful in ensuring barriers to contribution are been minimised. The Accessibility Team have been heard to say that they enjoy working on an open source project and I am impressed with their eagerness to understand and apply the principles.

Working with them has been a very positive experience. They are undoubtedly a group to watch as they steadily increase their portfolio of open accessibility projects with wide application. Tools that demonstrate open innovation in provision for users of accessibility in education and beyond, by turning new ideas and research into solutions which provide practical benefits.

Download and try the Toolbar and let the team know what you think. You will find the team most welcoming of your ideas or other contributions.