Maybe I should have read this thread before asking about availability of
K3000 for OS X.

It's funny - we've always thought Apple were more responsive to
accessibility issues - and I think we've let them get away with loads
compared to the amount of grief we've given microsoft  - developers
hacking into the Windows OS to find hooks for screenreaders (exposing all
sorts of holes) or users pressuring that made them start considering
their 'off-screen model' ... I think we've let Apple rest on their
laurels for too long. I think the magnifier and screenreader features of
OS X added on at .2 are OK but nothing like a proper solution like e.g.
Zoomtext or Jaws. Apple for once can and should be shamed by Microsoft's
(admittedly begrudging at first) response to its users!
Ian


On 19 Jun 2003 at 10:42, Jon Gunderson wrote:

> I agree that supporting mobile technologies is different than providing
> usable access to desktop applications.
>
> Jon
>
>
> At 08:38 AM 6/19/2003 -0700, you wrote:
>
> >Hello,
> >I just received a call from the local rep. for Apple. He was referred to
> >me after I sent an email to the ASU's provost over technology concerning
> >the lack of a screen reader for OSX.   The representative's response was
> >literally to quote a note from Apple that the corporation intended to
> >support its customers.  I can't tell you how relieved I was to hear this
> >assurance.  :-)
> >
> >If Apple doesn't solve the issue of a screen reader for OSX, their
> >educational market will disappear.
> >It does not matter if an "eyes free" environment is being created for
> >mobile technology.  By the way, the biggest item in cell phones is text
> >messaging and sharing pictures.
> >
> >
> >Richard Jones
> >Assistant Director
> >Disability Resources for Students
> >Arizona State University, Main
> >480-965-6045
> >
> >"Our first belief is that "disability" is a rational concept.  It does
> >not reside within the individual.  Our second belief is that electronic
> >technology can alter environments in such a manner as to allow people
> >who have various functional deficits to operate without any disability
> >what so ever."  Richard Reed, CCD Newsletter, Fall 1988, v (2), EDUCOM
> >Software Initiative, 1989.
> >
> >
> >-----Original Message-----
> >From: Denis Anson
> >[<mailto:[log in to unmask]>mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> >Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2003 6:04 PM
> >To: [log in to unmask]
> >Subject: Re: Alva ceases development of outspoken and enlarge for
> >macintosh
> >
> >A very significant part of the model of "built in" access is the idea
> >of a mass market application for an eyes free interface.  With mobile
> >technology, or an operating system that might be used when the user's
> >eyes are otherwise involved, you have a need for an eyes-free system.
> >If mobil technology becomes part of the digital hub for Apple, this
> >model will make very good sense.
> >
> >Denis Anson
> >
> >Jon Gunderson wrote:
> >
> > >There is the current model as screen reader as an add on (assistive
> > >technology) in the Microsoft Windows world, but there is also a
> >different
> > >model as the screen reader (and other current ATs) as part of the OS
> > >itself.  To the consumer it makes access to computers much more
> >affordable
> > >and universal, since they do not need to locate and purchase AT to use
> > >the OS.  I think Apple should be encouraged to use this model since it
> > >would raise the level of awareness of all users and especially
> >developers
> > >to have a screen reader part of their system.  The major problem with
> >this
> > >is how seriously Apple would take the development of features and
> > >usability.
> > >
> > >Jon
> > >
> >
> >--------------------
> >Denis Anson, MS, OTR
> >Assistant Professor
> >College Misericordia
> >301 Lake St.
> >Dallas, PA 18612
> >Phone: 570-674-6413
>
> Jon Gunderson, Ph.D., ATP
> Coordinator of Assistive Communication and Information Technology
> Division of Rehabilitation - Education Services
> MC-574
> College of Applied Life Studies
> University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign
> 1207 S. Oak Street, Champaign, IL  61820
>
> Voice: (217) 244-5870
> Fax: (217) 333-0248
>
> E-mail: [log in to unmask]
>
> WWW: http://cita.rehab.uiuc.edu/
> WWW: http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~jongund
>