Hey all listers, I'm new to the Mac operating system being that I switched from windows after I graduated from college. What made me switch is because of the cost effectiveness in terms of accessibility out of the box. When I used a PC I used a screen reader called jaws for windows and these can run from the range of $600 to upgrade and $1000 to purchase the screen reader + the annual fee which is high in order to maintain the SMA's. That is separate in addition to the cost of the hardware itself based on research on the various costs of computers ranging from 400 to $900 even more for quality computing. Another reason is the fact that tech support is available for the computer in person and the time and inconvenience in resolving the various troubles faced when using Jaws and the added fact that you need sighted assistance which is not granted by phone. With Apple I can go to the center which is near my house and have all of my computer problems and even receive training on the accessibility depending on the knowledge of the person who has experience with its use. That and many other reasons most of them being financial and personal as well as the added fact that the state refuses to pay for the upgrade or purchase of new software to perform the appropriate tasks independently is the factor that made me consider buying the mac being that I wanted to try something different. Hence the long story I have questions regarding the use of braille displays and the mac as well as scanning software that is accessible for mac users using voiceover. Does anyone have experience using braille displays with the mac? If so, which braille display do you use and what is your experiences with its ease of reading, accessibility etc? Would the braille note be useful a braille display? Which braille displays are cheaper, the braille note or a standalone braille display? I have an old braille lite millennium, would that work with the mac? Because if it does that would be great and I won't have to deal with the commission refusing to purchase anything and deal with the stress of fighting them to get what I really need. If not I understand the need for new equipment which I need for grad school or work anyway. Based on your experiences, which braille display or notetaker works better with the mac? Also which scanning program works well with voice over based on experience?
Any advise is appreciated. Thank you very much. Priscilla Garces [email protected] -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "MacVisionaries" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en.
