and also you can use the numpad commander by holding the right arrow and hitting a number on the number row. This makes it easier too. Sarah Alawami MSN: marri...@gmail.com aim: marri...@gmail.com:
website: http://music.marrie.org youtube: http://youtube.com/marrie125 Podcast: http://marrie.podbean.com Mobile site for podcast: http://marrie.podbean.com/mobile/ On Sep 3, 2010, at 2:41 AM, Scott Howell wrote: > ALthough you are entitled to your opinion, I have to completely disagree. > There are few sites where a windows screen reader has done a better job. The > reality is despite your assertions is that both platforms just as both screen > readers has pros and cons. The Mac has by far more pros, however, there is no > denying the fact that there is work to be done. Anyone who is honest with > themselves will acknowledge this fact and the fact is APple is addressing > these issues. One other factor that will influence your browsing experience > is your ability to effectively use VOiceOver. For example, I use VoiceOver to > browse the web personally and professionally with no difficulty. So, > experience and familiarity will make a difference. > Of course at the end of the day, you use what works for you. > > On Sep 2, 2010, at 8:57 PM, James Mannion wrote: > >> While I have much respect for both companies, I am glad I do not have >> to depend on the Mac for my access, especially web browsing needs. >> It-is-not-up-to-windows side standards by a long shot yet and the >> windows side needs an overhall. I hear GW is working on that and I am >> glad. I think a lot of people are blinded from reality because of the >> light in which they want to paint Apple and their frustration with the >> other side. >> >> On 9/2/10, Sarai Bucciarelli <bucc7...@bellsouth.net> wrote: >>> Very well written! >>> On Sep 2, 2010, at 11:18 AM, erik burggraaf wrote: >>> >>>> Guys, I tried to keep the below as polite and forthright as possible, but >>>> it degenerates in places and reading and rereading, I don't really see the >>>> benefit of removing some of the language that might be considered >>>> offensive or abridging my comments. I really feel this needs to be said, >>>> not for the purpose of offending, but for the purpose of taking what I >>>> feel is the right stance. >>>> >>>> Hi Mark, this is bad... Very very bad. There are glaring inaccuracies >>>> in this release. I sincerely hope you did not send it to any public >>>> forums other than gw micro customer base. I've quoted what I want to draw >>>> your attention to in my comments, but left the entire article below for >>>> people to read in it's entirety. >>>> >>>> Article 6: You wrote, >>>> "what incentive would Apple have to make their screen reader work with >>>> Microsoft Office and what incentive would Microsoft have to make their >>>> screen reader work with iTunes?" >>>> This Demonstrates a lack of understanding on how the other side works. >>>> Windows is not mac OS, and mac OS is not windows. On the mac side, you >>>> have a screen reader, but you also have a fully accessible operating >>>> system. The libraries and API's used to build programs generate >>>> accessible programs, which are then read and interpreted by an accessible >>>> operating system, which then sends information to voiceover... or a talk >>>> box... or a TTY machine... Or whatever. For now, Microsoft has chosen to >>>> make office for mac inaccessible at great pains to themselves. Apple and >>>> adobe have a love hate relationship, and so adobe products on the mac are >>>> hit and miss for accessibility users and non alike. As the system >>>> develops though, It will eventually become impossible to build a program >>>> on the mac platform that is inaccessible to apples universal access >>>> design. As such, all software written for macs will eventually be >>>> accessible, whether you are blind, deaf, dyslexic, paraplegic, or have any >>>> other disability. We may have to chase every version of ITunes on the >>>> windows side, but eventually office for mac will be accessible whether ms >>>> likes it or not, unless they simply choose to scrap office for mac >>>> development before things get to that stage. We still have a ways to go. >>>>> >>>>> >>>> Article Seven: you wrote, >>>> "In addition, GW Micro is the only screen reader manufacturer to host and >>>> moderate an email discussion list. This list is a great resource that >>>> allows our customers to discuss technical issues and questions with GW >>>> Micro’s technical support team as well others in the Window-Eyes >>>> community." >>>> This is incorrect. NVDA developers run their own user support group >>>> exactly like GW Micro's. The lead developer of the Espeak software was >>>> also a regular contributor when I was there, and There should be a brlty >>>> developer on there by now. Apples accessibility team also monitors the >>>> macvisionaries user group. While they don't usually participate, hundreds >>>> of feature requests that get bandied about the group are implemented with >>>> every new release. I know for a fact that they are watching