George, The one that really shook them was their estimate that there were 6 billion dollars worth of U.S. federal contracts that they wouldn't even be able to bid for if they didn't get accessibility sorted out for Windows (1995 prices). This is a good example of where legislation can skew the economics of a market in our favour. The same might be happening with the DDA and education provision, as I mentioned previously. The tricky thing is quantifying the market impact so that you can ram solid figures down people's throats. Cheers. Tim -----Original Message----- From: ddots-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ddots-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of George Bell Sent: 24 November 2005 21:55 To: ddots-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [ddots-l] Re: Accessible keyboards? Perhaps you could also add Microsoft's survey which cost them MILLIONS of Dollars, and concluded that by around 2010 around 19% of computer users would be using some form of adaptive technology, even if it was only a relatively small degree of magnification. It sure shook those guys rigid. Start at http://www.microsoft.com/enable/research/agingpop.aspx George. -----Original Message----- From: ddots-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ddots-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Jay Thompson Sent: 24 November 2005 19:57 To: ddots-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [ddots-l] Re: Accessible keyboards? Well, from what I've been reading here, there are some pros and cons that need to be addressed. In my opinion, I still believe that enough noise can be made, to get these companies interested. It doesn't have to be a small market, I'm sure that everyone everywhere that's blind and a musician, knows somebody, that knows somebody, that knows somebody, and if you get all of those e-mails, letters, and proposals together, you'll create a buzz. and you know if enough buzz goes around, the media will eat that up, and there you have it! Someone's producing it, and I have to say this, if you pray about it, I'm sure that god Jehovah will certainly make it happen. Because you have to look at it, how did computers get accessible, how did cel-phones get accessible, as well as watches, and calculators. Why, because of some body. So, let's band together here, and do whatever it takes to get things underway. And yes, there are going to be some sacrifices that we'll all have to make; but you have to look at this, you will be making a contribution to those who will be following us from generation to generation. And one more point, someone said something about hurdles to jump over, exactly, let's jump over them and make this happen. And who knows, they may start making keyboards accessible to the visually impaired, with large print displays. The skies the limit "carpadium!" Jay Thompson You can do all things through Christ that strengthens you. Phil4:13 __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com ** To leave the list, click on the immediately-following link:- ** [mailto:ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=unsubscribe] ** If this link doesn't work then send a message to: ** ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ** and in the Subject line type ** unsubscribe ** For other list commands such as vacation mode, click on the ** immediately-following link:- ** [mailto:ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=faq] ** or send a message, to ** ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the Subject:- faq ** To leave the list, click on the immediately-following link:- ** [mailto:ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=subscribe] ** If this link doesn't work then send a message to: ** ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ** and in the Subject line type ** unsubscribe ** For other list commands such as vacation mode, click on the ** immediately-following link:- ** [mailto:ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subjectzq] ** or send a message, to ** ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the Subject:- faq ** To leave the list, click on the immediately-following link:- ** [mailto:ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=unsubscribe] ** If this link doesn't work then send a message to: ** ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ** and in the Subject line type ** unsubscribe ** For other list commands such as vacation mode, click on the ** immediately-following link:- ** [mailto:ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=faq] ** or send a message, to ** ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the Subject:- faq