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Re: what % of web users use screenreaders?

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From: Andrews, David B B (DEED)
Date: Oct 21, 2010 9:33AM


Hi:

I don't know the numbers, off the top of my head. And, I don't want to read too much into your question, or make assumptions -- however, I would be reticent about basing accessibility decisions on those numbers alone.

First, I suspect the numbers of screen reader users are lower than many people think. Blindness is a low incidence disability, and we will always loose at number games. Next, there are other disabilities out there that can benefit from accessibility efforts. I am a screen reader user -- nevertheless I would say that accessibility is bigger than us!

Finally, there are lots of benefits to lots of different users -- not just the disabled, for doing accessibility. So just doing it because of the numbers game is a losing proposition!

Dave



-----Original Message-----
From: <EMAIL REMOVED> [mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ] On Behalf Of Katherine Mancuso
Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2010 6:01 PM
To: <EMAIL REMOVED>
Subject: [WebAIM] what % of web users use screenreaders?

Hi WebAIMers,

I'm sure this is an elementary question, but I'm having difficulty finding
information on it. The WebAIM screenreader survey doesn't cover this issue.

What percentage of web users use screenreaders?

I would also be interested in statistics on other common ATs - such as what
percentage of users use primarily keyboard access, screen magnification,
speech-to-text.

thanks,
Katherine

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Katherine Mancuso: crusader of community art, social technology, &
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