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VOX Family integrates the visually impaired into the world through the Internet

A voice interface for DOS environment. Technically, this is a good definition for DOSVOX, an embryo of the system. But for the visually impaired, the definition would be quite another. Kátia Oliveira, for instance, says that "by means of DOSVOX, I have discovered how wonderful the computer world can be for the blind. By this means, I have become independent, especially at work." Devised in 1992 by Marcelo Pimentel, a computer science student at UFRJ, the system began to be developed by him in 1993 with the aid of his computer design teacher Antonio Borges. Since then, the interface has produced a family of about 60 programs that include a spell check, a Braille printer, an e-mail reader, access to homepages and even games such as hangman. .

The DOSVOX project is being developed by the Electronic Computer Nucleus (NCE) of UFRJ and is a member of the SACI Network. The administrative coordinator of the SACI Network at NCE, Maria Irene da Fonseca e Sá, speaks about the system, which already has 3000 users, in an exclusive interview given in February.

Unirede will offer its applications through the installation of info-highways and integrated media to meet the demand for higher learning at the undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, extension course or continued educational levels. The first of its programs will offer teacher-licensing courses for applicants wishing to teach at the grade school or high school level nationwide. The objective is to provide instruction for 100 thousand applicants a year.

RNP News: What is the DOSVOX system?

Maria Irene da Fonseca e Sá: The DOSVOX is a system for PC computers that communicates with the user by means of voice synthesis. In this fashion it allows the visually impaired the use of computers, enabling them to have a high degree of independence in their studies and at work. The language used in the program is Portuguese. The DOSVOX system is being developed at the Electronic Computer Nucleus (NCE) of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). The DOSVOX development project began in 1993 and has been continually enhanced and updated. There are visually impaired programmers engaged on the development team who have already been enjoying the advantages of using of DOSVOX.

Objectively speaking, how does the DOSVOX system enable the visually impaired to use computers?

At the outset, the visually impaired would need the aid of someone who sees (or of a visually impaired user already trained in DOSVOX) in order to download the software component files. Once a directory is created under a given name (different from winvox or dosvox), all files can be downloaded into it and the installation program can be activated (instmini.bat). Then, it's just a question of using the software.

What programs make up the system?

The DOSVOX system is currently composed of 60 programs. From among these, we would like to point out: the DOSVOX operational system, the MINIED grammar and spell check, the LEVOX text reader, the IMPRIVOX printer program, the CALCUVOX vocal data processor, the MONITVOX windows monitor and the TMIX volume control program. There are, as well, the Internet access programs: TNETVOX - spoken Telnet, CARTAVOX - e-mail, FTPVOX - remote file transfer, PAPOVOX - vocal chat room site on the Internet, WEBVOX - access to homepages, plus CATAVOX games, word search and FORCAVOX - hangman, the BRAIVOX Braille printer and the TRANSCOD - mathematical Braille codifying program.

What is the minimum equipment requirement that would enable a person to use the system?

The DOSVOX version for Windows requires a 486 computer with a sound card (and speakers), a minimum 16 MB memory which when running uses up about 50 Mb in Winchester, including all files related to recorded programs. When the program began to be developed in 1993, the use of Internet in Brazil was practically restricted to the academic community and in fact the World Wide Web did not even exist then.

Was there any impact on the demand for DOSVOX when the Web emerged in 1993 and later on, as of 1995, with its rising dissemination in Brazil?

At the beginning of DOSVOX in 1993, the system was not prepared to work with the Internet. In 1996, by means of the Intervox project, programs were developed that permitted access to the Internet. After announcing the new features and with the support of RNP, that permitted free access to the Internet, the demand became much greater and about 500 of the visually impaired began to access the Internet, through the NCE/UFRJ partnership with RNP.

How many users are currently using the program? Is there a similar program, Brazilian or otherwise, in another language?

DOSVOX currently has about 3000 (three thousand) users, out of which 500 have access to the Internet. There are various reading programs available in different languages for the visually impaired. However, they require that the user undergo a rigorous training program in order to be able to partake of them. Because DOSVOX presents a very basic communication interface, with easy to use spoken menus, there is no need to undergo specific training. Since its interface has been prepared for the visually impaired, DOSVOX has become an unprecedented tool in rapid processing.

Professionally speaking, how can the visually impaired benefit by making use of DOSVOX?

Initially, the visually impaired can use DOSVOX to further their own education, be it at the grammar school, junior or senior high school, undergraduate or even graduate level of studies. Each one can become independent, no longer having to rely on family members or friends to read to him. His study program can be tremendously enhanced. In addition, he can use the computer as a work tool. There are examples of those who have been successfully using the computer in tele-messaging services.

On a day to day basis, how can DOSVOX help the visually impaired?

On a daily basis, DOSVOX will take the place of his very sight. From being able to read the daily newspaper to partaking in leisure activities involving games to communication: with access to WWW, chat rooms, mailing lists, e-mail, etc.

Does the project broach the subject of social distribution of this program considering the difficulties usually present in the lives of the disabled in our country?

Without a doubt, the social issue related to distribution has merited special attention throughout the development of the project. Ever since 1993 when DOSVOX was still in an embryonic stage, a solution was already being sought that would favor its acquisition by the visually impaired. The cost of DOSVOX corresponds to the media cost plus the cost of preparing copies. Profit is not an issue here. The Intervox project enabled 500 blind people to use the Internet for two years, free of charge for visually impaired participants who adhered to the project. Likewise, the SACI Project is distributing, free of charge, the SACI kit, a special version of DOSVOX for Windows, and not just to the disabled but to their family members and instructors as well, in an attempt to integrate the impaired into society.

How does DOSVOX integrate with the SACI Networking project?

The SACI Project - Solidarity, Support, Communication and Information, represents the convergence of various initiatives and projects focused on different types of physical impairment. The major aim is to integrate the handicapped into Society. The special DOSVOX version that comprises the SACI kit is already being distributed free of charge to all those interested.

How can those interested get information and/or copies of the program?

All concerned can obtain information over the Internet, in the SACI Project homepage: http://www.saci.org.br. On this same page, they can obtain information on the SACI kit and download the programs. They can also send e-mail to saci@saci.org.br.

Maria Irene da Fonseca e Sá Administrative Coordinator of the SACI Network on NCE

[RNP, 03.24.2000]