[nabs-l] Fwd: Thoughts on improving online services

[Antonio Guimaraes via nabs-l]

Hello to the NABS list,

the issues with learning ally are not new. Here is a letter I sent to a few Learning Ally staff over two years ago.

I suggest the NABS board take this up with Learning Ally since there seems to be a systemic problem with access for blind users.

I personally do not wish to take on a role in approaching the company since I no longer use their services. And you wonder why I would not use their books.

Antonio

Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Antonio Guimaraes" <freethaught at gmail.com>
> Subject: Thoughts on improving online services
> Date: January 3, 2012 at 12:23:43 PM EST
> To: <pberan at learningally.org>, <sturner at learningally.org>
> Reply-To: <freethaught at gmail.com>
> 
> Dear Peter Beran,
> 
> I am a blind user of Learning Ally services.
> 
> I have spent quite a bi of time trying to download Learning Ally books
> online and have found it nearly impossible to locate, install, and use the
> new book shelf software.
> 
> Several blind users have reported similar experiences downloading books.
> 
> Here are some thoughts on how the online Ally experience could improve for
> the blind in my perpercive.
> 
> 
> 
> Carly and others,
> 
> I am downloading Ally books as we speak, but not after great lengths to
> find, install, and use the new Book Shelf manager.
> 
> The Ally site, more specifically the my bookshelf section, is flawed at its
> design. I have heard from a few very computer-savvy blind users that have
> had issues with the site and can not download books.
> 
> Some user finding from my surveyal on Learning Ally are as follows:
> 
> 1. They still list the old download manager on the page for PC and Mac.
> 
> 2. Books on the book shelf are nearly impossible to download from the combo
> boxes provided. I've heard reports from users who have been able to
> download, but only after trial and error, and more trial, and frustration
> playing with the combo boxes provided.
> 
> 3. The new download manager is provided on the my bookshelf page, but as
> others here can attest to, the site design is not intuitive, making it
> difficult to locate the book shelf software, and the site an unfriendly
> environment for screen reader users.
> 
> My suggestions are as follows: I write them here to jot down my thoughts to
> list readers, and later forward them to the appropriate LA staff.
> 
> 1. Provide a link to download each book on the book shelf for users who
> choose to use the old manager.
> 
> 2. Remove the old manager from the page to encourage and guide users to what
> will hopefully be a simple and usable experience downloading and cyncing to
> one's chosen player.
> 
> 3. Consulting with a group of blind users to maintain optimal screen reader
> access for the blind. This was obviously overlooked in the past few months.
> 
> 4. Provide documentation for use of site and download manager features for
> everyone.
> 
> These are my thoughts,
> 
> Antonio
>