it is one answer.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Karyl Loux" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: February 08, 2001 8:11 PM
Subject: Re: re Graphic browsers v. Textual


As Bruce mentioned Home Page Reader, I would like to say that the
company I work for tests these types of products.  We are in the early
days of looking at Home Page Reader, but the indications I'm hearing
from colleagues is that this will truly be the answer to this dilemma.
I am really excited about that, because I teach students without
vision to use screenreaders and the internet.  Therefore, just like
many, I'm always looking for some relief.

Karyl
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Bruce Coonce
  To: [log in to unmask]
  Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2001 2:07 PM
  Subject: re Graphic browsers v. Textual


  I use JAWS 3.7 at work, and use Internet Explorer 5.5. With the
latest JAWS version, it works fairly well.

  When I first started browsing the Internet, in the days of DOS, I
used Lynx. It worked great then. Most of the sites I went to wer
text-based then.

  When I changed to Windows (very reluctantly, I might add) I started
using JAWS with Internet Explorer.

  At home, I use both Netscape 4.61 and Internet Explorer 5.0.
Netscape works fairly well on some sites, although it is not as
accessible generally as Internet Explorer.

  I've used Lynx with JAWS also, but it doesn't work as well as it did
in DOS. You either have to use the JAWS (review) cursor or set screen
echo to all.

  Still, it works well on some sites and I still use it occasionally.

  I've played with PW Webspeak, which is a self-voicing text browser,
a little bit. It seemed to work well. I have not tried Home Page
Reader.



  -----Original Message-----

  From: * EASI: Equal Access to Software & Information

  [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Sherman, Sarah

  Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2001 3:00 PM

  To: [log in to unmask]

  Subject: Graphics-based browsers vs. text-based browsers with screen

  reade r



  My colleague Axel Schmetzke and I are pondering screen reader users'

  preference of browsers. Could you please share, in your experience
(personal

  or otherwise), do you find more people using a screen reader with
text-only

  browsers, or graphics-based browsers? If you use a screen reader,
what is

  your preference? If you train others, do you train with the screen
reader in

  conjunction with a text browser, or a graphics browser?

  We have found that often, it is much easier to navigate the WWW with
a

  screen reader when a text-only browser like Lynx is used. You don't
have to

  worry about structure as much, and anything that Lynx couldn't
interpret,

  chances are JAWS (or another screen reader) wouldn't be able to
interpret it

  anyway. On the other hand, graphics-based browsers such as Netscape
and IE

  have structural designs that are harder to navigate with the screen
reader

  (though if the site is generated with accessibility in mind, it can
be

  done).

  My apologies for cross-posting. Thank you very much for any
experiences you

  can share!

  Sarah Sherman

  Program Coordinator

  Assistive Technology Program

  UW-Stevens Point

  715-346-4980