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In This Issue <br>
<a href="#LETTER.BLOCK19">JUST HOW WE SEE IT</a><br>
<a href="#LETTER.BLOCK11">We Did It!</a><br>
<a href="#LETTER.BLOCK15">A Letter From John Martyn</a><br>
<a href="#LETTER.BLOCK20">VIEWS GONE WILD</a><br>
<a href="#LETTER.BLOCK22">FOCUSED VIEWS</a><br>
<a href="#LETTER.BLOCK23">Quest for QuickBooks</a><br>
<a href="#LETTER.BLOCK25">SUPPORT OUR VIEW</a><br>
<a href="#LETTER.BLOCK26">Thank You!</a><br>
<a href="#LETTER.BLOCK27">LAST BUT NOT LEAST</a><br>
<a href="#LETTER.BLOCK28">Quick Survey</a><br>
About Us <br>
My Blind Spot is an organization dedicated to helping visually impaired
individuals.<br>
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<br>
The Clear View News<br>
November 2013 Volume 1 Issue 1 <br>
<b>Dear David,</b> <br>
<br>
<div align="center"><b><a name="LETTER.BLOCK19"></a> JUST HOW WE SEE
IT<br>
</b></div>
<img src="http://img.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101093164665/newsletter-dance-art-drp-shdw.jpg" width=450 height=13 alt="Newsletter - Dance Drop Shadow Image">
</b><a name="LETTER.BLOCK11"></a> <br>
<b>We Did It!</b><br><br>
I don't even know where to begin. For starters, this is the first release
of our quarterly newsletter, The Clear View News.<br><br>
We have come a long way since seeing the launch of My Blind Spot. We have
secured meaningful funding to deliver on our mission and vision for the
community. We have addressed specific accessibility issues plaguing the
blind and print disabled communities in the area of financial management.
We have grown from what was an organization handled by a single set of
hands, to a group with many hands and many shoulders making light work
for all we need to do.<br><br>
This is only the beginning, and I continue to invite you, our supporters,
to help guide us in the direction of addressing the next big thing for
the community. We have a significant success under our belts with the
completion of our QuickBooks project, with sights set on training,
outreach and educating people of all abilities about our mantra,
"Access to the right tools creates ability and restores infinite
possibilities." <br><br>
Much thanks and gratitude to Jim and Ted, Tom, Brian, Dianna and Bob,
Jim, Cathy, Kathleen, Lori, John, Steve, Dixie, Daniel, Ted, Cheryl,
Sujasree, Denise, Jon, David, Lisa, and, last but not least, Mom and
Dad.<br><br>
"The only thing worse than being blind is having sight, but no
vision." Helen Keller<br><br>
Appreciatively, Albert J. Rizzi, CEO and Founder<br><br>
<br>
<b><a name="LETTER.BLOCK15"></a>A Letter From John Martyn<br>
</b> <br>
Hi all,<br><br>
My name is John Martyn and I have been dreaming about QuickBooks
accessibility for more than 2 years. It started off with something I
thought would grab Intuit's interest: scripts I had written for
QuickBooks 13. I presented the scripts for what I called "QuickBooks
Blind" to Lori Samuels, Accessibility Program Manager at Intuit,
when I first met her at the CSUN conference in early 2012. <br>
<br>
Just a few months earlier, Lori had been speaking with Albert Rizzi of My
Blind Spot about making an accessible and usable version of QuickBooks.
