Visually impaired programmer’s bid to help similar people
Print Edition
VISUALLY impaired programmer Zhu Xiaoming graduated from college in 2013 with a major in special education. Instead of becoming a teacher, he took the risk of starting his own software development company with three partners who have the same disability.
“For me, programming is an interest instead of just a way to make a living,” Zhu said.
Zhu, 29, has been writing software programs for eight years. He started in the summer after middle school, and studied from online classes.
While in college, he spent most of his time outside class writing programs, including an English study software that enables users to complete quizzes and learn vocabulary.
‘Super Freedom’
He has also developed a computer game for visually impaired users that includes various kinds of card games.
“We have screen-reading software that makes reading news and surfing the Internet no problem, but entertainment was still a blank page,” Zhu said.
The game called “Super Freedom” allows users to play games through the keyboard with the help of voice notifications and other functions. Within a year the game has attracted over 10,000 players.
Motivated by his success, Zhu went on to develop more games for visually impaired people. In 2013, Zhu caught the attention of the Putuo Disabled Persons Federation, which was looking for potential projects by college graduates.
“With technical and funding support, I had the opportunity to start my own company,” he said.
Named Huaxiao Information Technology Company, the firm allows Zhu and his partners to work on various projects, from website design to writing applications.
They are now working with Shanghai University of Finance and Economics on a smartphone application allowing college students to bookkeep their accounts.
“It can be linked with the campus card; you can also set spending goals,” Zhu said.
“For example, if you’d like to buy something, you can use the application to calculate how much you should spend every day and how long it’s going to take you,” he added.
The project is also supported by the university, and they are working with some students.
“We wish to expand the company to make money,” he said. “And most importantly to contribute to society and provide more positions for visually impaired programmers.”
Zhu most wants to develop more software programs for visually impaired users, as well as creating mobile games.
“I think it’s really interesting to write a program and let it do things according to your wishes,” Zhu said.
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