Dear Meg,

I am not thrilled with these Microsoft accessibility products.  I would much
rather see you use something like the screen enlarging and screen reading
program, Zoomtext Xtra.  This is a wonderful product.  Also, being that you
are planning on going with JAWS, you may want to go with Magic screen
enlarging software.  I am more familiar with Zoomtext Xtra, but I have heard
positive things about Magic.

The Microsoft accessibility features do not usually work for people with
disabilities.  You need to get software that is specifically designed for a
particular disability.

Also, the scanner with open book will be fine, but it does tie up a computer
if someone is just interested in scanning and reading.  I have had very
positive experiences with stand alone reading machines.  The one that we
currently have at our facility is the VERA (Very Easy Reading Appliance).
It is sold by Freedom Scientific.   We have had it for several years and we
have been happy. This allows a person to use a scanning device without
having to know how to use a computer.

Also, consider the needs of people with learning disabilities when selecting
your software.

Good Luck!

Valerie Lewis
Administrator of Outreach Services
Long Island Talking Book Library
Suffolk Cooperative Library System
[log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: Library Access -- http://www.rit.edu/~easi
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Canada, Meg
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2003 10:46 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Microsoft XP Accessibility Tools


Greetings from Minnesota.
I am writing to ask for some feedback about the Microsoft XP Magnifier,
Narrator, and On-screen Keyboard.  Here at Hennepin County, we are preparing
our new public workstation image and would like to include these tools if
they would be of assistance to patrons.  Any opinions?
We are also working on our computer lab image to offer Open Book and JAWS so
the aforementioned tools would not be used as the exclusive accessibility
features.  Staff will, of course, receive training to show patrons how use
the software effectively.
Thank you in advance for sharing your expertise,
Meg Canada
Office Applications Trainer
eLibrary Applications Training & Development
Hennepin County Library
[log in to unmask]
(952)847-8587