Thanks to Lori, Albert and I were introduced, and the three of us started
brainstorming about actually making a usable and accessible version of
QuickBooks. <br><br>
As I worked on the scripts, writing and rewriting code, it became
apparent that we needed to attack this from a different angle if we were
going to be successful. After investigating potential partners and
speaking with experts in the field, of whom some stayed and some did not,
My Blind Spot decided that in order to get the ball rolling on the
development of a usable version of QB, we needed to expand the team. Lori
set out to secure support from the engineering team at Intuit while
Albert set his sights on reaching out to the best in the field when it
came to programming and accessibility.<br><br>
Soon we were all working with Steve Clark of Adaptive Technology
Services, and the real fun began.<br><br>
Steve set his sights on auditing and assessing the platform of
QuickBooks, and Lori expanded the team internally at Intuit to include
Cheryl Aranha and Ted Drake.<br><br>
For many years the blind and print disabled community had searched for an
accessible version of QuickBooks, and it had been said time and again
that someone was doing QuickBooks accessibility, but people kept waiting
and hoping. Until now.<br><br>
The momentum we generated led to executive support from Intuit, which was
that shot in the arm we needed to proceed. With buy-in from the executive
level and the engineering level, we were able to transform an accounting
program only marginally usable to the blind into a program usable and
accessible to all.<br><br>
A short while ago, my dream to make it possible for blind business
owners, accountants, and bookkeepers to manage their own finances became
a reality. We have been beta testing everything the team has done to get
QuickBooks working for the community. <br><br>
I am happy to be working with the team that My Blind Spot pulled together
on what is to become, in my opinion, the largest accessibility project
for the blind, opening doors of employment and creating opportunities for
blind small business owners to independently manage their own
businesses.<br><br>
This is why this project is so important to me personally and
professionally. A lot was sacrificed to make my dream a reality. I thank
all who that have been involved in the Quest for QuickBooks, for their
hard work and their dedication to making QuickBooks accessible to people
of all abilities. <br><br>
Thanks to all who volunteered to beta test. We are working hard to get it
all pieced together, andwith your help, we can make it even
better.<br><br>
John Martyn<br><br>
<br>
<div align="center"><b><a name="LETTER.BLOCK20"></a> VIEWS GONE
WILD<br>
</b></div>
<a name="LETTER.BLOCK16"></a>Contributed by Albert J. Rizzi<br>
<br>
Do you know Donna Triply? Have you ever gotten an email from Donna?<br>
<br>
This week a funny thing happened. I had been sending out updates and
announcements through My Blind Spot to keep our followers and supporters
advised of the latest and greatest accomplishments and strides made at
MBS. <br>
<br>
A colleague and new friend, Ann, forwarded me an email that was sent to
her by Donna. She asked why Donna had forwarded the email to her and why
I had not sent it to her directly. <br>
<br>
Admittedly, I was confused. I did not send an email to Donna nor did I
ask her to forward anything to anyone on my behalf. Who was Donna, and
why was she forwarding our press release about our project to make
QuickBooks accessible and usable to the blind and the print disabled?
<br>
<br>
Putting on my best Sherlock Holmes outfit, I took to investigating the
matter. Turned out, after a little sleuthing, that I did know Donna, or
at least who sent the email that seemed to come from Donna Triply. It was
our webmaster, David Annett. <br>
<br>
When David set up our announce list to keep people informed on current
events, he established a one-way list that does not allow people to reply
to us. The "from" address field reads as follows: <br>
<br>
<a href="mailto:donotreply@myblindspot.org">donotreply@myblindspot.org</a>
<br>
<br>
Now, for those of you who do not use a screen reader or adaptive tools
that the blind and the print disabled use to translate text into audio
output, I suspect that you are scratching your heads. But when that
address is translated into audio output for screen reader users, what it
sounds like is Donna Triply. I just about fell off my chair laughing once
I figured out what was wrong. <br>
<br>
I immediately wrote to my friend, Ann, and told her what I had deduced.
