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Ask HN: Volunteers for open source localization/internationalization?

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Ask HN: Volunteers for open source localization/internationalization?

#1
I'm seeking volunteer help for open source localization/internationalization, to help people with cognitive disabilities and motor disabilities. The project is an app that makes it easier for people to contact their families, friends, and caregivers:

https://github.com/sixarm/BoldContacts

I'm asking for help to translate strings and to choose good charities in each language/country that help people who are suffering terminal medical problems due to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Muscular Dystrophy.

I'm developing the app for my folks, who are terminal.

If you're curious to know more, this is the file for localization/internationalization:

https://github.com/SixArm/BoldContacts/blob/main/Shared/en.l...

Constructive advice is very welcome.

My contact info is joel@joelparkerhenderson.com.

Re: Ask HN: Volunteers for open source localization/internationalization?

#3

Put it on Transifex. We have people localizing it every day who don't even use our software, they just want the points.

Thanks! Transifex is the right concept, but commercial, proprietary, and requires ad trackers. Have you seen anything similar that may be non-commercial, non-proprietary, and free of ad trackers?

Re: Ask HN: Volunteers for open source localization/internationalization?

#4
post #3

Put it on Transifex. We have people localizing it every day who don't even use our software, they just want the points.

Thanks! Transifex is the right concept, but commercial, proprietary, and requires ad trackers. Have you seen anything similar that may be non-commercial, non-proprietary, and free of ad trackers?

Yes! Take a look at Weblate: https://weblate.org

Re: Ask HN: Volunteers for open source localization/internationalization?

#5
Unfamiliar with the advanced state of these diseases at which I guess any technological solution is largely ineffective, but in the earlier stages would it be useful perhaps to add some simple physical interface options, like a big button you can mount to the wall or whatever, or a novel audio command interface? Like four loud noises in sequence means call someone. BANG BANG BANG BANG. Should be feasible to achieve if any muscle control remains.

In terms of custom hardware, a MEMS microphone + small microprocessor on a small PCB with any form of interface to the computer (eg. USB=power also, bluetooth/wifi=needs battery) should do it. If presenting a keyboard interface over USB, should be OS independent. Other solutions may require a small client app.

Re: Ask HN: Volunteers for open source localization/internationalization?

#6

Unfamiliar with the advanced state of these diseases at which I guess any technological solution is largely ineffective, but in the earlier stages would it be useful perhaps to add some simple physical interface options, like a big button you can mount to the wall or whatever, or a novel audio command interface? Like four loud noises in sequence means call someone. BANG BANG BANG BANG. Should be feasible to achieve i…

Yes you're exactly right. Better interfaces can help more people during the stages of disability. If you or anyone wants to volunteer to help with these, that is superb, and I will be deeply grateful.