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Re: screen reader open source?

for

From: Cheryl D Wise
Date: Nov 22, 2006 8:10AM

I don't think that day will come not because of Microsoft but because of
anti-trust legislation particularly in the EU. Anytime Microsoft adds
something to the OS that there is already a third party solution it seem the
EU slaps a fine on or demands that it not be included in any OS version
released in Europe.

You have somewhat better luck with Apple since the European Commission
doesn't seem to see any problem with Apple adding features to the OS.

Note: I own both Windows and Apple computers so don't think I'm OS bashing
here.


Cheryl D Wise
WiserWays LLC

-----Original Message-----
From: Joshue O Connor


Maybe the fact that Microsoft have
improved Narrator in Vista (and lets face it, that wouldn't be hard)
will mean that the development of a fully featured native screen reader
embedded in the OS could become a reality; In the year 2525.

At the ICCHP conference this year I did seriously suggest to Rob
Sinclair that Microsoft should just go ahead and buy Freedom Scientific
and merge JAWS with the Windows OS. Ain't gonna happen, but they have
the cash, so all you can do is ask. Or how about a higher spec version
of Windows for people with disabilities that has more developed AT apps
like a screen reader (licensed from FS or GW Micro) built in?