Hi all,
I've sstarted a different thread with the message below and agree
with Shawn. Sadly, apple calls VO a Screen Reader in their dmaterial
on the web about it. This was not the case at first, but people
shyed away from something that was not a screen reader it seems where
they would at least attempt to use a "screen reader". I wish I had
the marketing savy to put across exactly how revolutionary a concept
we have here in a way that would attract "screen reader" uusers. In
fact, years ago, we had a ttalking interface for CPM. Anyone
remember that? you turned on total talk and were instantly informed
that total talk was ready. you could press a function key and
instantly have acccess to aa number of functions with a talking
interface. It was all in the firmware and it was beautiful.
On Sep 10, 2006, at 7:28 AM, Sean Tikkun wrote:
*Plants Soapbox firmly on the ground and steps up*
Hey Y'all... Your friendly neighborhood sighted VO user here!
Some of you have heard this rant, but given the discussion of Vista
and other things I decided to toss in.
I'd first like to propose a change of terminology. Voice Over is
not a screen reader, in my opinion it is an auditory output, spoken
output, ... take your pick, but it does not read the screen. From
working with it, It gives you direct access to the code and
information BEFORE it gets to the screen! I consider screen
reading the poor cousin of true access to a computer.
Unfortunately it was the result of the breakthrough of GUI
interface, but we have gotten back to the roots with VoiceOver.
Compare a direct interface with your computer to a third party
solution... such as Windows has. Microsoft itself tells you in
their accessibility wizard that their OS is not accessible, and you
will have to seek a 3rd party solution. How the hell do you get
away with that? It's blatantly inaccessible and yet purchased by
federal agencies and state agency recommendations all the time.
Wholly Loophole batman!
Admittedly, I have heard Apple approached FS and GW about making a
screen reader for OSX and they turned it down. So Apple had to do
it themselves. Which for anyone paying attention to revolutions in
OS and PC computing , they should have known that would be a death
knell. I also have a friend that handles computer training for
Hines VA, he has had Vista for a while now and says every new
feature just makes it less accessible. In fact he himself is about
to buy a Mac after a lifetime of PC use. I'll admit I've been
working on him since grad. school to join the enlightened few.
As an FYI to folks I will be doing my VoiceOver song and dance
again this year at Closing The Gap in Minneapolis. I'm feeling
like a broken record though... I may have to do a VO for the
advanced user or comprehensive Apple alternatives for the blind
user... But then for that, I'm not the best resource. You all
are. I'm just some punk with a laptop that can hold his own in
front of a crowd. Feel free to hit me with suggestions or ideas to
bring to the table....
Your Friend,
Sean Richards Tikkun
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
