Thing Is GW Micro did things different, and by the merger and them getting rid
of it, it just leaves one more access tech gone David. Also they did set
files that I think were easier to master than scripting.
Also they had a pretty flexible way of being able to pay for that which I don’t
think FS has matched quite yet.
I haven’t really used another screne reader than jaws.
Other then to use it enough to know that if I had to, it could be done. With
SAtogo, Narator or NVDA.
From: blind-philly-comp-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
<blind-philly-comp-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of David Goldfield
Sent: Friday, May 03, 2019 10:15 PM
To: blind-philly-comp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [blind-philly-comp] Re: why I’ve moved away from a paid screen reader
after almost 18 years, An essay.
First, I'm sorry that the subject line of this original message was blank. I
had some weird cut and paste issues which weren't apparent until after I had
sent the message.
John, I agree. Screen readers and devices in general tend to bring out a lot of
customer loyalty and passion from their users. This is true even for sighted
people, particularly when it comes to companies like Apple and Google (with
Google, mainly when it comes to Android.) Mac devotees are very passionate
about the Mac and will defend its honor very strongly, even more so than users
of Windows. Screen readers have similar devotees and I can see things from
several perspectives as I started out as a JAWS user, switched to NVDA for ten
years and have now switched back to JAWS and yet I regret none of those choices
and respect both products for the benefits which they offer. I was also a
somewhat casual user of Window-Eyes throughout the years. I greatly respected
the product and the company and I still feel that its loss has hurt the
assistive technology landscape.
David Goldfield, Assistive Technology Specialist WWW.David-Goldfield.Com
<http://WWW.David-Goldfield.Com>
On 5/3/2019 10:07 PM, jhii926@xxxxxxxxx <mailto:jhii926@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
As far as ‘ I’m concerned
There’s room for everybody.
From: blind-philly-comp-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:blind-philly-comp-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
<mailto:blind-philly-comp-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
<blind-philly-comp-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of David Goldfield
Sent: Friday, May 03, 2019 10:04 PM
To: blind-philly-comp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:blind-philly-comp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [blind-philly-comp] (no subject)
Written by Sadam Ahmed ...
why I’ve moved away from a paid screen reader after almost 18 years, An essay.
background
people who are blind use what’s called a screen reader. Without getting to
technical, a screen reader is a piece of software that converts the windows UI
into spoken or braille.
It has been the case that for many years blind folk used a program for Windows
by the name of JAWS.
What is the problem?
The problem is that this solution is very expensive and does not really get the
job done specially if one is studying. I’ve been a user for 18 years and of
late the product just hasn’t been up to par. Specially if one studies STEM
subjects like computer science, Information Technology or business information
systems.
INTRODUCING NVDA.
NVDA is a free access piece of tech. It was the project of Jamie now at Firefox
hq and his friend Michael. What these 2 gentlemen have been able to put
together is very cool. The fact that anyone who is blind can use a PC is a
great notion. Accessibility shouldn’t be only for those who can afford it.
Education, Social access, and being a productive member of the world should be
free.
Why do we need to pay to use our computers? It’s very wrong and not something I
support at all.
Narrator and Microsoft’s accessibility statement.
Narrator and NVDA are going in the right direction. I can’t wait for the May
update to Windows 10. Already I am noticing my workflow being helped by
switching to NVDA. Microsoft’s new Skype 8? No problems with NVDA. Microsoft
tools like Sway, Access, SQL, and most other programs we use at University just
work better with NVDA and Windows 10. I often run Windows in a sand-boxed state
for testing and both Narrator and NVDA work really well, Even under insider
builds. When I was a guest of Microsoft Australia in 2016 I loved the culture
at the firm. There are some very smart people some of who I’ve met in person
that really make things happen in a big way.
Moving away from the privileged lot.
Me and my family came to Australia way back in 1996. We went through some dark
times before settling in this wonderful country we now call home. The example
above is to say that our family and Africans know about the struggle. When I
give back to NVDA, I’m saying thanks. Just because something is paid doesn’t
make it the best. Furthermore, We have a ethical duty to give back to our
community. From the NVDA project lots of people are making huge differences. If
your $15 or $30 goes on to help a blind man or young woman to live a better day
why the hell wouldn’t you do it?
Conclusion.
We need to think about our global foot print. Ask philosophical questions and
don’t do what we are told. Be the change you want to see. Next time your
employer or access staff ask you about a paid solution say no. I’m so glad I’ve
made the switch to NVDA and free access like Narrator. I hope you will join me
on this social movement which has already changed the lives of millions. To
Jamie and Michael, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
AuthorSadam
<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Faccessibletechnologysolutions.com%2F%3Fauthor%3D1&data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca2d5f2c433094f95c6c608d6d0353fa9%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636925324444776516&sdata=u%2BBTtkDN9LudJo5dwNhhzYLDJ7S8ydP%2FeXMeKZp5FOM%3D&reserved=0>
Posted onApril 22, 201
<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Faccessibletechnologysolutions.com%2F%3Fp%3D619&data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca2d5f2c433094f95c6c608d6d0353fa9%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636925324444786528&sdata=%2FwKBWEozcSowvxssq%2FuI7iwXk8IZEcEO%2FlSOIaVxDTE%3D&reserved=0>
--
David Goldfield, Assistive Technology Specialist WWW.David-Goldfield.Com
<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2FWWW.David-Goldfield.Com&data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca2d5f2c433094f95c6c608d6d0353fa9%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636925324444796545&sdata=S49ngO6fKuErN9GPooyQBEGWeke1ehd5%2FhP%2F6Smy5qM%3D&reserved=0>
