It is evident from the feedback received over the past few years that the Accessible-Coconut GNU/Linux operating system represents a significant advancement in enhancing the lives of individuals with visual impairments. Zendalona is pleased to announce the release of Accessible-Coconut 22.04.03, which integrates all the valuable feedback provided by our users. Such responses are expected to continue.

The new version comes with two interesting new games: Maths-Tutor and Snakes-and-Ladders. Additional updates in the new version encompass system upgrades, enhanced support for Pidgin Telegram via libpurple-telegram-tdlib, updates to Coco-Patcher, fixes for eBook-speaker, and refreshed files within the User-Guide

Accessible Coconut Download Link

Project Page Link

Accessible Coconut Forum Link

Accessible Coconut Telegram Group Link

Having participated in the Google Summer of Code (GSoC) on numerous occasions, Zendalona has now, for the first time, ascended to the role of a mentoring organization. Two members of Zendalona, Mr. Nalin Sathyan and Mr. Anwar Nassar, have made significant contributions to free and open-source projects through GSoC four times. Their contributions were to,

Project 1:  “Accessibility Extensions for TuxMath and TuxType,” involves enhancing Tux Typing, an educational typing program for children. This project was developed under Tux4Kids.

Project 2: “Alternative Approaches to Inputting Text Using Braille Combinations,” is an input method for GNU/Linux based on the six-key approach of braille, developed under Swathanthra Malayalam Computing.

Project 3: “XBoard Enhancement and Accessibility” involves making XBoard accessible for visually impaired users. XBoard is a graphical user interface chessboard for chess engines. This project was under developed  Portland State University.

Project 4, ‘IBus-Braille Enhancement,’ provides enhancements to IBus Braille, such as libloise integration. It was developed under the Indic Project.

Maths-Tutor is an innovative game aimed at revolutionizing math education for the visually impaired. By leveraging inclusive game design and being both free and open source, it strives to make learning mathematics an engaging and enjoyable experience for all learners. This initiative not only helps individuals in judging their abilities but also enhances their mathematical skills in a supportive environment. 

The fact that visually impaired people can now use Abacus and Taylor Frame, along with some software Maths-Tutor underscores the commitment to accessibility and effectiveness in teaching mathematics. The development of Maths-Tutor fills a crucial gap by providing a relevant and accessible alternative to currently used software, ensuring that everyone, regardless of visual ability, has access to quality math education. 

Maths-Tutor Download Link

The launch event for five software tools, developed by the final-year M.Sc. Computer Science students of V.T. Bhattathirippad College in collaboration with Zendalona, took place on December 20, 2023. These software tools were part of the students’ final-year project work.

Adv. Prem Kumar, MLA, Ottappalam, graced the inauguration ceremony as the official inaugural guest. The event began with a welcome speech by Assistant Professor Subha I.N, Head of the Computer Science Department. Dr. Saritha Namboothiri, the principal, delivered the presidential address, and Mr. Krishna Kumar K, the District Project Officer (SSK), served as the chief guest for the occasion.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of five innovative projects by the students: Jithesh. M, Greeshna P, Roopasree A.P, Aswathy P, and Archana V.S. The projects featured an Online Braille-Translator, Braille-Translator GUI, Accessible Maths-Tutor, Accessible Bluff Game, and Accessible Snakes-And-Ladders Game, each providing unique solutions to address accessibility needs.

During the celebration, facilitation speeches by Associate Prof. Haridas, Professor M.K. Narayanan Namboodiri, Dr. Sandeep Narayanan, Dr. Aravind, Mr. K. Sathyaseelan, Mr. Chandramohan, Mr. Mukundhan Annamali, Mr. Nalin Sathyan, Mrs. Nobel Mary Chacko, and Mr. Gokul Krishnan shared words of encouragement, recognizing the students’ hard work and dedication. Concluding the event, Mrs. Jyothi extended a heartfelt vote of thanks.