that group >>>> because they have posted publicly there on occasion, and the fact that >>>> they are usually quiet doesn't mean they are ignoring their customer base. >>>> I believe duxbury systems moderates it's own groups, and I'm sure there >>>> are others. >>>> >>>> Article 9: This made me furious when I read it because it demonstrates an >>>> appalling amount of sheer ignorance. The statements are categorically >>>> false, and should be retracted immediately before they generate well >>>> deserved ill feelings against the company you represent. I'd like to say, >>>> I have been an apple user for 2 and a half years. before that I was a >>>> very happy window-eyes user, and though I seldom actually use the product >>>> these days, I still keep up my sma, and my switch to apple was entirely >>>> driven by dissatisfaction with windows, and in no way reflects any >>>> dissatisfaction with window-eyes or GWMicro. I still continue to enjoy >>>> supporting and training on window-eyes and I'm confident recommending it >>>> to clients. I'm still pretty mad though. You wrote: >>>>> "GW Micro believes that having a free screen reader as part of the >>>>> operating system does a disservice to Blind computer users." >>>>> >>>> That's an extremely shaky position to be in, and I'll topple you in a >>>> second. For now, I want to say that if it wasn't for governemnt funding, >>>> I wouldn't have window-eyes. I bought it well before the days of the >>>> payment plan. Last Christmas, I bought a brand new operating system from >>>> apple including a fully functional screen reader for $35 Canadian. A new >>>> window-eyes upgrade and a copy of win7 would have cost me just over $300 >>>> Canadian, $195 for the upgrade from WE6 to 7, and $120 for a copy of win7 >>>> home premium. not that I think the window-eyes upgrade was not good value >>>> for money, but if one doesn't have $300 to spend, then they just don't >>>> have. it. If Ontario's rather dubious funding system were to vanish >>>> tomorrow, the number of blind people using mac here would go up 500 times >>>> in the next year. >>>>> "The relatively small size of the screen reader market does not allow >>>>> Microsoft or Apple to invest the amount of resources that accessibility >>>>> truly deserves." >>>>> >>>> This is so non-visionary, it would be hilarious if it wasn't so >>>> inflammatory . Accessibility is not about blind people. We do this all >>>> the damn time and it's the most selfish stupid thing I've ever heard. I'm >>>> saddened to hear it spewing out of my screen reader from a company I >>>> respect. OK, you serve blind people, and blind people are a small market, >>>> especially blind people who work or go to school or whatever. I mean, >>>> most people who are blind have macular degeneration which sets in between >>>> the ages of 60 and 70. They still want to use computers,, but their needs >>>> are not extravagant. In a world where 1 per sent of the total population >>>> is blind, I'm the freak of nature who was just born with RP. The odds >>>> against are astronomically high. So, whenever this subject comes up, it >>>> always saddens me to hear people natter about how small the blind >>>> community is and all the trials and tribulations involved in providing >>>> accessibility. Hello world, is anybody listening? I'm going to say >>>> something really profound here. You won't want to miss this. The world, >>>> does not, revolve, around, blind people. There are, other people, who >>>> need, accessibility, besides, you john blind person. There are deaf >>>> people out there. Milionds of normal looking people on the street that >>>> you walk by every day have learning disabilities. There are people with >>>> musculature and fine motor problems., people who don't have all of their >>>> limbs, or maybe they only have two fingers on one hand. The number of >>>> disabilities that inhibit access and the number of potential users that >>>> benefit from a universally accessible design is limitless. It's not about >>>> building a screen reader so that apple can sell more computers to blind >>>> people, although they are doing a phenomenal job of that. It's about >>>> building a computer that can be used by anyone, regardless of their >>>> disability. When you look at it that way, the economics make more sense. >>>> GW micro builds stuff for blind people, and that's great. They do a good >>>> job of building stuff for blind people. But apple is building stuff for >>>> everyone, regardless of disability, and they are doing a good job at it. >>>> >>>>> "Without a major change in Microsoft or Apple’s infrastructure, they >>>>> would be ill-prepared to develop a strong and evolving screen reader as >>>>> well as provide the type of support that is often required by screen >>>>> reader users." >>>>> >>>> Wrong again. Or at least, if a change was needed, it happened in apple, >>>> and the signs started showing 5 or 6 years ago. That means the actual >>>> change you speak of probably took place many years before that. >>>> Window-eyes is a very good product. Certainly better