Sincerely Abdul I was taken aback by your reply. I hope folks can
remain civil here.
With regard to applications:
- criticizing Mac when the true responsibility of accessibility lies
with the application manufacturer is falling for the age old excuse
that has made screen readers the standard. I repeat, VO is not a
screen reader... It is an audible interface. A screen reader is a
third party application that interprets visual information and
converts it to audible. VO has options and interface abilities the
standard GUI user doesn't get. It is a whole new creature!
- MS could make all of their apps accessible tomorrow. We all know
this is true. I watched as a programmer tinkered with an app for 10
minutes and gave me access via VoiceOver to certain menu items. The
fact remains as it has always been the case. MS is not interested in
accessibility, if they were they would make their OS fully accessible
out of the box. Perhaps Vista is, but from the rush for JAWS and
WindowEyes to get betas out I gather this is not true.
- The case remains that the person ordering the computer relies on
experience and prejudice, frequently sighted prejudice. MSWord
remains a standard argument, and yet I have used MSWord on mac since
1998 and never noticed a compatibility problem. Most people don't
know Office works on mac! How is this possible if the person is
actually knowledgeable about computer options?
- I'm not savvy with the rehab field, but in education specific
products and computers can not be noted. Parameters and function can
be noted. It should be noted that these rules are not followed, but
the rules remain there to combat prejudice and encourage objective
comparison.
With regard to Apple Computers:
- When the cost of a machine that runs a screen reader (additional
memory and Mhz) is compared to a bottom line mac I think the numbers
come in pretty close. (If not please post the numbers so I can be
more accurate) Not to mention that the machine will most likely come
with a possibly unnecessary monitor (Mac Mini anyone?). So having
access to 2 platforms at the same cost would seem to be a more
responsible use of funds.
I have used both platforms in my professional training. My
recommendations are always to go with what is most familiar and
comfortable to the user. The philosophy of compatibility with the
work environment certainly is not true in education as I've seen more
all mac schools buying PC's
I'm going long... I'll stop here
Your Friend,
Sean Richards Tikkun
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Your Friend,
Sean Richards Tikkun
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
