Apple vs Microsoft with Commitment to Accessibility

Microsoft may have been around longer with the accessibility gig, but Apple has done one thing that Microsoft hasn't (until recently, at least with magnification; screen reading is still the same) - you don't have to BUY the software to make your Mac accessible if you have vision loss. Apple provides the software for FREE! They've been doing this with magnification since 2003, and screen reading since 2005 (though 2007 is when it became more accepted). Microsoft has just now gotten a full screen magnifier to come with Windows, but has yet to ship a usable screen reader. In the portable space, the iPod Touch 3G (32 & 64 GB models) & iPhone 3G S both have screen readers & magnifiers built in. With Windows Mobile devices, you must buy your technology separately, and install it. With the Zune, no accessibility exists (that I'm aware of). Apple seems to be more heavily committed to true accessibility for their products than Microsoft is. While this is just my opinion, I do believe there's also fact in there, as well.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Apple
• Microsoft
• Windows
• Mac
• iPhone
• iPod
• Zune
• Windows Mobile
• Accessibility
• Commitment

[david520able]

I just like it because its free and it doesn't take more then 3 minutes to install.

[rml695]

@david520able This is true although you have to wonder about those people who are newly blind who are elderly who just got into the whole computer thing and don't know where to begin...they wouldn't know the first thing about installing NVDA, and it all depends on your agency as well. 

[david520able]

Do you like it? I mean have you gotten to experience it for yourself?

[rml695]

@david520able A little bit - felt lost. LOL One thing I love about VoiceOver is it offers you a chance to sit down & learn it, rather than plopping you in & letting you fend for yourself. A friend of mine read the user's manual? Was totally lost.

[david520able]

Actually, there is a free screen reader called NVDA, which stands for NonVisual Desktop Access. In fact, I am using it now. It's competing with JAWS, and in my opinion, it beats JAWS.

[rml695]

@david520able I'm familiar with NVDA. Our local Blind Center had NVDA installed on our computer lab's systems...guess what? Everyone hates it. I think because they've been using JAWS for the last I don't know how many years and the learning curve is so drastic for some, and the center did this right under their noses.

[Moshikashitenai]

@Eyelessguy1987 And I disagree 100%. I absolutely hate VoiceOver after trying it out. It's backwards, tedious, and confusing. JAWS is insanely easy to use and it's less annoying.

[Eyelessguy1987]

@Moshikashitenai The Mac voice Over is much better than JAWS. I have both and I like the Mac much more. I have posted a lot of tutorials if you are interested in learning more. Look for "How to be blind"

[rml695]

@Moshikashitenai You should give it a shot. Due to Apple's efforts, Microsoft is going to follow suit with their own JAWS-level screen reader. Freedom Scientific is worried about this - and i'm glad! lol

[Moshikashitenai]

@rml695 Oh, well I guess I never really had any experience with the accessibility features in a Mac, I've always used Microsoft except in school