I have heard the story about the NFB asking/telling/advising MS to stay away from implementing a screen reader as well. I've also heard others claim that the NFB had nothing to do with it and it was a matter of MS simply being unable to make a screen reader that performed as well as JAWS or Window-Eyes.
I believe both things to be true. The demand from NFB coincided in time with Microsoft's realization that the small company they contracted for Narrator were not up to the task of developing a real screen reader. Microsoft was disinclined to invest further and, quite conveniently, they could attribute the decision to appeasing a special interest group. I believe the NFB to out of touch with average consumer interests. Time will tell. But please correct me if I am wrong, is not the stereotypical NFB member is a well paid lawyer? Dropping a grand for a screen reader is no big deal for the upper middle class. Especially when Microsoft, Freedom, and GW Micro all pay one's employer homage. That "Vista from an accessible view" article is weak. I am keenly interested in learning more about UI Automation in Vista. That story is all touchy feelly and no meat. MSAA has nothing on what is available to Cocoa. Mind you, I still agree that Windows has the advantage for now. But that is because of huge amounts of payola to the vested interests. I am optimistic that VoiceOver in Tiger might catch up. Pretty amazing considering how much has been invested in Windows for how long?
