SiChat, the accessible chat

SiChat is the world’s first vocal IRC client. IRC is a method of instantaneous communication that allows a direct dialogue between two users and, simultaneously, between groups of people in different channels. Each channel offers its own area of discussion: some are theme specific, like music or sport. Others, instead, are simply areas with the sole aim of allowing people to chat and enjoy. Thanks to a wide network of servers, speaking with people throughout the world in whatever language becomes easy and possible.

Until today chatting had been available only to the sighted. In fact, Screen Readers are not able to read the quick scrolling text in a window, exactly what happens when different users post simultaneously. Thanks to SiChat, IRC channels are available to everyone, blind and sighted alike. Try SiChat free of charge for fifteen days!

ATTENTION! To use SiChat it is necessary to own a personal computer running Windows XP Home or Professional.
To download the trial version of SiChat click here

Introduction to IRC channels

IRC channels allow people with similar interests, or wishing simply to make new friends, to meet one another. Unlike other software, for example Messenger or ICQ, it is not necessary to know the names or emails of the people you wish to reach. All you have to do is connect to a server and meet completely new people.

Chatting on an IRC channel means just that, chatting! There are two ways in which you can speak on IRC: with the public chat and with the private one. In public chat you can speak with all users simultaneously. You cannot answer to a single person! Public chats are like a blackboard on which everyone can write their thoughts in real time. On the other hand, private chat allows you to speak directly to an user, selected from those in the public chat. It is possible to refuse people you do not wish to talk to. Whatever the case, your privacy will be protected with a nickname that will make your computer and your true identity unknown.

Public chats are very busy: even the sighted have difficulty in following all the posts. Therefore, in public chat it is not necessary to understand everything, but rather to grasp the general idea of the conversation. SiChat uses a series of tools that allow you to keep up with public messages, even during moments of intense traffic. Once you have recognised the people that most interest you, you can decide to speak with them directly. It's quite possible to follow various conversations at the same time. To enter an IRC channel, you just need a little courage. You must tell to the world that you are there, without giving up at the first attempt. Like at a party, it is initially important to introduce oneself and, afterwards, to chat privately.

In the manual you will be advised on how to maximize your SiChat software. Hints and techniques will turn you into a savvy user.
To download the SiChat manual (in Italian only) click here

Multimedia Archive

To see the spot of SiChat click here

For those interested, we recommend listening to Giuliano Fritelli’s interview (in Italian) on behalf of the UIC – Italian Blind Union, recorded at the Italian War Blind Union on December 29th 2006.
To listen to Giuliano Fritelli’s interview click here