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]