than it's closest >>>> windows counterpart, but my friend, voiceover is getting to be at least as >>>> good as window-eyes, and if the position of GWMicro is truly that apple >>>> will never build a full featured competitive screen reader then you had >>>> better get your head out of your collective asses or the wave is going to >>>> sweep this company away. Voiceover offers access to the web which is at >>>> least as robust as window-eyes or it's competitor except for adobe flash >>>> which is mostly adobe's fault. Voiceover offers read-write braille >>>> support via usb and bluetooth for at least 25 braille displays. Voiceover >>>> has a non-proprietary full featured scripting model using apple script >>>> which is a part of mac OS. Voiceover even has truly useful features that >>>> window-eyes does not yet have. For example, window-eyes does not provide >>>> full access or as far as I know, any access at all to the multi-touch >>>> trackpad on windows PC's. You can not use jesters in window-eyes to >>>> control your pc, a feature which many blind mac users have come to rely on >>>> once past the learning curve. >>>> As far as the support goes, I can take my computer into any apple store or >>>> apple reseller and they will sit down in front of me and fix my problem. >>>> If they don't know what the solution is, they will look it up. There are >>>> a lot of people supporting apple. Apple hires individuals based on a huge >>>> array of factors, and they generally manage to finddgood people. It is >>>> possible to have a bad tech support experience with apple, but it's also >>>> possible to have the same with GW, or in deed any company. Support is a >>>> hard job. When things aren't going your way it can be extremely stressful >>>> for both the support person and the one being supported. It's important >>>> to be careful about how you criticize some one else's support or decry >>>> your own. Although I really think GW has very good support overall, I >>>> would hesitate to pick out any one company and say, "that one has the best >>>> support". Still, I get face to face, one on one attention for my problems >>>> and questions from apple. I can have training from the apple store if I >>>> want, and for less than what GW would charge. I can't even get GW's >>>> training courses here, much as I'd love to have them. In order to bring >>>> the courses here, I have to find 5 to 10 people who want the course and >>>> have the money to pay for it, find a venue to host it, and so on. I've >>>> read the review of window-eyes training courses. It made me drool, but I >>>> don't think it's accurate at all to say that a mainstream provider can't >>>> give blind customers the attention they need. >>>>> "Without competition from screen reader manufacturers like GW Micro there >>>>> will be no incentive for Apple or Microsoft to include a feature-rich and >>>>> powerful screen reader into their operating system." >>>>> >>>> Well I think we've put pay to the fully functioning nonsense. Competition >>>> isn't bad. I'm for sure grateful I had a choice between jaws and >>>> window-eyes back in the day. It's saved me a lot of frustration. I'm for >>>> sure grateful I had a choice between mac and windows, cause even though I >>>> work a job, I'm not exactly the most wealthy guy in the world, and I have >>>> to watch it. I'm glad the vinux project is doing so well, and I love >>>> looking forward to the new release of NVDA every year. It would be really >>>> tough for any one to come in and compete with apple though. How do you >>>> beat some one in the market when they offer a universally accessible >>>> operating system? I guess there is vinux, but it's a tough sell. Now you >>>> are talking around in circles, because first you say that there's no way a >>>> mainstream company can build and support a full functioning screen reader, >>>> and Then you say that competition from companies like GW Micro is driving >>>> microsoft and apple accessibility.. This is ridiculous. You can not have >>>> it both ways. In fact, my info is that full accessibility was tried by MS >>>> back around the turn of the century, and it got squashed by the NFB, who >>>> incidentally, did a huge hack job on Voiceover when Leopard came out and >>>> was forced to print retractions, after users demonstrated numerous >>>> statements made by the organization to be completely false. Wherefore, no >>>> one was interested in mac OS 10 until apple made it interesting, and now >>>> it's competitive after many years of work and revision. Where were >>>> GWMicro and Freedom Scientific back in OS10.1? Serving the 90% windows >>>> community and being paid rather well for doing so, while apple took the >>>> initiative and built something. So both of these statements trip over >>>> eachother and fall flat on their faces. >>>>> >>>>> GWMicro has so many good things to offer blind users, and I'm sorry that >>>>> no one else showed up for the show down; However, If you publish >>>>> something like this to a wider community, then what you have to offer is >>>>> going to get lost amid all the inaccurate, contradictory and inflammatory >>>>> statements about other companies and the blind community. This is not >>>>> the way, and I very much hope you will reconsider. >>>>> >>>>> >>>> Regards, >>>> >>>> Erik Burggraaf >>>> Check out my first ever podcast tutorial, Learn braille using the braille >>>> box. >>>> Visit http://www.erik-burggraaf.com and click podcasts to read more and >>>> subscribe. >>>> >>>> On 2010-09-01, at 2:28 PM, m...