Latest beta and screen readers for blind users

  • Thread starter Thread starter John Farley
  • Start date Start date
J

John Farley

I use a product called Window-eyes to access the PC.

On the latest beta (16th February) I have found a couple of problems .

The top tool bar, for File Options Tools and Help does not follow normal MS
standards. On most MS products I can press the <alt> key and will be taken
to the tool bar, also an <alt>f will take me directly to the File sub-menu.

Are MS going to fix this?

I can still get at the tool bar but it is more cumbersome.


On "scan Settings" while I can check the various options to configure it and
check the box to save the settings, I cannot see any button to <OK> it or
something like that.

There is still quite a lot to do to this to make it fully accessible and
thus meet 508 demands.

The latest beta has improved in that I can now initiate a scan without
sighted assistance.

Regards, John.
 
Yes, this is a known issue, because Microsoft AntiSpyware was orginally
developed by another Company called GIANT, they did not adhere to certain UI
guidlines you would have expected from a Microsoft product. This should be
resolved by beta 2 though.
 
Hi John,
Thanks for the feedback. I expect that MS will be adjusting the interface
as the product nears completion. I believe that MS has all good intent
towards accessibility issues, and will address them. Please keep checking
as the program progresses, and let them know if there are improvements that
can be made for your side of the issue.
Correct me if I'm wrong also, but isn't 508 a Gov't mandate for their own
systems, and it's just hoped that others follow it? I'm certainly not
disapproving of it at all, just wondering.


Ron Chamberlin
MS-MVP
 
Hi Ron and thanks for your note,

I believe that the 508 directive is legislation in the US that all
organisations should to follow to allow accessibility. However, you may have
better knowledge than I do about that.

While I am not a US citizen I do have dealings , both professionally and
personal, with organisations in the US.

The various statutory rules there are quite strong in their statements on
equal access. I believe that I can make comments on these as a visually
impaired person who feels that something is lacking.

I am actually very happy with the way in which MS are working with screen
reader manufacturers, particularly, GW Micro, in order to make access more
available for blind people.

If you would like to discuss further, then maybe that could be done off
list.
 
John - Microsoft acknowledges that the beta product is not accessible. This
work is being done--I don't know whether it will be completed for the
release of beta2 or not, but you can be assured that the released product
will meet--and perhaps exceed--accessibility provisions in other Microsoft
products, and applicable standards.
 
The product went into beta a month after it was purchased from another
Company (GIANT). This one could have been easily predicted.
 
Back
Top