[blindkid] Why JAWS?

[Allison Hilliker]

Hi folks,

Just a note to mention that one doesn't have to use JAWS in order to become proficient with using Windows with a screenreader. While I agree that understanding Windows and MS Office is important for future success in the business world, JAWS isn't the only screenreading solution for Windows. Serotek provides its screenreader, System Access, for free to K-12 students. And the screenreader NVDA is free for everyone. Either of these may work for a student whose teacher is reluctant to pay $800+ for JAWS.

Just my thoughts.

Allison




-----Original Message-----
From: blindkid [mailto:blindkid-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Brandon and Sarah
Sent: Wednesday, March 06, 2013 3:28 PM
To: blindkid at nfbnet.org
Subject: [blindkid] Why JAWS?

I'm trying to make sense of a recent conversation with our daughter's
TVI, who I realize is not up speed on technology - to be fair, neither
am I. We were discussing a braille notetaker vs. braille display +
computer. The TVI thinks she can justify the cost of a notetaker to
the district by not having to get JAWS. Her impression is that JAWS is
only for screenreading of internet material, which a notetaker can
theoretically do. Here is my question for those who are ahead of us on
this issue: If you have a notetaker at the elementary level and home
computer access with Voiceover, is there a strong reason to have/learn
JAWS? We have the MS Office for Mac on the home computer, so I'm less
concerned about Emilia missing out on the Windows experience than I am
about her getting more acquainted with accessing school curriculum,
doing school work, etc. by electronic means. Thanks. Brandon

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