[Trainer-Talk] Possibly OT: need advice for dealing with semi-accessible software

[Deborah Armstrong]

I work at a college where we use a data management package called Clockwork. Its website is here:
                http://microscience.on.ca/clockwork/

Even though this software is specialized for tracking post-secondary disabled students, it has some serious accessibility glitches for screen reader users.

I have gotten some training from the vendor, but they know little about screen readers. I know a great deal about screen readers but I didn't know much about the Clockwork package.

The vendor has added many keyboard shortcuts, and some of Clockwork's modules have become reasonably accessible. But other modules still are not. Even though there are keystrokes to accomplish some tasks, the screen reader often is unable to track the focus so I can't read what I'm searching for or entering. And even though I of course know how to use a mouse cursor, the off-screen model seems to capture only part of the data on screen; there are often missing chunks when I'm reviewing text. The vendor's training person doesn't know what an off-screen model or focus tracking is, so we can't communicate about this problem using the same language.

I have complained several times to my supervisor, but she has consulted with the vendor and they seem to decide each time the problem is I need more technology training. But when I suggest they have a consultant in access technology come and assist me, they instead want the vendor to work with me more. I know people in the college system who will take a fresh look at this problem but my supervisor tells me to not involve others.

I know JAWS extremely well, NVDA fairly well and WindowEyes well enough to get by. The behavior of Clockwork is the same with all three screen readers, except it's most accessible with JAWS. I am the only visually impaired employee here and have held this job for fifteen years. We just switched from a paper tracking system to Clockwork two years ago.

The problems are complicated by the vendor being in Canada, and we are in Silicon valley. When the trainer does "meet" with me, we speak on conference call. She uses TeamViewer, and insists she's just pressing keys and not using the mouse to show me how "easy" it is to enter and search for data. When she did train me in person once she did cheat and pick up the mouse several times.

My husband says that I should disconnect my screen and mouse and insist my supervisor try using the system without those crutches. But I know this is just going to anger her more and solve nothing.

I really need some advice on coping with this in an effective manner.

I'm not sure how to convince people this software really is only partly accessible and until it is fixed, there are some tasks I can't perform. Complaining seems to only get me in trouble.

--Debee