Yes, I think everyone should learn the basic windows commands that don't need Jaws so they don't need to keep on using the mouse. Hitting alt-tab is much faster and safer than moving the pointer up to the top right and trying to click the little box to switch windows. They should also learn how to type without looking. I have found that knowing how to type correctly has helped me beyond any other skill in my life and the school didn't teach me, it was my father who spent the hours of time forcing me to type faster using the right fingers... So I say that yes Jaws should be used by everyone, but that is after they have mastered all the basic skills first. Thanks, Brandon Keith (Biggs) Check out MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/brandonkeithcom Also add me on facebook! brandonkeith http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=675097942 And for my resume go to: http://www.sfcasting.com/brandonkeith From: kimsan Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 8:21 AM To: jfw@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: RE: jfw for the blind or visually impaired I agree that with a partially sighted student, it wouldn't hurt to introduce him or her to jaws an/or other blindness skills. I hope I did not come across as if I am against teaching my partially sighted students jaws? One of my original inquories was the experience of using jaws from a partially sighted vantage point compared to being blind. Of course, with me being blind, I already experience this but I wonder how the experience would be if you are visually impaired. Good day. From: jfw-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:jfw-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of angel238@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 4:25 AM To: jfw@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Re: jfw for the blind or visually impaired It doesn't hurt the student to learn to use Jaws, or to learn to do anything using blindness skills, in my opinion, regardless his visual acuity. I have been blind for 60 years; and those with whom I went to school who had partial sight while in school are totally blind now, or as nearly as makes no difference. It must be remembered we are educating the whole person, and preparing him to live a successful life regardless his age. I believe he should be able to successfully transition and to adjust as his vision deteriorates. Should this not be the case would possessing these skills harm the student? I say no. Because he will learn keyboarding skills which surpass mouse computer navigation. Not to mention causing him to be able to use the computer better generally. He will also learn the life lesson that things others feel to be an essential such as a computers monitor can be done without quite successfully. It will also provide him with the confidence that he will be capable should his vision further deteriorate. So, based on what I just maintained it wouldn't hurt sighted students to use screen readers as well regardless their visual ability. My dear mother use to take children off our neighborhood street and attempt to teach them to touch type using an old typing book for similar reasons. ----- Original Message ----- From: Kimsan Song To: jfw@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 7:36 PM Subject: RE: jfw for the blind or visually impaired Cy, That was my Original thought. I kind of figured that there were no criteria, which brought me to presenting this discussion or lack of... Where I work, I am part of a multidisciplinary team supporting blind and visually impaired school students and I have observed the teachers for the blind assess these students and reccomend jaws training. My confusion was why when these students are able to read 20 plus pt font just fine, why introduce them to jaws? and when they use computers else where its the same exact set up font wise etc. Meaning, the only time they use jaws is when they are in class with me... Anyways, thanks for your response. Take care.