Hi Tonny. If you work for a government agency they absolutely can dictate which software is used and not just for blind employeees. THe company can use microsoft rather than Apple and if they choose could decide to use software from another competitor on there computers. I as an employee can’t go in and demand the use of apple software or whatever just because I preferre it. if I choose to work for themI must use what the company dictates unless they choose to allow me a choice. In fact often the hiring manager has absolutely nothing to do with what software is used. In time I might if I build repor be able to talk with someone and effect company policy but affirmative action only requires provision of usable software which Jaws is.
Mike From: tony c Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 4:21 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: States that allow window-eyes Hi, Unless WE will not work with the software that a state agency is using I don’t think anyone can dictate to a person what screen reader they can use. T C From: Michael Peterson Sent: Monday, July 18, 2011 9:32 PM To: David Tanner ; [email protected] Subject: Re: States that allow window-eyes Hi David. Let’s clarify what I was asking or proposing is not a list of States that will purchase window-eyes for clients or allow people in private industry to use window-eyes. I specifically am suggesting a list of state Governments which permit window-eyes to be used as an alternative to the Jaws screen reader. If one were ambitious the list could also include agencies in city county and federal governments—anyone in civil service and would be used as a barometer to see how far we have come vs how far we must go. I as a VR counselor in the current climate will and should respect the clients right of choice. This sounds good because the client shares in his/her goals. The client is in effect the quarterback with various team members rallying arround to help. Most likely therefore window-eyes will be purchased by every state in that context. However, personnel hiring for State and Federal agencies are not required to treat potential employees as rehab counselors treat clients. The purpose of such a State list only aids the potential State worker in the ability to know which State’s provide choice and which States mandate a particular screen reader. Practically in most cases the information will not affect the applicant’s attempt to attain employment but it will provide useful help on what steps may be taken to better prepare when applying for work with a particular State. Such a list might also help gw-micro distributors and blindness organizations to focus on and target Jaws States for legislation that might require less restrictive policies. It might also allow study to be made by gw-micro to ascertain if there are improvements that could be made that might aid in the products acceptability when compared with Jaws by state and Federal government tech support and or blind government employees One example I used to hear frequently was window-eyes doesn’t work with mainframes as well as Jaws. With the new applications ability this problem most likely has been corrected. One might also want to ask the question “what is the ratio of blind government employees versus blind employees in private industry?” In otherwords, is it worth it for gw-micro to attempt to eliminate the government roadblocks or not cost effective If cost effectiveness is the issue would a better strategy be for blindness consumer groups to act as the catalist for inclusion rather than gw-micro. If this is the case the ongoing list would be an aide provided by gw-micro to educate it’s supportersso they can select most vulnerable areas and begin pushing through the changes desired. If the list has a posative impact most likely especially with our current Federal and States, fiscal crisis it will take years for the impact to be felt, probably another president and another congress. The journey of a thousand miles it has been said begins with one baby step and the way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time Although the idea of State and federal governments allowing blind workers screen readers choice seems impossible now, the constant flow of water eventjually erodes large barriers making valleys where mountains once stood. Today’s dreams are tomorrow’s realities. Mike From: David Tanner Sent: Monday, July 18, 2011 5:14 PM To: Michael Peterson ; [email protected] Subject: Re: States that allow window-eyes I think that is going to be a list that is going to be hard to get simply because it really isn't always that simple. For example, in Minnesota you could get any of 5 specialist handling your case depending on who your counselor is when the request is made for a technology evaluation. I think most of us would not have a problem recommending Window-Eyes, and our counselors will usually accept whatever recommendation their tech makes. However, there may be one or two of those 5 techs that might more hard to convince to go along with a Window-Eyes recommendation, and a couple of the counselors who will be more likely to try to press customers for Jaws than Window-Eyes. The same is probably the case if someone asks for an Apple. The good part here is that there is no set rule that you have only one choice. I have seen customers get any of the top four pay for screen readers. But, Window-Eyes and Jaws are probably the top two followed by VoiceOver and System Access. ----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Peterson To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2011 5:30 AM Subject: States that allow window-eyes Hi all. I am looking in to possibley relocating to another state for civil service employment. California restricts screen reader use to Jaws only. Is this true of all or most states? The state I am focusing on is PA currently and if I could use window-eyes the learning curve would be easier although I am currently trying to learn all the twists and turns of using jaws in case I work in CA. At this point nothing is in stone but I wish someone had a list of states that will allow there workers to use there choice of screen readers or at least window-eyes as an alternative to Jaws if they choose.. Thanks for any helpful information. Mike If you reply to this message it will be delivered to the original sender only. If your reply would benefit others on the list and your message is related to GW Micro, then please consider sending your message to [email protected] so the entire list will receive it. GW-Info messages are archived at http://www.gwmicro.com/gwinfo. You can manage your list subscription at http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv.
