[laptop-accessibility] keyboard for the blind

[Peter Korn]

Hi Manusheel,

>  Thanks for the idea about using the existent dots on "F", and "J" 
> keys to locate the home row. We are trying to come up on a conclusion 
> whether the existent dots would be sufficient pointers for a child, or 
> do we need more guide dots? Any suggestions/feedback about it will be 
> appreciated.

Please see ISO standard 9241-4 from 1998 
(http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=16876) 
which specifies the tactile requirements for locating keys on a 
keyboard.  I don't know whether this standard was developed by folks who 
had tested with children, or with folks who have diabetes or some other 
issue that diminishes touch sensitivity.

For myself (adult, no diminished tactile sensitivity), the existing dots 
on f & j on the XO prototype I have are just fine. 


Regards,

Peter Korn
Accessibility Architect,
Sun Microsystems, Inc.