Hai:
If I am not mistaken, the Apple screen reader has been around for quite
some time. In fact, this was when I spoke to a few folks and understood
how --while Apple and open source folks like Ubuntu are taking the task
of developing accessibility upon themselves- our dear old Microsoft has
conveniently trusted that job to another company. That they managed to
add 'Narrator' as an after thought isn't helping the cause. Or at least
that is the reality. Hope folks here agree.
Subramani
-Original Message-
From: accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in
[mailto:accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in] On Behalf Of Ankit
Jindal
Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 1:27 AM
To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in
Subject: Re: [AI] Jaws with Apple Mac Book
Yes, I did some research on the internet and found that apple laptops
have
an in-built screen readers called Voice-over, as highlighted by
Srinivasu. I
also understand that from the apple website
http://www.apple.com/accessibility/voiceover/ where the company is
talking
a lot about the wonderful features and its accessibility with various
applications . However, I would like to understand, if the apple laptops
with this in-built screan-readers is able to perform on par like the
Jaws.
They have a host of application which is accessible
http://www.apple.com/accessibility/voiceover/applications.html
however, I am not too sure on the end-user experience. The features
looks
amazing at the outset, where it is made to believe that apple has come
up
with an excellent alternative, however, I am still not very sure as I
have
not come across a visually impaired person using an apple laptops. My
concerns also mounts after experiencing a pathetic back-drop of using
an
in-built windows screen readers.
If apple claims are true, then perhaps this could be a healthy bargain
for
the VI customers where they can go for only a laptop which is bundled
with a
screen reader and does not require an additional cost. I am also
providing
an additional link which talks about running jaws on Mac, however, I am
not
able to understand the whole of it as I am not a tecchie.
http://webaim.org/blog/screenreaders_on_mac/
Would request the list members to throw some more light on the usability
ofMac systems. Also please share any contact number that any one of you
may
have of a VI person using apple pc.
The following are some input in precise which I thought the group
members
would be interested in reading about apple screen reader - Voice over.
Apple- Voice Over.
Universal AccessAlex - A New Voice
Give yourself a new voice. Meet Alex, an English male voice that uses
advanced, patented Apple technologies to deliver natural breathing and
intonation, even at fast speaking rates.
Plug-and-Play Refreshable Braille Display Support
Quickly set up popular, refreshable Braille displays. VoiceOver detects
and
configures as soon as you plug them in. No additional software or setup
is
required.
Braille Output During OS Installation
For the first time ever on a desktop computer, you can use a Braille
display
while installing or upgrading your operating system.
The Braille Panel
See a virtual Braille display - a visual representation of VoiceOver
Braille
output onscreen along with an English text translation.
Customizable Braille Display Input Keys
Customize a Braille display more easily than ever before. Just choose a
VoiceOver command, then press and hold the input keys. A tone sounds to
let
you know the command has been assigned successfully.
Contracted and Non-Contracted Braille
Output Braille in standard contracted format or non-contracted computer
Braille. VoiceOver automatically converts contracted Braille under the
cursor so it's easier to edit, then contracts it again when the cursor
moves.
NumPad Commander
Control VoiceOver using only the numeric keypad just like JAWS and
Windows-Eyes. This makes it easier for screen reader users to switch
from a
PC to a Mac and provides easy access to your favorite VoiceOver
commands.
Portable VoiceOver Preferences
Instantly reconfigure your VoiceOver preferences. Just plug in a flash
drive
containing your preferences and Leopard instantly reconfigures to work
and
act just like your Mac - without leaving a trace when you leave.
Faster Web and Page Navigation
Quickly navigate long documents or web pages. Jump to key elements like
headers, tables, and links and by text attributes like underlining,
bold,
italics, and color - even text phrases.
Hot Spots
Monitor up to ten different areas onscreen and be alerted when there's a
change. Then jump directly to any hot spot to investigate or take
action.
Drag-and-Drop Support
Use drag-and-drop actions by keyboard only, in accessible applications.
Integrated Interactive Tutorial
Learn VoiceOver unassisted in a safe environment. A built-in tutorial
lets
you practice as you learn.
Misspelled Word Detection
Hear when a word is misspelled while reading text. Choose a tone or a
spoken
