Hi Sean,
Excellent. In all honesty, I am a believer in taking the proverbial
fight directly back at the opponent. Thus, I think using his own previous
review of Windows screen readers would be perfect. When you have some time,
please send me along the highlights of this comparison, as I'd love to use
it in my own efforts towards Mac Evangelizing.
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
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VISUALLY IMPAIRED
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Sean Tikkun
Sent: Sunday, March 19, 2006 12:12 PM
To: General discussions on all topics relating to the use of Mac OS X by the
blind
Subject: Re: CSUN presentation
John,
Thanks for the info. I'm ready to take Jay's critique apart by
comparing it to another critique he did of WIndow Eyes and JAWS. He
complains about the same key issues on VO that he praises on JAWS....
It's kinda funny really. I came through a grad program 2 years ago, and had
to fight tooth and nail for Mac advocacy.... Thanks for the message
Your Friend,
Sean
On Mar 19, 2006, at 10:40 AM, John Panarese wrote:
> I think one of the biggest problems is the general belief that
> "everyone uses PCs", so why bother with the Mac. It needs to be
> pointed out that this may have been true five plus years ago, but many
> companies are
> actually turning away from Windows based systems and applications.
> Also,
> you will here, in this day of cut budgets in the rehab field, that
> Macs are too expensive compared to PCs. Well, this may be true in the
> initial system by system comparison, but besides adding on the cost of
> the Windows screen reader, there was an interesting study done that
> points out that within a year's time, Macs are actually half the cost
> of a PC to maintain.
>
> Finally, keep in mind that the ugliness of the AFB review of
> VoiceOver Jay Leventhal did last year still is lingering out there.
> You may very well find some blind folks who will tell you, "well, Jay
> Leventhal said VO isn't worth the time, so...". Be prepared to deal
> with this, and I don't think you can do it with the bluntness that I
> do, as I am not associated with Apple and don't care what gets back to
> the reviewer....
>
> 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, PULSEDATA,
> DUXBURY, DANCING DOTS, ROBOTRON AND OTHER PRODUCTS FOR THE BLIND AND
> VISUALLY IMPAIRED
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of LARRY WANGER
> Sent: Sunday, March 19, 2006 11:28 AM
> To: General discussions on all topics relating to the use of Mac OS
> Xby the
> blind
> Subject: Re: CSUN presentation
>
> Hi,
>
> Great that you will be giving the presentation. I'm someone who
> recently
> moved from primarily using the PC to using the Mac for many
> things. I'd say
> that the number one thing that I faced and heard from folks was
> that they
> are comfortable with what they've got for accessibility so why learn
> something new and deal with all of that. I think many PC and Jaws
> users are
> just content to stay with what they've got. Arguments such as VO
> being
> built right in and magnification software the same way and the
> lower cost
> are good reasons that might get people to consider this. However,
> I think
> another issue is that VR counselors and the lot make decisions
> about what to
> buy computer users at times and its hard to sell them on the
> benefits. The
> VR counselor is thinking that the PC is what everyone uses so why
> not stay
> with that.
>
> Beyond that are myths about compatibility and, to tell you the
> truth, I was
> making mountains out of hills and I've just not had too many
> problems. This
> is where I think Apple could do a better job as its not even a VO
> or access
> issue. Its simple marketing and, until Apple gets right out there
> and in
> peoples faces at the Best Buys and computer stores, people aren't
> going to
> get that message.
>
> I've found that one on one, face to face teaching and
> demonstrations are
> just the best way to get people up to speed. I tried the Apple Store
> approach and it almost turned me away from buying a Mac. I think
> you have a
> good opportunity to show some people the ease of use with this
> machine.
>
> Best of luck.
>
>
> Check out my blog at http://lsw999.blogspot.com/
>
> Larry Wanger
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Sean Tikkun" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: <[email protected]>
> Sent: Sunday, March 19, 2006 8:55 AM
> Subject: CSUN presentation
>
>
>> Discussion group,
>>
>> My name is Sean Richards Tikkun and I have the honor of
>> presenting VO at
>> CSUN. I am a Vision / O&M instructor with a couple years of
>> experience,
>> a focus in technology and a huge passion for Mac. I'm trying to
>> head off
>
>> arguments before they happen. Having experience with JAWS and
>> navigating
>
>> websites we all know it is still less than perfect. Can you give
>> me any
>> pointers on things that work for you guys? I'm looking for those
>> practical everyday tips that people really appreciate when you can
>> sprinkle them in to a 2-hr presentation.
>>
>> Thanks a Million,
>> Sean Tikkun
>>
>> P.S. my iChat will be on all day if you get this: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>>
>
>
>
