[Trainer-talk] Fwd: [Nfbktad] Fwd: Freedom Scientific Announces JAWS Training Bundle

Sun Jun 22 16:48:23 UTC 2014

Hi, Gabe.
I hadn't heard that GW Micro was offering a similar bundle of training 
modules.  However, I can see why the screen reader manufacturers are 
trying to develop new packages to entice current and future customers.
In a nutshell, the landscape for computer access has radically changed 
and producers of screen readers simply can't use the business model that 
worked for them in the 1980's and 1990's.  For windows users, we now 
have NVDA, which has become an extremely robust, reliable and stable 
screen reader.  That's not meant as an endorsement or as an 
advertisement but this has been my personal experience using most of the 
major screen readers.  It offers enough to satisfy most home users.  
With the economy being what it is, state rehab organizations are less 
likely to want to pay thousands of dollars for access software for a 
client and this would surely hurt screen reader manufacturers.  Of 
course, there will always be visually impaired workers in a corporate 
environment who will require a screen reader with the power and 
configuration of JAWS and window-eyes but for users at home or who are 
in school they may not always need such a product to get by. I can 
anticipate the objections that NVDA doesn't have the power and 
flexibility of a product like JAWS but for a product which was 
officially released in 2009 it's come a long way and additional support 
for Office is being added, not to mention that NVDA, like their 
competition, is also scriptable.  Let's also not forget that blind 
consumers have understandably embraced apple with open arms, due to 
their commitment to universal accessibility in nearly all of their 
products.  Basically, the economy is struggling and computers and other 
mainstream devices are becoming less expensive all of the time, making 
the prospect of paying a thousand dollars for an access package very 
unappealing and, to some, unacceptable.  Also, let's not forget that 
Window-eyes is essentially now free if you're running Office 2010 or 
later and this is bound to hurt Freedom Scientific.  Therefore, as I 
stated at the beginning of this message, companies which sell products 
the way they did in the early 1990's are going to be clobbered by their 
competition and they must change the way they offer their products.  
This out of the box strategy could work, assuming it's the correct 
strategy.  Open source products like LibreOffice come to my mind where 
the product is free for anyone to download, install or distribute but 
consumers need to pay if they want support and custom configurations.  
It's an intriguing business model and it seems to work if you've got the 
right product.  I have mixed feelings about selling a training bundle 
for nearly the same cost as the screen reader.  I'm aware of the 
positive spin they've put on the offer, stating that this comes out to 
$15.00 per hour which is an insanely low price for receiving help from a 
quality trainer.  I'm not sure, however, that their approach is the best 
one but time will tell and the market will decide.

      David Goldfield,
Assistive Technology specialist
---------

Visit my Web site
http://www.davidgoldfield.info

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On 6/22/2014 10:44 AM, Gabe Vega Commtech LLC via Trainer-talk wrote:
> has anyone noticed that the screen reader manufacturers both GW and FS are finding it harder to make money, why else would they both offer training packages for sell at the same time? GW just announced theirs.
>
> We offer training on call for less that 60 a month.
> http://commtechusa.net
>
> Gabe Vega
> CEO
> Commtech LLC
> Web: http://commtechusa.net
> FaceBook: http://facebook.com/commtechllc
> Twitter: http://twitter.com/commtechllc
> Email: info at commtechusa.net
> Phone: (888) 351-5289 ext. 710
>
> On Jun 21, 2014, at 3:12 PM, Robert stigile via Trainer-talk <trainer-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
>> hello,
>> Does anyone know what the cost of this package is.
>> I have looked and have not been able to find the cost
>> If anyone can shed some light I would appreciate it.
>> Thank you
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>> On Jun 21, 2014, at 1:46 PM, David Andrews via Trainer-talk <trainer-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>> Having trouble viewing this email?
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>>>>
>>>>
>>>> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>>>> Media Contact: Mark O'Brien
>>>> 800-444-4443 or 727-803-8000
>>>> www.FreedomScientific.com
>>>> Sales: info at FreedomScientific.com
>>>>
>>>> Freedom Scientific Announces JAWS Training Bundle
>>>>
>>>> (St. Petersburg, Florida - June 20, 2014) - Freedom Scientific
>>>> released the JAWS Training Bundle today, a new training solution,
>>>> specifically designed based on customer feedback.
>>>>
>>>> This solution, provided in the DAISY audio format, contains over 50
>>>> hours of training on how to use JAWS with your computer, and ships
>>>> with either a PLEXTALK(R) or Victor Reader Stream.
>>>>
>>>> "We are looking to meet a specific need with this training," said Matt
>>>> Ater, Vice President, Services. "We feel that audio training is an
>>>> excellent tool that can get JAWS users to a baseline. Everyone should
>>>> know how to use Windows(R), Microsoft(R) Office, and the Internet. The
>>>> training is designed as a progression, starting at the very basics and
>>>> continuing to more advanced topics." Ater also added, "Individuals can
>>>> control the pace of learning - lessons can be started and stopped
>>>> easily, and repeated or skipped if necessary."
>>>>
>>>> Training includes essential lessons on Windows 7 and 8, Office 2010
>>>> and 2013, using the Internet, reading PDF's, and getting started with
>>>> your computer.
>>>>
>>>> "This is a great supplement to one-on-one training," said Ryan Jones,
>>>> a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist and one of the JAWS
>>>> certified instructors featured in the audio tutorials. "We also feel
>>>> this is a great fit for customers who don't have access to a certified
>>>> JAWS instructor because of where they live."
>>>>
>>>> Customers will also have the option to take tests on what they have
>>>> learned and send reports to their agencies and instructors to measure
>>>> individual progress.
>>>>
>>>> The JAWS Training Bundle is available for purchase immediately. For
>>>> more information, please visit www.FreedomScientific.com or call
>>>> Freedom Scientific at 1-800-444-4443. You can also listen to the
>>>> latest FSCast Episode, which features Matt Ater discussing the
>>>> benefits of this new training solution.
>>>>
>>>> About Freedom Scientific
>>>>
>>>> Freedom Scientific is the leading worldwide provider of assistive
>>>> technology products for those with vision impairments. The Company
>>>> sells its products worldwide and has offices in Florida and
>>>> Switzerland. The Company's products have been translated into 24
>>>> languages and are available in 55 countries. Freedom also has a line
>>>> of software products for those with learning disabilities.
>>>>
>>>> Freedom Scientific(R) and JAWS(R) are registered trademarks in the United
>>>> States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and
>>>> products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective
>>>> owners.
>>>>
>>>> Please like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter, or both if you prefer.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Privacy Policy:
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>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Online Marketing by
>>>> Constant Contact(R)
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>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Freedom Scientific | 11800 31st Court North | Saint Petersburg | FL | 33716-1805
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Joey Couch
>>>> phone 606-216-8033.
>>>> email ki4vjd at gmail.com
>>>> twitter @ki4vjd
>>>> facebook ki4vjd
>>>        David Andrews and long white cane Harry.
>>> E-Mail:  dandrews at visi.com or david.andrews at nfbnet.org
>>>
>>>
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