| Maavis provides simplified access to media, communications and programs on a computer. It is primarily designed for people who are either unsure of computers or
unable to use them without adaptation. Screens of buttons containing text or images perform simple operations when activated. Activation can be with, pointer, keyboard, touch screen or with the built in switch access scanning support. Screens are arranged in a hierarchy of 'activity selection', item 'set choosers' and 'item players'. Players are provided for photos, music and information (web pages). A very simple user login feature is also provided. The media and programs that users access are easily configured by facilitators such as support staff. This is achieved through copying media files into specific folders, where they then become available in the choosers and players. More sophisticated configuration, such the order of items, can be achieved by editing basic text files. A settings user interface is also provided using Maavis buttons. Custom screens can also be designed using familiar web technologies (HTML, CSS Javascript). This affords great flexibility and predefined Maavis features are accessed using extensions to these standard formats. For ultimate flexibility the core code is a Firefox web browser extension and is open source. We encourage you to join us in developing Maavis. |
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Maavis runs on Microsoft Windows and is available under the GPL open source licence, this means that you can download it and use it for any purpose without having to purchase a licence. You are also free to copy, redistribute and study it. Modifications and derived works can be distributed under the terms of the GPL. Maavis builds on other open source technologies, specifically; Mozilla Firefox, VLC and Outfox and Python. Maavis is implemented as a Firefox add-on, which has full access to the extensive features of the Mozilla Application Framework. The VLC media player plugin for Firefox is used to provide access to almost all media formats. Outfox provides access to Python software that in turn provides features such as the video conferencing access, and switch access. The Maavis project originates from Sheffield University’s Advanced Care Technologies Project as a research project investigating technology use by people with dementia living in a care environment. A prototype system was used for field testing and this lead to the specification and development of this open source project aims to develop it further through collaborations. A subsequent phase added switch support to be used in school and educational contexts. It uses the Mozilla Application Framework technology as found in the Firefox web browser. OSS Watch have provided advice on how to maximise the benefits of open development through community engagement. |
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