Jackie

Accessability/usability is in the eye of the beholder <grin>!!
I use both E*Trade and Schwab daily, and find both exceedingly usable.

Here are a few at random thoughts that will pertain not only to these 
sights as well as many many others:

(1)  Never judge the usability of a sight on an initial visit.  I did this 
with both of the aforementioned brokers and thought them unfriendly.  
After continuous use, I deem them very usable.

(2)  Be careful of disparaging comments on sites from others as there is a 
possibility that they are less than competent internet users, made quick 
judgments, or are just passing along the opinions of others without 
checking out things for themselves.

(3)  Bookmark in your favorites pages within sites that you know you will 
want to go to frequently.
As an example, once logged into Schwab, I have pages bookmarked to take me 
to my Stockwatch, account info, etc.
I have similar pages bookmarked for e*Trade.

(4)  Familiarity breeds comfort.  If, for instance, you are uncomfortable 
placing orders online, practice during non-trading hours using unfillable 
criteria.
Try placing a day order, for example, to buy Aple (aapl) at $40 a share.
What are your chances of that order being filled today?
Next to none; and if it is, you probably have the bargain of a lifetime 
<smile>!!

(5)  Sometimes, it is handy to use 2 browsers simultaneiously.  I might, 
upon occasion, have e*Trade open in both IE6 and Firefox -- placing my 
trade in one and flipping over to the other for checking the bid and ask.

(6)  Remember, sometimes sighted users get frustrated with sites as much 
as blind users do.  Some sites may not be designed all that well.
A great example of this was that of Radio Shack several years back where I 
can recall virtually no one feeling comfortable with the site.
Today, Radio Shack is a very friendly site so don't let past reputation 
always be your guide and often the opinions you receive are based on old 
news.

(7)  Often, a blind users' frustration with a site is due to less than 
optimum Windows or screen reader skills.  What I deemed impossible to do a 
couple of years back is second-nature today.
I once was scared placing a trade on Schwab; now, it is easier doing it 
online than using the telebroker system.
There are great tutorials for learning how to use a pc from a screen 
reader perspective and great teachers who can do this on a 1 to 1 basis.
Time is money, as they say, so using these resources, while initially 
perhaps costing you something, will ultimately pay you back manyfold in 
saved time, efficiency, getting things, and all the rest.

         Mike


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