@gwmicro.com wrote: >>>> >>>>> >>>>> Earlier this summer, the Information Access Committee invited GW Micro, >>>>> Freedom Scientific, Serotek, NVDA and Apple to participate in the Future >>>>> of Screen Readers discussion panel at the 2010 ACB convention in Phoenix >>>>> Arizona. When the time came for the discussion panel, GW Micro was the >>>>> only screen reader manufacturer that showed up to participate. In >>>>> fairness, Serotek and NVDA attempted to participate via Skype but were >>>>> unable to do so because of Internet connectivity issues in the hotel >>>>> conference area. As for the others, Freedom Scientific declined to >>>>> participate and Apple did not even acknoweldge the invitation sent by the >>>>> Information Access Committee. GW Micro would like to take this >>>>> opportunity to publicly respond to the 10 questions asked of each >>>>> participant and you can find the ten discussion panel questions along >>>>> with our responses below: >>>>> >>>>> 1. Each of your companies has a different business model for marketing >>>>> and selling your screen reader. Based on this model, describe how your >>>>> product is expected to impact the overall market for screen readers. >>>>> >>>>> GW Micro’s business model is driven by the needs of our customers and >>>>> screen reader users all over the world. Our goal is to make current >>>>> versions of the Windows operating system and all Windows-based >>>>> applications fully accessible. >>>>> >>>>> This is accomplished by three methods. First, we try to make Window-Eyes >>>>> as flexible as possible so that the operating system and user >>>>> applications will be completely accessible and usable “out of the box” >>>>> without having to perform any screen reader customization or scripting. >>>>> Second, we offer users the ability to create set files which can be used >>>>> to customize and enhance the speaking environment of an application that >>>>> might not be fully accessible out of the box. The task of creating set >>>>> files in Window-Eyes can be easily accomplished using an intuitive user >>>>> interface. Lastly, we allow you to customize the operating system and >>>>> applications based on a user’s specific needs. This is done by providing >>>>> the most powerful scripting abilities of any screen reader currently >>>>> available. Unlike the competition, Window-Eyes scripting uses the >>>>> industry standard approach of COM Automation which allows >>>>> state-of-the-art programming languages to harness the full power of >>>>> Window-Eyes and create a seamless computing experience for the end-user. >>>>> More than 200 Window-Eyes scripts are already available for use and can >>>>> be downloaded for free directly from Script Central (www.gwmicro.com/sc). >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> With over 90% of computers running a Windows operating system and the >>>>> increasing popularity of Windows 7, we expect that there will continue to >>>>> be strong demand for a stable, secure and flexible Windows-based screen >>>>> reading solution in the marketplace. In addition, we expect that >>>>> Window-Eyes will continue to grow in popularity as more people learn >>>>> about the powerful scripting capabilities as well as the screen reader’s >>>>> unmatched stability. It is also important to mention that GW Micro was >>>>> the first and still the only screen reader manufacturer to offer a >>>>> payment plan. We believe that the Window-Eyes payment plan has had a >>>>> dramatic impact on the screen reader market by making a powerful screen >>>>> reader like Window-Eyes affordable to people on fixed incomes as well as >>>>> others who find themselves in a difficult financial situation. >>>>> >>>>> 2. The role of computing has shifted dramatically in the past few years >>>>> with much computing being done either remotely—through some kind of >>>>> cloud-based virtual operating system—or virtual machines via products >>>>> such as VMware. Going forward, tell us about your strategy to support >>>>> remote and virtual computing with your screen reader. >>>>> >>>>> GW Micro worked diligently to be the first screen reader to support >>>>> remote computing. This was accomplished by working very closely with >>>>> Citrix and Microsoft to make sure their remote access technologies would >>>>> be accessible with Window-Eyes. This allowed screen reader users access >>>>> to remote computers using software like Remote Desktop for the first time >>>>> in screen reader history. GW Micro has also spent considerable time and >>>>> effort to make sure that both fat and thin client computing is fully >>>>> supported. In addition, GW Micro continues to expand Window-Eyes support >>>>> for virtual computing platforms including VMWare, Virtual PC, Virtual Box >>>>> and Parallels. Moving forward, our strategy will be to continue to work >>>>> very closely with leading technology firms that provide remote and >>>>> virtual computing solutions to ensure that these products continue to be >>>>> fully accessible with Window-Eyes. >>>>> >>>>> 3. As you know, braille is absolutely vital to many aspects of the lives >>>>> that we live as people who are blind or visually impaired including >>>>> education, employment, and literacy. How do you imagine support for >>>>> braille can be improved in your product? >>>>> >>>>> GW Micro understands the importance of Braille and Braille literacy in >>>>> the Blind and visually impaired community. In addition, Braille is >>>>> essential for a computer user who is Deaf-Blind and GW Micro is proud to >>>>> report that many of the leading advocates in the Deaf-Blind community >>>>> prefer Window-Eyes as their screen reader of choice. This is in part >>>>> because of our attention to detail found in the Window-Eyes Braille >>>>> support with features like Quick Message and Speech Box mode. Another >>>>> benefit of our Braille support is that Window-Eyes Braille output can be >>>>> customized and presented in three different ways or modes: Structured, >>>>> Line and Speech Box. These three modes give the user the flexibility to >>>>> control how Window-Eyes will present information on the Braille display >>>>> based on their individual Braille reading preferences. For example, in >>>>> Line mode, all of the text and controls of a dialog box will be displayed >>>>> on the same line of Braille instead of displaying each text item and >>>>> control on a separate line. By displaying all of the information found >>>>> in the dialog on one line of Braille, the user can access all of the >>>>> information very quickly without the need to continually scroll down line >>>>> by line. >>>>> >>>>> Moving forward, we are very optimistic about the future of Braille and >>>>> Window-Eyes Braille support. Because of the advanced scripting >>>>> abilities of Window-Eyes, Braille display manufacturers like Handy Tech >>>>> have created powerful scripts allowing users to make better use of their >>>>> Braille displays. In addition, innovative features being introduced in >>>>> Braille displays like Active Tactile Control (ATC) will allow users to >>>>> interact with their applications in more efficient ways without having to >>>>> move your fingers away from the Braille display. >>>>> >>>>> GW Micro is constantly striving to make sure any and all Braille displays >>>>> are supported by Window-Eyes. GW Micro and many other leaders in >>>>> assistive technology have chosen to support the OpenBraille initiative. >>>>> The focus of this initiative is to develop a universal standard which >>>>> will allow for any Braille display to work with any screen reader >>>>> automatically. Regretfully, not all screen reader manufacturers support >>>>> this initiative which is negatively impacting the affordability and >>>>> compatibility of Braille displays and screen readers. For more >>>>> information, please feel free to review the two insightful blog posts >>>>> made by Doug Geoffray, the lead developer of Window-Eyes, on the Braille >>>>> driver signing issue found at >>>>> http://www.gwmicro.com/blog/index.php/all/?title=a-thought-on-braille-driver-signing >>>>> and >>>>> http://www.gwmicro.com/blog/index.php/all/?title=more-thoughts-on-braille-driver-signing&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1. >>>>> In addition, if you would like to sign the petition to voice your >>>>> opposition to the “Secure and Compatible Braille Display Initiative” >>>>> which in our opinion will only serve to harm the Braille reading >>>>> community as a whole, please visit: >>>>> http://www.petitiononline.com/brl4all/. >>>>> >>>>> 4. The future role of the World Wide Web is often described as that of a >>>>> highly interactive, media-rich desktop. As we move into the era where >>>>> this role becomes more and more evident with the gradual implementation >>>>> of such technologies as AJAX and those collectively known as HTML5, what >>>>> challenges do you foresee your screen reader facing? What opportunities >>>>> do you imagine these interfaces to bring? >>>>> >>>>> GW Micro feels that the opportunities presented by emerging web >>>>> technologies such as ARIA and HTML5 will be truly amazing as long as web >>>>> authors are given the necessary strategies and tools needed to make their >>>>> web content accessible in an efficient manner. GW Micro will continue to >>>>> work closely with companies and organizations that create web and >>>>> accessibility standards as we strive to make the web as accessible as >>>>> possible. >>>>> >>>>> The biggest challenge that we currently face is making the transition >>>>> from reading simple static web pages to web pages and web applications >>>>> that are much more complex and