Computers for the Blind (CTFB) is a non-profit in Richardson, Texas that provides refurbished computers with accessible software to the blind and visually impaired, shipping to customers across the US. CTFB often receives calls from customers asking for assistance on issues related to computer literacy. Due to number of calls they get and their limited number of volunteers, CTFB approached IEEEUTD the Forge to create an desktop help application that could troubleshoot these common issues, enabling their customers to quickly resolve their computer problems without calling CFTB for assistance.
A proof of concept was created using Node.js with Electron and React as frameworks. Care was taken to ensure high visual contrast, compatibility with CFTB's OSs and accessible software (JAWS, ZoomText), and easy navigation. It was also important to consider the ease to download and update the application because the volunteers preparing the computers are also often blind/visually impaired. An application with full functionality was not completed within a semester due to COVID-19 complications.