[bookshare-discuss] Re: Things to do while scanning
- From: Brenda Mueller <brendin@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: bookshare-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 06:31:37 -0500
At work I have a time convincing those computer people of the importance of
braille. I work in two languages and have a lot of computer stuff to learn
before the new system lands on my desk. I was sent to a class about a new
system and was expected to memorize everything on the spot. I wanted things to
read and study just as the other students had. The teachers and the computer
people acted as if they thought I was insane. After all there was voice,
wasn't there? When all of the blind people walked out of the class, we finally
got our information loaded onto our terminals on our desk so we could read with
braille displays. Keep fighting for braille. Some people seem to think it is
just a toy. I explained that reading is not the same as listening when I'm
trying to memorize. After all I grew up reading braille. Yes, at home I just
use voice note, but I'm not reading in foreign languages at home, nor am I
memorizing long lists of commands, etc.
So this freedom box works with a PC? Does it have its own voice? Is it more or
less complicated to learn than jaws?
Is it easy to move it from terminal to terminal? How portable is it? What are
its drawbacks?
Brenda Mueller
> ----- Original Message -----
>From: "Jana Jackson" <jana@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>To: <bookshare-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 22:53:47 -0600
>Subject: [bookshare-discuss] Re: Things to do while scanning
>Hi, everyone! When Freedom Box was first released, I couldn't really see
>myself owning one either. I've been privileged to be a beta tester for the
>last year or so, and with the enhanced keyboard support, not to mention the
>ability to label links and form fields on various sites to make them more
>accessible, I'd have to say it's not just a toy anymore. <Smile> With the
>addition of System Access, it will no doubt end up being a great tool for
>folks who need speech access to Windows. Unfortunately, I haven't managed
>to convince the powers that be of the importance of Braille access as well,
>but I'm working on it. <Smile> Maybe I just need a little help from folks
>like Sue! <Smile
>Oh, to answer someone's question (i can't remember whose), you can download
>a free 30-day trial before purchasing. They also have a new device called a
>pass key, which is a credi-card size CD that works from your CD-Rom. Like
>the key that Shelley mentioned, this turns any PC into a Freedom Box.
>Unlike the key, however, Freedom Box starts talking as soon as it is
>inserted into a CD-rom drive. I believe the pass-key costs about $199, and
>System Acccess is free with a one-year account, which costs $99.
>Before I get stoned for talking so much about Freedom Box, let me say for
>the record that I am a longtime Jaws user, and I intend to remain so.
><Smile> However, I do believe that Freedom Box is an excellent tool now,
>and it's being made better all the time! Sorry for the off-topic post, but
>since several had inquired, I figured i'd just respond to everyone. If you
>have further questions about Freedo Box, feel free to e-mail me at
>jana@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Take care, and happy scanning!
>Jana
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Shelley L. Rhodes" <juddysbuddy@xxxxxxxxxxxx
>To: <bookshare-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>Sent: Saturday, January 01, 2005 10:22 PM
>Subject: [bookshare-discuss] Re: Things to do while scanning
>>I got to see a Freedom Box demonstrated at one of our conventions. I can
>> see it as a helpful device, particularly for those who don't know how to
>> type. The speech recognition was very good, and the "freedom key" that
>> little device that turns a PC into a Freedom Box is a good invention. But
>> Like Mike I don't see myself needing one in the near future.
>> Shelley L. Rhodes and Judson, guiding golden
>> juddysbuddy@xxxxxxxxxxxx
>> Guide Dogs For the Blind Inc.
>> Graduate Advisory Council
>> www.guidedogs.com
>> The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to
>> stare up the steps - we must step up the stairs.
>> -- Vance Havner
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Mike Pietruk" <pietruk@xxxxxxxxx
>> To: <bookshare-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> Sent: Saturday, January 01, 2005 9:51 PM
>> Subject: [bookshare-discuss] Re: Things to do while scanning
>> Hi Patti!
>> The Freedom Box website is
>> www.freedombox.cc
>> Over the years, FB has generated a wide variety of opinions on the various
>> lists. I cannot speak from personal opinion as I've never owned it.
>> I can understand its appeal though, at least at this moment, I cannot see
>> myself purchasing it.
>> Check the site out and talk to others, such as Jana, who regularly use it
>> to see if it will fit your needs.
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