The collaboration between the Kerala Federation of the Blind, Zendalona, and V.T. Bhattathirippad College underscored the importance of community engagement and partnerships in driving positive change. Through the exhibition, they contributed to the ongoing dialogue on accessibility and inclusivity in the realm of technology. This event served as a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and further collaboration in the pursuit of creating a more accessible and inclusive future for all.

The Graduate Research Department of Malayalam at Nedumangad Government College hosted a comprehensive three-day workshop titled TouchTech 2023: Braille and Screen Reader Possibilities and Awareness, held from December 18 to 20.

During the event, on December 19,  Satyaseelan from Zendalona delivered an insightful presentation on ‘Producing Ordinary Text Using Braille Patterns: A Reverse Contribution from the Visually Challenged World.’ In addition, Nalin Sathyan from Zendalona shared expertise on ‘Advanced Technological Intervention in Braille Production: A Presentation on OCR and Braille Translator.’

The workshop provided a platform for participants to delve into the latest advancements in Braille technology and screen readers, fostering awareness and collaboration within the visually impaired community

On November 17, 2023, Mr. K. Sathyaseelan from Zendalona attended the inauguration session of the ‘Braille Literacy program organized by the Palakkad District Panchayath. He also participated in the interview board to select Braille literacy promoters in the district. The Braille literacy program is a prestigious initiative of the Palakkad District Panchayat aimed at promoting Braille literacy, serving the cause of the visually challenged.

Explore the OSM Kerala Community Meetup 2023, held on November 4th at the Kerala Sahithya Academy Changambuzha, Thrissur. With a participation of nearly 75 individuals, the event featured presentations on various OSM-related topics. Notable among them was the session by K. Sathyaseelan, Nalin Sathyan, and Goutham Krishna from Zendalona, addressing the enhancement of “Accessibility to OSM services for visually challenged individuals”.

‘Kanmani’ is a special Braille system designed for Malayalam, created by Sishna Anand and her father, Anand Krishnan, and developed by Zendalona. Sishna, who faces both visual and hearing challenges, embarked on this project to create a more accessible Braille system.

On October 17, 2023, Sishna, accompanied by Raman, who shares similar challenges, visited Zendalona to discuss the Kanmani project. This meeting served as a platform to explore how this innovative Braille system could positively impact individuals with dual challenges. Kanmani’s development exemplifies the power of thoughtful design in significantly improving accessibility for a broader audience, making reading and writing more manageable for those with disabilities.

Salini Sathyaseelan, the President of Zendalona, received a Ph.D. from the Central University of Kerala in the Department of English and Comparative Literature with the title ‘Disability and Self in Select Narratives’ on October 13, 2023. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Salini’s academic journey, showcasing her dedication and contributions to the field of literature and comparative studies, under the guidance of her mentor, Dr. Asha S.

Dr. Asha S. is an Associate Professor at the Central University of Kerala with a Ph.D. in English & Comparative Literature. She has extensive teaching experience, conducted two UGC Minor Research Projects, and authored a book titled “Introducing Literature,” which is used in the BA English program at the University of Calicut.

On 5 October, 2023, the FOSS club had organized an  event which was addressed by the Principal Dr.Meenakshy K, Dr. Rani, Mukundhan Annamalai, K Sathyaseelan, Salini Sathyaseelan, Nalin Sathyan & Manikandan. They had three FOSS related sessions that were pretty interesting.

First up, Mr. Mukundhan Annamalai talked about “FOSS in the Real World.” He explained how open-source software is like the superhero of the tech world, helping out in real-life situations. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about giving power back to the people and organizations.

Mr. K. Sathyaseelan dived into “FOSS Changing the Life of the Visually Impaired.” This one’s right up your alley, especially with your work sponsoring software for the visually impaired. Open-source tech is making life easier for folks with visual impairments, and it’s all about levelling the playing field.

Lastly, Mr. Nalin Sathyan had a talk called “How Assistive Technology is Customized/Built.” This one’s all about making assistive tech that suits individual needs, and doing it with open-source software makes it more affordable and flexible. this ties into many peoples efforts to help visually impaired folks access learning through tech.