Practical use of R by blind people
Date/time: Friday 10th July 2015, 11:00-17:00
This workshop showed how a blind user can make use of R in its console/terminal modes, how we can improve its use through the BrailleR add-on package, and how a blind user could benefit by introducing R markdown into their work practices. There was also time to discuss problems associated with the way a blind person can access statistical content and concepts, as well as exposure to the solutions used by the workshop leader and other blind people in practice.
The workshop was led by Dr Jonathan Godfrey, one of only two totally blind full-time lecturers of statistics in the world today. He comes from New Zealand (the birthplace of R) and is perhaps the most well-known blind user of R today. His publications include software reviews of R and other statistical software used in university courses. He unashamedly has strong opinions on a range of topics affecting the education of blind students in general and mathematical sciences in particular.
Schedule
| 11:00-12:00 | Introductions and assistance with technical setup |
| 12:00-13:00 | Lunch and group discussions |
| 13:00-17:00 | Workshop with a refreshment break at 15:00 |
| 17:00 | Departure, option to go for drinks |
The meeting was held at the University of Bath, a light lunch and refreshments was provided.