Just to add to what you said here: In some states there may be a default screen reader that is expected to be used by all state employees, but it does not necessarily mean that a client going through a voc rehab program in that state will be required to choose Jaws as their only choice.
Of course the other question one might want to ask is whether there would be such a raft of complaining if Window-Eyes was the one getting the favoritism that they claim that Jaws is getting. People also need to understand that the blind consumer groups have been a part of pushing one product over another for many years. Remember that Jaws for Dos was developed and sold by a company owned by an NFB member, and that a lot of favoritism has been given to Jaws over the years as a result of that special relationship. ----- Original Message ----- From: Richard G Applegate To: 'Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc.' ; [email protected] Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 5:26 PM Subject: RE: States that allow window-eyes I think some people are misunderstanding what was originally said in this thread. The original poster likely meant to say that the state of California provides its blind or visually impaired employees with JAWS as a screen reader. This is different than saying the state of California restricts its citizens from using other screen readers. I'm not sure the ADA applies in this particular situation, at least not in the way some are suggesting. The state of California makes reasonable accommodations by providing its blind or visually impaired employees with a screen reader. JAWS is the screen reader they provide. Without referencing both acts, I believe Reasonable Accommodations are part of the Rehabilitation Act. I'm not challenging anyone but I think proving hardship based on the need to learn how to use JAWS as opposed to Window-Eyes would be a hard sell. If the employees were using their own computers to perform the state's work, they might have a case for using their screen reader of choice. Now the reason for the state's selection of JAWS as its screen reader of choice may be based on ignorance, but the fiscal situation currently existing in many of our states demonstrates that ignorance in state governments is not only accepted but expected. This is the tacit message sent when we choose the same politicians on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November each year. From: Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc. [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 2:01 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: States that allow window-eyes Mike, hmm, curiously, I wonder why California would force you to use Jaws? This is something I believe you can fight against. There ought to be an advocacy or disability rights center somewhere in California to help resolve such issues? Hmm, I don't know; but I don't believe the law allows any state to prescribe a particular screen reader over another. I live in Colorado and, when I was trying to get my retail store opened, Jaws was recommended by Vocational Rehabilitation. But I was able to tell my Counselor that I won't take Jaws and that settled it. I'd say to invoke your rights within the general framework of the ADA. Sincerely, Olusegun Denver, Colorado 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.