dynamic. This challenge cannot be >>>>> overcome by adding a few lines of code or writing a few simple scripts. >>>>> Instead, GW Micro will invest a significant amount of time and resources >>>>> to completely re-write the Window-Eyes Browse Mode giving users the power >>>>> and flexibility needed to access the web content of both today and >>>>> tomorrow. GW Micro plans to include our new web support in the next >>>>> major release of Window-Eyes, version 8. >>>>> >>>>> 5. With rapid changes, often dramatic at times, in operating systems, >>>>> browsers, and other technologies, screen reader users express frustration >>>>> that they are unable to take advantage of the technologies used by their >>>>> sighted peers for months—if not years. In addition, the interaction >>>>> model for each screen reader may differ significantly. What >>>>> collaborative steps can you take to reduce the lag and different >>>>> interaction modalities for increased benefit to users? >>>>> >>>>> In the past, it was not uncommon for screen reader users to have to wait >>>>> several months before a new operating system or application would become >>>>> accessible. GW Micro was not satisfied with this paradigm so we took the >>>>> necessary steps to make sure that major applications and operating >>>>> systems are supported on day one. This is accomplished by working very >>>>> closely with the application developers during design time to ensure that >>>>> their applications are fully accessible with a screen reader. >>>>> >>>>> GW Micro has a strong reputation for working closely with key application >>>>> developers in an effort to provide full access to applications at the >>>>> time they are made available to the public. The list of software >>>>> companies that GW Micro has collaborated with over the years includes >>>>> Microsoft, Apple, IBM, Adobe, Citrix and many others. >>>>> >>>>> Microsoft is at the top of the list because we strive to provide full >>>>> access to every version of Windows before or as soon as it is released to >>>>> the public. In fact, Microsoft contracted with GW Micro to write the >>>>> Display Chain Manager (DCM) which set the precedent for collaboration >>>>> between a screen reader manufacturer and a commercial technology giant >>>>> like Microsoft. Window-Eyes was the first screen reader to support >>>>> Windows Vista because during a two week porting lab at Microsoft, GW >>>>> Micro was the only screen reader manufacturer to send our software >>>>> engineers for the entire two week period. Because of our extra efforts, >>>>> Microsoft decided to use Window-Eyes to demonstrate the accessibility of >>>>> Windows Vista prior to the official release of the operating system. >>>>> Window-Eyes was also the first screen reader to support Microsoft Office >>>>> 2007 and 2010 because we worked directly with the Office team to ensure >>>>> full accessibility. >>>>> >>>>> Our collaborative efforts with Adobe and Macromedia led to Window-Eyes >>>>> being the first screen reader to support both PDF files and Flash >>>>> content. In addition, Window-Eyes was the first screen reader to support >>>>> Citrix and Terminal services because GW Micro was the first screen reader >>>>> manufacturer to work with Citrix and Microsoft to make these tools >>>>> accessible. >>>>> >>>>> Moving forward, GW Micro’s strategy will be to continue to work side by >>>>> side with leading software developers so that accessibility incorporated >>>>> into the design and development of future operating systems and >>>>> applications. >>>>> >>>>> 6. Imagine that you are participating on a panel 5 years from now. What >>>>> do you hope you can tell us about the screen reader space and the role of >>>>> your screen reader in it? >>>>> >>>>> While companies like Microsoft and Apple will continue to integrate >>>>> accessibility into their operating systems, we feel that GW Micro and >>>>> other screen reader manufacturers will still have an important role to >>>>> play in the market. This holds true because competition has been proven >>>>> to drive creativity and innovation. Without competition from companies >>>>> like GW Micro, Microsoft and Apple will have no incentive to make their >>>>> screen readers work with competing technologies. For example, what >>>>> incentive would Apple have to make their screen reader work with >>>>> Microsoft Office and what incentive would Microsoft have to make their >>>>> screen reader work with iTunes? >>>>> >>>>> Many people are optimistically waiting for a utopia where all >>>>> applications and technologies are accessible from day one because >>>>> commercial technology vendors will build accessibility into their >>>>> products. While this might sound like an ideal solution to the >>>>> accessibility issues we face today, history has shown us that technology >>>>> evolves too quickly for this to be possible in all cases. Because of >>>>> this, screen reader pioneers like GW Micro will still play a very >>>>> important role in developing the most innovative solutions to solve the >>>>> accessibility