She suggested that to avoid that problem, I needed to use caps at the
start of each new word-for example,
<a href="mailto:donotreply@myblindspot.org">DoNotReply@MyBlindSpot.org</a>
. Then, what you all see as non-screen-reader users will exactly match
what we hear as blind and print disabled users of adaptive
technologies. <br>
<br>
If we all make that simple adjustment or ask our webmasters to address
this consideration, no one will ever wonder who Donna Triply is and why
she is writing to us. <br><br>
<br><br>
<br>
<div align="center"><b><a name="LETTER.BLOCK22"></a> FOCUSED
VIEWS<br>
</b></div>
<img src="http://img.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101093164665/newsletter-dance-art-drp-shdw.jpg" width=450 height=13 alt="Newsletter - Dance Drop Shadow Image">
</b><a name="LETTER.BLOCK23"></a> <br>
<br>
<b>The Quest for QuickBooks</b><br><br>
<br><br>
There's an old saying when it comes to knowing what will happen in the
end: "It's not over till the fat lady sings."<br><br>
<br><br>
For more than twenty years, the blind and visually impaired have been
waiting for that climactic aria in the opera that might be titled
"The Quest for QuickBooks;" that is, for an ADA-compliant,
usable QuickBooks that will give them access to the preeminent accounting
software on par with sighted users.<br><br>
<br><br>
Some in the audience had no choice but to give up on their
quest.<br><br>
<br><br>
"I've only attempted to access QuickBooks a dozen or so times, as
there's really nothing I can do with it and it gets me more frustrated
every time I make an attempt. I really need access to QuickBooks to
enhance my day to day guiding of the company, as finances and accurate
bookkeeping are the foundation to any successful business," said
John Wellslager.<br><br>
<br><br>
In spite of the myriad challenges posed over the years, others, out of
necessity, and with varied degrees of success, struggled to use the
available accounting programs by using any number of props and
accessories to bridge issues that remain present even today. In the
world of financial software, this is nothing new. Consider the experience
of Richard Kelly: <br><br>
<br><br>
"I've been legally blind most of my life. In 1988 I began using
computers, then screen readers in 1990, and by 1992, my being able to use
a screen or a monitor ended. As my usable vision was failing, I
knew I had to find an accessible accounting computer program if I had any
hopes of maintaining my financial independence. Over the years I've
heard, and continue to hear, you cannot use QuickBooks with a screen
reader. It's not accessible. Nonetheless, I found it usable until the
2013 release, which I found to be neither accessible nor usable. In my
opinion, it had become utterly worthless."<br><br>
<br><br>
Sadly, there are always false finales. When we do find a program that
works, with no tweaking or scripting solution required to bridge the
digital divide, we hold our breath and pray that it stays usable and
accessible as new releases and upgrades are made to the core product. All
too often, however, what starts out well screeches to an abrupt halt when
a program is rendered inaccessible due to an operating system update.
Even worse is when the core product is rendered useless with an update by
an engineer or web designer with little understanding of accessibility
issues. <br><br>
<br><br>
For example, Julie Warrington had deep concerns when she first learned
about the initiative to make an accessible and usable version of
QuickBooks. <br><br>
<br><br>
"The QB software is a major part of my employment, and I am very
concerned that if they break the accessibility work-arounds I have
developed, I will be out of a job."<br><br>
<br><br>
As a result, many of us have contacted software companies over the years
to encourage them to design accessibility into, or return lost
accessibility to, their product. Occasionally, we receive an
empathetic response but more often it is a dismissive comment. Joleen
Ferguson got the runaround from various customer service reps who offered
little or no appreciation for accessibility.<br><br>
<br><br>
"I don't have the confidence to believe that things will not quickly
become outdated again with next year's product update, but I strongly
agree that we need choices. My choice is to support the company
that supports me and my needs."<br><br>
<br><br>
Yes, there is something operatic about this-mistaken identities,
misdirected magic, broken hearts. Until recently, blind users had the
satisfaction of keeping track of their finances with an earlier scripted
version of Quicken only to lose accessibility when a new and improved
version of the accounting program came out. <br><br>
<br><br>
The accessibility opera plays on. Off stage, the critics scoff. With
