Hi Peter
It depends how often you use Microsoft Office, what operating system you
have, and version of screen reader. If, for example, you have an older
version of JAWS, you might struggle to get the best out of 365. We are
running Windows 10 with the latest JAWS 2019 release and Office 2016.
Because we both use Outlook and Word a lot, the 365 subscription we share is
good value for money. There are quirks here and there, but I don't know if
they are to do with JAWS or Microsoft, or a combination of the two. I
jumped from 2003 to 365 so can't comment on 2007 or 2010. I don't think
about the ribbons any more unless I'm looking for something new and have to
hunt for it. Office is a really bulky program, and if you are an occasional
user, perhaps a 365 subscription isn't worthwhile? You can make some
adjustments so Outlook and Word are more friendly with a screen reader, and
the bulk of work I carry out in Word and Outlook is accessible. We will
probably update to 2019 when our machines need a make-over or restore, but
neither of us is desperate to go down that road right now for the sake of a
few bells and whistles Microsoft has likely introduced to justify it.
Kind regards,
Jackie Brown
Email: jackieannbrown62@xxxxxxxxx
From: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of Peter
Bentley (Redacted sender "bentleypd31" for DMARC)
Sent: 01 January 2019 11:29
To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [access-uk] Office 365 accessibility advantages
I understand the advantages in the subscription approach, particularly the
claim that it is continually being updated in the area of screen reader use.
However it is considerably more expensive long-term.
I currently use Office 2010. My questions are:
1. Is 2019 significantly more accessible in some of the more difficult
dialogue boxes?
2. The claim is that Microsoft is continually making improvements in this
area. How true is this and how significant are the changes.
I realise that you pay your money and make a choice but for the average home
user who is basically coping though struggling in some areas, is the extra
cost justified?
Peter