problems inherent in commercial technologies. >>>>> >>>>> GW Micro has been a pioneer in the screen reader industry for over 20 >>>>> years and its founders, Doug Geoffray and Dan Weirich have been >>>>> developing assistive technology for Blind and visually impaired computer >>>>> users since the early 80’s. We have the experience and knowledge >>>>> required to develop a powerful screen reader and properly support our >>>>> customers. If Apple and Microsoft are the only companies left offering a >>>>> screen reader in the future, you can rest assured that screen readers >>>>> will only be capable of what an Apple or Microsoft want them to instead >>>>> of what screen reader users actually need them to do. In contrast, GW >>>>> Micro will continue to pioneer innovative and customer driven solutions >>>>> and add to our “list of firsts” as new operating systems and applications >>>>> are developed. >>>>> >>>>> 7. Training and support are essential for most screen reader users. >>>>> What innovative steps can you take in the future to ensure that your >>>>> users have the best training and support available? What are some >>>>> challenges are you likely to face? >>>>> >>>>> GW Micro has a unique training model that is not matched by any of our >>>>> competitors. GW Micro offers two types of Window-Eyes training: >>>>> individualized one-on-one phone training as well as hands-on group >>>>> training. >>>>> >>>>> Our phone training is the perfect training option for someone who would >>>>> like personalized training that can be setup around their schedule and at >>>>> an affordable cost. You can read more about our phone training by >>>>> visiting: http://www.gwmicro.com/Training/Phone_Training/. >>>>> >>>>> GW Micro also travels around the country conducting hands-on Window-Eyes >>>>> training classes that cover basic and intermediate Window-Eyes skills. >>>>> These classes have been extremely successful and were recently reviewed >>>>> and recognized by the American Foundation for the Blind’s AccessWorld >>>>> online publication. You can read the glowing review written by Deborah >>>>> Kendrick by visiting: http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw110305. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> With the introduction of Window-Eyes scripting, GW Micro has launched >>>>> hands-on Window-Eyes scripting training classes as well. These classes >>>>> give individuals an opportunity to learn how to download, configure and >>>>> use Window-Eyes scripts as well as how to start writing your own >>>>> Window-Eyes scripts. GW Micro offers both a Beginner/Intermediate >>>>> scripting class as well as an Advanced scripting class. You can read >>>>> more about our script training by visiting: >>>>> http://www.gwmicro.com/Training/Script_Training/. >>>>> >>>>> GW Micro has a reputation for offering superior technical support and >>>>> this is accomplished by having a dedicated group of technical support >>>>> representatives and engineers to help our customers troubleshoot and >>>>> resolve any problems that they may encounter. Unlike other companies, >>>>> you are always going to speak to a real person when you call us for >>>>> support. In addition, GW Micro is the only screen reader manufacturer to >>>>> host and moderate an email discussion list. This list is a great >>>>> resource that allows our customers to discuss technical issues and >>>>> questions with GW Micro’s technical support team as well others in the >>>>> Window-Eyes community. >>>>> >>>>> Moving forward, GW Micro would like to continue to use and deploy new >>>>> solutions that take advantage of remote computing and emerging web >>>>> technologies so we can continue to improve and enhance the support and >>>>> training we provide. For example, GW Micro is actively using social >>>>> media outlets including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr to increase >>>>> our outreach and exposure to the community. In addition, GW Micro gives >>>>> everyone the ability to review and rate scripts at Script Central >>>>> (www.gwmicro.com/sc), participate in forums dedicated to accessibility >>>>> (www.gwmicro.com/forum) as well as to contribute to online documentation >>>>> (www.gwmicro.com/wiki). >>>>> >>>>> At GW Micro, we don’t just provide assistive technology solutions; we are >>>>> an active member of the Blind and visually impaired community. GW Micro >>>>> hopes to pass along our knowledge and expertise to a new generation of >>>>> assistive technology trainers, consultants and end-users. We are >>>>> optimistic that our model for training and support will lead to a growing >>>>> and prosperous community of Window-Eyes users all over the world. >>>>> >>>>> 8. What are the top three things you would tell developers who develop >>>>> software, websites, and interactive environments? >>>>> >>>>> First, we would recommend software developers introduce accessibility at >>>>> design time using existing standards instead of creating new standards or >>>>> trying to retro fit accessibility into the application or website after >>>>> the fact. This should reduce development costs and greatly enhance the >>>>> accessibility of the application. Second, we would encourage software >>>>> developers to work directly with accessibility leaders such as GW Micro. >>>>> This can lead to more commercial software being fully accessible “out of >>>>> the box” with screen readers. Lastly, we would tell developers that they >>>>> should have Blind and visually impaired users test their software for >>>>> accessibility and usability before releasing the product. We believe >>>>> that this strategy would help software companies better understand the >>>>> unique perspective of Blind and visually impaired computer users and >>>>> encourage them to fix accessibility issues found in their software before >>>>> it is released. >>>>> >>>>> 9. By introducing a screen reader as an integral part of the operating >>>>> system available for every user and at no additional cost, Apple has >>>>> changed the dynamics of the screen reader industry. What changes need to >>>>> occur for Microsoft to bring about a similar model for Windows? What >>>>> reasons are there for not taking such a step? >>>>> >>>>> GW Micro believes that having a free screen reader as part of the >>>>> operating system does a disservice to Blind computer users. How many >>>>> people dropped their dedicated screen reader in favor of Microsoft >>>>> Narrator when it first came out in Windows or now that it has been around >>>>> for more than a decade? The relatively small size of the screen reader >>>>> market does not allow Microsoft or Apple to invest the amount of >>>>> resources that accessibility truly deserves. Without a major change in >>>>> Microsoft or Apple’s infrastructure, they would be ill-prepared to >>>>> develop a strong and evolving screen reader as well as provide the type >>>>> of support that is often required by screen reader users. Without >>>>> competition from screen reader manufacturers like GW Micro there will be >>>>> no incentive for Apple or Microsoft to include a feature-rich and >>>>> powerful screen reader into their operating system. >>>>> >>>>> 10. As a developer of a screen reader, what to you is the most >>>>> frustrating aspect of being in this market? >>>>> >>>>> GW Micro’s biggest frustration is not being able to make all of our >>>>> customers’ applications and the web pages they browse fully accessible. >>>>> With the growing use of accessibility standards by software developers in >>>>> conjunction with the powerful scripting capabilities and increased >>>>> flexibility of Window-Eyes, we are optimistic that we will eventually be >>>>> able to reach our goal of making all of our customers’ applications and >>>>> favorite web pages fully accessible. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> If you reply to this message it will be delivered to the original sender >>>>> only. If your reply would benefit others on the list and your message is >>>>> related to GW Micro, then please consider sending your message to >>>>> gw-i...@gwmicro.com >>>>> so the entire list will receive it. >>>>> >>>>> GW-Info messages are archived at >>>>> http://www.gwmicro.com/gwinfo. You can manage your list subscription at >>>>> http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv >>>>> . >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >>>> "MacVisionaries" group. >>>> To post to this group, send email to macvisionar...@googlegroups.com. >>>> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >>>> macvisionaries+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >>>> For more options, visit this group at >>>> http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en. >>> >>> -- >>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >>> "MacVisionaries" group. >>> To post to this group, send email to macvisionar...@googlegroups.com. >>> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >>> macvisionaries+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >>> For more options, visit this group at >>> http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en. >>> >>> >> >> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "MacVisionaries" group. >> To post to this group, send email to macvisionar...@googlegroups.com. >> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >> macvisionaries+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >> For more options, visit this group at >> http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en. >> > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "MacVisionaries" group. > To post to this group, send email to macvisionar...@googlegroups.com. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > macvisionaries+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. > For more options, visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en. > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "MacVisionaries" group. To post to this group, send email to macvisionar...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to macvisionaries+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en.
