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Thread: Re: Now that IBM will no longer be supporting Home PageReader what else to use or recommend.
Number of posts in this thread: 1 (In chronological order)
From: Shane Anderson
Date: Thu, Nov 09 2006 10:40PM
Subject: Re: Now that IBM will no longer be supporting Home PageReader what else to use or recommend.
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Fire Vox is a possible alternative (http://www.firevox.clcworld.net/). It is
an open source screen reader that works with Firefox. It was created by a
University of Texas student. It is not perfect but is great for testing a
web site.
There is a goal in the open source community to provide a free alternative
to windows assistive technologies. If you do not like the price of JAWS, try
out the open source solutions. Give feedback and help that community create
the next generation of assistive technology. IBM is dropping HPR but is also
furthering development on LSR (linux screen reader) which is also a
framework for other assistive technologies. The latest version of Ubuntu
Linux ships with the Orca screen reader.
The best thing about open source is that you can talk to the developers
directly and they usually listen. However, they need users to give feedback.
You have the opportunity to be involved in the development process.
Unfortunately, you can't complain about the price. :-)
Mozilla is working on getting more open source assistive technologies
projects going. Aaron Leventhal of IBM is spearheading the effort. Mozilla
is even giving out grants to get such projects going. If you are a developer
and want to be involved in developing open source assistive technologies,
google "mozilla accessibility" and contact Aaron directly.
Alternatives exist, its up to the accessibility community to get involved by
testing or developing. Or you can just sit on the side lines and wait for it
happen.