We are in the process of upgrading the adaptive technology
workstation that we use for both students and public patrons (as we are a
joint library with Front Range Community College). While I
was on vacation, the adaptive specialist for the College updated some of
the software on this computer and removed one of the programs, much to my
dismay.
Originally, we had the following installed: Jaws, Ruby Open
Book, Wynn, Dragon Naturally Speaking, and Zoomtext. I researched
these programs 4 years ago and we felt that we were covering a wide range
of disabilities with these programs. I haven't had time to research
them since, and so I don't really know what new capabilities they
have.
The program the specialist removed was the JAWS screen reader. He
said it was because the newer versions of Ruby Open Book do everything
that Jaws can do and so it wasn't necessary to have both. This was
not the case 4 years ago, when I did my research, so now I'm wondering if
this is true or if he really doesn't understand the differences between
the two programs? Has anyone used the latest Ruby Open Book
(sorry I don't know the version number)? What do you think? Is he
correct?
Also, if you look at the the programs that I listed above, is there any
overlap in coverage? I know Zoomtext will do some screen reading,
but in the versions that I initially installed, Jaws worked much more
effectively and was also more widely known by blind patrons (so they
didn't have to learn how to use it when they came to the
library).
We are planning to move this station out to a public area and so will
probably remove Dragon, but I would like to see the other programs (Wynn,
Ruby, Jaws, and Zoomtext) stay. What do you think?
Thanks for you help,
Veronica
Veronica Smith
Automation Coordinator
Westminster Public Library
3705 W. 112th Ave.
Westminster, CO 80031
(303) 404-5110
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