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: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ankit Jindal Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 1:27 AM To: [email protected] 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 description. Positional Audio Effects Benefit from many new sound effects in VoiceOver. Audio cues provide an improved sense of location. Highlight by Word or Sentence Set the VoiceOver cursor to highlight each word or sentence being read as it is spoken. New VoiceOver Utility Customize VoiceOver more easily. A new VoiceOver Utility layout includes many new options and preferences for customizing VoiceOver. Improved Application Accessibility Do more with VoiceOver. Bundled Leopard applications and utilities have been enhanced for improved accessibility. -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Srinivasu Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2009 11:42 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [AI] Jaws with Apple Mac Book Ankit, Mac OS has it's in-built screen reader called Voice Over. -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ankit Jindal Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2009 2:16 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [AI] Jaws with Apple Mac Book Hi List members, 1 Greetings of the day. Could anybody advise me if Apple laptops in mac version is accessible to Jaws? Thank you. 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