Blind people and apps

I know this is several weeks old, but I couldn’t help but not pass this up.

Herbie tooted on Mastodon this article titled Blind Users’ Negative Attitudes Towards Paid Apps: Mindsets and the Struggles of Sustainable Development by KAREEN KIWAN.

I provide different services, and I said many years ago that people aught to donate. I was labeled as a spammer, as I posted to lists about what I was doing and indicating that if they enjoyed what they heard to donate.

This proves for TSB’s work, my independent shows, and everything else I do. I’ve even paid contest winners all from my pocket.

This article linked here can take so many turns but the author is so right.

I’m in the same boat, I’m not going to talk about any particular group, but since I do know my audience is the blind, I’m in the same boat as the sighted developers who give IOS and Android apps away until they just can’t.

I’m very glad to pay for Transit App which is the app I use to get around L.A. county by bus. Its accessible, I’ve worked with them, and they’re a good group of people to work with.

I’ve paid hundreds and thousands of dollars in the independent stuff I’ve gotten, and I also appreciate those artists who have sent music or codes. But I’m also one of these developers of sites and services that understand the struggles of the community I serve.

I also paid one company hundreds of dollars to play their various games because I enjoyed the games they offered.

With the new project I’m building, I know its not about the money, but with WCT, I wanted to make it for the sighted. It never went anywhere as I told the sighted that I need help to do certain things and I also need money to advertise. I got $20 once and $1 on opening day of the project.

I completely get it.

If people can donate, please reach out. I’ll take whatever you can afford. I will appreciate it. I will treat you with the respect you deserve, because you took the time to do so.

Let’s work together to keep projects going, not trash those who need the support to keep things running. It doesn’t matter if its tech, an app to buy things with, or even a travel app.

Yes, I know this article was published on May 7th, and yes, I’m reading it now, but it speaks volumes. Take a look at it.