Hi Rich,I am assuming that by Backboard, you mean the web application that many school, colleges and Universities use to upload course materials etc. From a VO stand-point, Blackboard is pretty usable, but at first glance, it takes some getting used to. However, once you know what the various frames refer to, you are pretty much good-to-go.
Hope this helps James On 20 Jun 2007, at 19:00, Rich Caloggero wrote:
A related question: can you use MS-Word, Blackboard, etc on Macs with Fusion or Parallels plus your favorite windows screen reader? I know some people on this list have investigated virtual solutions, but I'm still not sure exactly to whatextent windows can be used in this environment. * Can one switch back and forth from Osx to windows easily? * Does windows and windows screen reader work as expected? * Does Word, Excel, and other office apps work this way? * Does IE and/or Firefox work?If yes to all of these, then I'd say that using a Mac for day-to- day college work might be possible, although getting a VM configured might be difficult fora non-computer geek type.Seems like it would help the Mac accessibility cause in general if state agencies would help fund Mac purchases. However, depending on a third party VM solution (which I'm sure isn't cheap if one were to buy the full product and not rely on the availability of a beta) doesn't seem like an option funders wouldembrace. Other opinions please. -- Rich ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Panarese" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>To: "General discussions on all topics relating to the use of Mac OS X bytheblind" <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 10:43 PMSubject: Re: Macs and a Viable Alternative for State Agencies to ConsiderI believe the MS Word question is a no. I don't know about the other apps, however. Remember that there are word processor programs that can import and export into Word. Also, it's always possible that there are alternatives to the other programs. Still, your overall point is quite true, and other applications in specific environments can be added to your list. Take Care John D. Panarese Managing Director Technologies for the Visually Impaired, Inc. 9 Nolan Court Hauppauge, NY 11788 Tel/Fax, (631) 724-4479 Email, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Internet, http://www.tvi-web.com AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTORS FOR PORTSET SYSTEMS LTD, COMPSOLUTIONS VA, PREMIER ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES, INDEX, PAPENMEIER, REPRO-TRONICS,DUXBURY, SEROTEK AND OTHER PRODUCTS FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIREDAUTHORIZED APPLE BUSINESS AGENT MAC VOICEOVER TRAINING On Jun 19, 2007, at 8:37 PM, Harry/ Linda Bates wrote:Does the mac work well with such applications as MS Word, Quick Book pro, and blackboard just to mention a few well used programs at colleges and universities? In other words is VoiceOver adept at using these programs, whereas I know the JAWS screen reader is. If so, this would be a real selling point for the mac. If not, then it still has limitations, which will still require a windows screenreader and operating system for the beginning and advancedstudents. I would really like to know the answers to these question.----- Original Message ----- From: "John Panarese" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "General discussions on all topics relating to the use of Mac OS X by theblind" <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 4:56 PM Subject: Re: Macs and a Viable Alternative for State Agencies to ConsiderIt's interesting because as much as I readily admit I criticize Microsoft, my background has primarily been Windows. I have been around Macs for a good twenty plus years, but I didn't actually use a Mac until VoiceOver. I never got the chance to try Outspoken and could never get my state counsellor to approve it. Thus, my Windows knowledge and skills are at the point in which I have and still train people, and I still utilize it for smaller things at this point. I, too, look forward to the day in which I am Windows free in my personal life. However, from the perspective of my business, I will continue to use Windows and I surely would never desire MS to go away. Competition, folks, is always a great thing and important motivator. Microsoft has finally gotten it's lesson in recent years. Take Care John D. Panarese Managing Director Technologies for the Visually Impaired, Inc. 9 Nolan Court Hauppauge, NY 11788 Tel/Fax, (631) 724-4479 Email, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Internet, http://www.tvi-web.com AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTORS FOR PORTSET SYSTEMS LTD, COMPSOLUTIONS VA, PREMIER ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES, INDEX, PAPENMEIER, REPRO-TRONICS, DUXBURY, SEROTEK AND OTHER PRODUCTS FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED AUTHORIZED APPLE BUSINESS AGENT MAC VOICEOVER TRAINING On Jun 19, 2007, at 4:44 PM, Richard Gardenhire wrote:I use Windows (albeit rarely these days) for games and certain chat clients, as well as to listen to Freedombox audio content. That, having been said, I look forward to the day when I can use the Mac, solely for my business, as well as, recreational activities. That day, I believe, is getting closer. I was always taught, from the time I left Kansas, in 1970, till now, that I have to assess my needs and weigh them according to what's going to help me tap into the marketshare for my work, regardless of what I do. The Apple 2GS was the first computer I learned to use, in the 1980's, and I'm glad I came back to the operating system I love. However, I'm thankful for what litttle knowledge of Windows I do have, and am able to maintain. As they say in Kansas, "It ain't much, but it gets me to where I want to go." And to coin an old company phrase, used by AT&T, years ago, "We may be the only phone company in town, but we try not to act like it." Sure, I would love to get as many blind people on the "good foot," and join the Mac Revolution, but a reality check tells me there's a long way before we get to that point, and there's room at the proverbial table for everybody, regardless of their need. Using both my Mac machines, I feel quite comfortable, but sometimes I am willing to "step out of my comfort zone" if I have to, which I find rare, these days. Richie Gardenhire, Anchorage, Alaska. -- Email services by FreedomBox. Surf the Net at the sound of your voice. www.freedombox.info
