[blindlaw] Computer-related skills

Wed Jun 26 05:24:11 UTC 2013

Hi all, 

Thank you so much for your wonderful responses.. 
I will definitely try to improve my efficiency in all these areas.. 
I use VoiceOver on my Mac. So I do know how to use apple Mail and Calendar which, I believe, essentially are used to perform the same tasks as Outlook.. 
I will, however, have to focus on effectively using track changes and red lining documents... 
I can use Powerpoint and Excel to some extent, but I will still try to learn techniques for using them more efficaciously... 
I have  another different, but related, question:  Do  law firms allow you to use any screen reader  of your choice,   or are you required to use a specific screen reader?. 
If so, which screen reader would that generally be?. 
I just don't want to end up spending all my time and energy in learning  how to use a screen reader effectively only to learn later that I won't be able to use that screen reader in the office. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 26, 2013, at 7:18 AM, "Amar Jain" <amarjain at amarjain.com> wrote:

> Certainly, the practice of using track changes and red lining documents is
> being extensively used by transactional lawyers over here in India too. And
> in good firms, you have a specific person assigned who takes care of shaping
> the document in the firm's standard style (which is decided by the knowledge
> management), before it is being sent outside the firm.
> 
> By and large, most of the legal databases are usable with screen readers, so
> also are the internal solutions used by firms. As others said, comfort in
> using any kind of web application, including the ones which are designed in
> Java, should help you in using the databases efficiently. Familiarize
> yourself with screen reader specific commands, such as in Jaws, you have the
> option of skim reading, flexible web, and few others depending the way you
> like to use your screen reader, which can save a lot of time and effort.
> 
> Most of the documents come in PDF, and a large portion of which comes with
> text, so there is no problem as far as reading of documents is concerned. At
> times, you may have a little complexed designed documents (ignoring the
> accessibility standards), which may make text reading difficult, but that
> depends on the kind of document, and whether you can make those small
> changes to the document, which may get out of that situation. Highlighting
> and commenting in PDF is also important to learn.
> 
> Last but not least, a fair use of powerpoint and basic use of excel graphs
> is important, although that depends on your practice area. But in general if
> it anyhow relates to finance, then at times you may need to use graphs.
> Powerpoint is surely used for presentations and stuff. And oh yeah, don't
> forget to learn Microsoft outlook properly, as that is another application
> extensively used by us not only for emails, but also for callender,
> appointments, etc.
> 
> Regards,
> Amar Jain.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Andrew Webb
> Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2013 2:48 AM
> To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Computer-related skills
> 
> Two points come to mind for me:
> 
> 1.  I don't know if this is common practice where you are, but in US law
> offices it is very common for attorneys to submit drafts of briefs and memos
> for other attorneys to review, edit, and submit comments and suggestions.
> For documents created in MS Word at least, redlining and track changes are
> the usual techniques.  These can be a bit cumbersome via a screen reader,
> but they can still be used, and you will want to be sure you know how if
> this is a technique that your office colleagues rely on.
> 
> 2. If you haven't already, develop a technique that works for you in order
> to mark and quickly reference important blocks of text as you review
> literature, statutes, case law, etc.  It can make all the difference in
> keeping you organized and efficient.  I know that you can use JAWS and
> Kurzweil in order to create and organize bookmarks within text, though
> others on the list may have found other measures that work even better.
> 
> Good luck.
> 
> Regards,
> Andrew Webb 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Angela
> Matney
> Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 4:05 PM
> To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Computer-related skills
> 
> I would also focus on maximizing your efficiency with your particular screen
> reader and a web browser. I use JAWS, which has many keyboard shortcuts for
> Internet Explorer. For example, I can press "x" or "shift-x" to move to the
> next or previous checkbox, respectively. These keystrokes will be invaluable
> when you are required to access legal databases online. Even transactional
> lawyers must conduct research, and being able to efficiently navigate
> webpages is essential. I suppose this is really one specific application of
> the excellent general advice Randy gave you.
> 
> Best of luck,
> 
> Angie
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Farber,
> Randy
> Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 4:54 PM
> To: Blind Law Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Computer-related skills
> 
> Rahul -
> 
> 1.      Work on becoming a touch typist.  You will need to focus on
> discussions and other matters, while you are typing.
> 
> 2.      Learn shortcuts for Windows, Word, Excel and whatever other systems
> you will be using.
> 
> These two tasks will keep you busy for quite a while.  Both of them are
> ongoing tasks, but you need to focus on them.
> 
> Randy
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Rahul Bajaj
> Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 3:42 PM
> To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [blindlaw] Computer-related skills
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> I hope you all are doing well.
> I am going to have a few sessions with an assistive technology expert in the
> coming days.
> I am a technophobe.  I can only perform very basic functions like using the
> internet, reading books, etc on my computer.
> I intend to become a transactional lawyer after completing my education.
> So, what computer-related skills should I focus on?
> I do not want my limited knowledge of computers to act as an impediment
> during my internships and in my career in general.
> So, please give me  some specific tips which would help me to work more
> efficiently.
> Your help would be greatly valued.
> 
> Best,
> Rahul
> 
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