Re: Mac compatibility with freedom

[Richie Gardenhire]

Like you, Cheryl, I've been a long-time Apple/Mac user, and have been, 
for the most part, a loyal user, despite my state's efforts to force 
blind people to convert to Windows.  I did learn to use Windows, but I 
kept my outSpoken program till the lady who influenced my decision to 
switch to Panther, almost three years ago.  Now mind you, I am no 
expert with VoiceOver, compared to many of you on the list; however, 
VoiceOver has afforded me to start a home business, as well as do 
subcontract work with the Alaska Mac store, and this fall I will be 
working with a guy who is receiving training in our Business Enterprise 
Program, and as far as I know, he'll be the first blind Alaskan, to use 
the Mac in his vending business.  That, in itself, is a testament that 
VoiceOver is opening doors for blind people all over this great land of 
ours.  And IO have been assured by Apple that they are in negotiations 
with the AT&T subsidiary, AT&T Alascom to make available the iPhone, 
but it may take six months to a year.  Those at Apple, with whom I 
spoke, were very nice and were most helpful in assuring me that 
everything is being done to make it available for Alaskans.  Since 
Cingular has no offices here, AT&T is in negotiations with our Alascom 
subsidiary, and they will, in all liklihood, be the distributor in 
Alaska.  It is my hope that both Alaska and hawaii will have this new 
phone available to its citizens who want it.  Richie Gardenhire, 
Anchorage, Alaska.

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