Hi,
I didn't expect to start a philosophical debate here, but I think my
analogy between wheelchair ramps and accessible commercial software
is worthy discussion. Many websites and applications, like the
iTunes store are analogous to your brick and mortar HomeDepot or
Borders Music and Books. And yes, adding a wheelchair ramp does
cost money and is the price you pay for doing business. Now, as for
finding an alternative product, in the business world, Office is the
standard and there is no alternative. . Is it that unreasonable to
expect Microsoft to spend a little money to make their product
accessible? What about your online bank?
The misconception that the blind community constitutes enough of a
market to sway industry to provide support based on our buying power
is grossly naive. We are not worth it. I know, because I am guilty
of it in my own development profession. the need for 508 compliance
is the only thing that coaxes my company to provide accessible
software.
Consider the fact that if the Mac market can't force the market to
create cross platform versions of software, how can the blind
community expect accessible software? Consider the cost of the LCD
enlargers that sell for up to 10x more than an LCD camera that does
almost the same thing. The higher cost is due to the fact that the
blind community can't cover the cost of development.
Now, ironically, I agree that lawsuits are bad and way too
prevalent in the US. But, I also think that proper legislation is
the equivalent of a kick in the pants so companies will do the right
thing. Too bad the mortgage industry didn't have a little common
sense legislation lately.
So, that is my response to my friendly over polite Canadian.
I work hard, but I do need some government help and societal help
sometimes too.
In about a minute, I fear I will be wishing I could unsend this. lol
Best,
Scott,
.
Call me an over-polite canadian, but I think that beating people
over the head with legislation is expensive, time consuming, and
counter-productive. I look at it a bit like this. From what I've
read, tost is a 60-80 dollar piece of software. If I send off a
polite email for information and get the brush this other guy got,
I'd take david's tack. Find something that works. Reply to the
company and say, "thank you. Based on your disappointingly cold
response, I looked further and found a program equivilant to yours
and they are developing in the direction I need for my
productivity. I'll be recomending users avoide yours and try
theres."
It's really a let down that high profile companies like microsoft
and roxeo aren't leading the way on the accessibility front, but
fortunately for us, they don't have a monopoly.
Best,
Erik
On 30-Mar-08, at 11:58 AM, Scott Bresnahan wrote:
Hi,
You know, has anyone considered the lack of VO support an issue
of public accommodation under ADA? It is not as if the technology
doesn't exist to support VO easily and cheaply in today's modern
development environments. Granted, I can see a video or graphical
paint application being beyond VO, but Word or Toast? I think not.
Wow, and talk about deep pockets... I'm surprise no one has
thought about this agains Microsoft.
In the real world one builds ramps for wheelchairs. In the
online world, they need to build VO support fo us!
Sorry, those in the UK, you're Toast. :)
Thinking out loud....
--Scott
after close thought. I may just give them the ultimate baptism
of fire. For my work I am going to be relying on this software
and I would rather get somethingthat works rather than something
that takes space on my mac and wastes time.
so monday morning hopefully I will be launching my plot
heheheheheheeehe mwahahahahahahahahaha ah that felt good
roxio used to be rather accessible as memory serves me under OS
9.2 but hmmm am I seeing a trend in software and companies
telling us to "FLOCK OFF" lol
lew
On 30 Mar 2008, at 18:43, David Poehlman wrote:
Tell them thanks, we are going to and recommending their
competition to mac
users.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Lewis Brock" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "General discussions on all topics relating to the use of
Mac OS X by
theblind" <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2008 1:38 PM
Subject: Re: response from Roxio Technical Support Toast 9 does not
supportthe VoiceOver screen reader app.
I had the very same problem with them and they dont seem to give a
thingybob. whats new there? nothing.
well I think a strong email shound be constructed concerning this
product. after all we should have access to it with voiceover so come
one where's the problem? roxio....... come here boy. come on.........
there's a good cd burner lol
lew
On 30 Mar 2008, at 18:35, James Austin wrote:
Well if there ever was a daft response Roxio have it.
Let us know if you need further assistance... well... um... Voice
Over doesn't work with your application so I'd like some assistance
lol.
Sounds like they are not very much interested.
Best
James
E- Mail - [EMAIL PROTECTED]
MSN - [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Skype - saulky1984
On 30 Mar 2008, at 18:20, Chuck Reichel wrote:
Hi Listers,
Here is response about toast 9 from there tech staff.
I currently use 8.03 only because I've been using Toast since the
last century.
LOL I don't think they even looked at VoiceOver!! 8.03 is more
stable than 6.5 so I thought I would try toast 9 thinking they have
improved it but I don't think so! May be it is time to "hammer
them" a bit! LOL
PS Their Lightscrib label app not very cool either.
Toast response below;
A Roxio Agent has responded to your ticket! (# 540159)
Thank you for contacting Roxio Technical Support
Toast 9 does not support the VoiceOver screen reader app.
Thanks for contacting Roxio Customer Care. Let us know if you need
further assistance on this issue by clicking the Update button.
Regards,
Roxio Technical Support
<http://www.roxio.com/enu/support>http://www.roxio.com/enu/support
Have you tried our online self-service tools? For instant support,
please try one of the tools below:
Roxanne -
<http://roxio.com/en/support/nh/index.jhtml>http://roxio.com/en/support/nh/index.jhtml
Discussion Groups -
<http://forums.support.roxio.com/>http://forums.support.roxio.com
Knowledgebase - <http://search.roxio.com/>http://search.roxio.com
We are always looking for ways to improve so please click on the
link below to complete our online support survey.
<http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?
sm=gogk1iuGIIxICD_2fyt0p0pg_3d_3d>http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=gogk1iuGIIxICD_2fyt0p0pg_3d_3d
Thank you for your comments and we appreciate the feedback
dpd
What's Next?
1. Log into <https://selfserve.roxio.com/>https://selfserve.roxio.com
2. Click on View Your Help Ticket History.
3. Click on your ticket number to view the response and update.
Regards,
Roxio Customer Care
=================
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<http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=gogk1iuGIIxICD_2fyt0p0pg_3d_3d
Click here to take survey.
Other Support Resources: <http://forums.support.roxio.com/
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RoxAnn
**This e-mail is an automatic response and cannot be responded to.**
Chuck Reichel
954-742-0019
<http://www.soundpicturerecording.com/high/index.htm>http://www.soundpicturerecording.com/high/index.htm
Lewis Brock
Totally Blind musician and composer of 21st century music
PHONE: +44 07857 352828
E-MAIL: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
SKYPE: lewisjbrock
Lewis Brock
Totally Blind musician and composer of 21st century music
PHONE: +44 07857 352828
E-MAIL: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
SKYPE: lewisjbrock
----Scott
--
--Scott
--
--Scott