years of soaring promises followed by dashed hopes, the community has
grown justifiably skeptical as to whether or not the Diva will ever take
center stage and belt out that high note. <br><br>
<br><br>
Yet, for those who are desperate for access to QuickBooks, there is
reason to remain hopeful. My Blind Spot, a nonprofit organization founded
by Albert J. Rizzi, is championing accessibility for the blind and
visually impaired by collaborating with Intuit, Inc. to make their
preeminent small business financial software truly accessible, usable,
and ADA compliant. My Blind Spot has successfully reached out to Intuit,
at many levels, in order to convey to them the urgency of improving
accessibility to their financial products. <br><br>
<br><br>
Kim Thurman is one of those hopeful individuals placing her trust in My
Blind Spot and Intuit to bring an accessible option for financial
management to the community.<br><br>
<br><br>
"I am very intrigued with your efforts to finally make QuickBooks
accessible with screen readers. I have attempted to use the
software several times over the years to no avail."<br><br>
<br><br>
Perhaps the most compelling story is the one highlighted in a video
produced by My Blind Spot and posted on YouTube. Dixie Sanderson and her
circumstances are representative of the truths the blind community has
lived with, and continue to live with, for far too long.<br><br>
<br><br>
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QtPnOptN7-z2alzW8m3v1jeafoAipiO81DaNkX8zaqbPE_FFC2VQ-k_jcjhrgSwXau8R43bjwdUcv3381lr9kUwajh6lbV-oV5cRNfJOzf5HBZdIWfXiSPbtJv0rJDOYigELA42tJJBwK26lKPAxKMYwCXkVp-FWZLcxi4TLHcTKnWYNkk_gHelFxICM7npJEyyyoIzZQuk=&c=yWi52Cv6eZ5roUut4Jd41xVFQKtgYk9XGKUWC21Xh9bitskTDspGnA==&ch=xZCWCSM5yRYU97V_jGYkozKUZxJ3IcZxsgWWybYx1XiXdMLS6pTo3A==">
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZklXouXyORk</a><br><br>
<br><br>
Through the combined efforts of the engineering teams at My Blind Spot
and Intuit, the 20-year-long, seemingly Wagnerian quest for accessible
QuickBooks appears to be coming to an end. If you listen carefully, you
might hear the conductor tuning up the orchestra from the pit in
preparation for the final act. The soprano, waiting in the wings, is
practicing her new lyrics. <br><br>
<br><br>
For Dixie, the song used to be, "I had to dissolve my business and
turn to disability income." It has been replaced with, "My
contractors say that when I can use QuickBooks, I will be their
bookkeeper once again."<br><br>
<br><br>
To that end, and opening to a wide audience and rave reviews, My Blind
Spot, in concert with Intuit, will be raising the curtain on a usable and
accessible version of QuickBooks for Windows appearing live on a desktop
near you.<br><br>
<div align="center"> <br>
</div>
<br>
The community is approaching a crescendo, sung loud and strong, promising
hope and opportunity for people of all abilities. <br><br>
<br><br>
Finally!<br><br>
<br>
<div align="center"><b><a name="LETTER.BLOCK25"></a>SUPPORT OUR VIEW<br>
</b></div>
<a name="LETTER.BLOCK26"></a><br>
Thanks to all who contributed to our recent fundraiser held in
conjunction with Macy's Annual Shop for a Cause Event. We are constantly
looking for additional support and resources to continue our work for
people of all abilities. We are open to suggestions of ways we can secure
the precious resources needed to do what we do best-opening doors for
others. <br><br>
<br><br>
In the coming months, we plan to launch a fundraising effort through an
online platform. Stay tuned!<br><br>
<br><br>
Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed. <br><br>
<img src="http://myblindspot.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/email-logo.jpg" width=250 height=70 alt="access equals ability, infinite possibilities">
<br><br>
<br>
<div align="center"><b><a name="LETTER.BLOCK27"></a>LAST BUT NOT
LEAST<br>
</b></div>
<a name="LETTER.BLOCK28"></a><br>
Take our super-quick survey!<br><br>
<br><br>
Our web professionals have put together an Accessibility Awareness Survey
consisting of 6 true or false questions on Survey Monkey. The survey is
for developers and novices alike. Please take a moment to fill it out.
You can find it at:<br><br>
<br><br>
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QtPnOptN7-z2alzW8m3v1jeafoAipiO81DaNkX8zaqbPE_FFC2VQ-m49NGB7jorgsOEVwLh_3PUZqgL8POWT8RRBa4J-j_2AOTgmjV0HLwemuKFMgDv3Vvo_SXYnBmaeRT3Dk14UMZlT7iq6kgrsJaLhK7WDuIRe3REj9hGrVVrCYt6Hs_AjklVAL5Hm1H8h&c=yWi52Cv6eZ5roUut4Jd41xVFQKtgYk9XGKUWC21Xh9bitskTDspGnA==&ch=xZCWCSM5yRYU97V_jGYkozKUZxJ3IcZxsgWWybYx1XiXdMLS6pTo3A==">
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RZGZ2J8</a> <br><br>
<br><br>
We will share the results as soon as we have more than 100 participants.
Please share the link with all the developers you know!<br><br>
<br>
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