[mac4theblind] Introduction
- From: "Tom Behler" <tombehler@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: "mac4theblind e-mail list" <mac4theblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 15 Jun 2014 19:24:06 -0400
Hello, everyone.
I have just joined this e-mail list, and would like to introduce myself as a
means of letting you know why I am reaching out to you for a bit of
assistance. Hopefully, this intro will help you understand who I am, what
my situation is, and what I'm trying to accomplish.
I am a blind Professor of Sociology at Ferris State University in Michigan.
I have been teaching for over 30 years, and have used adaptive computer
technology to perform various aspects of my job for the vast majority of
that time. Of course, like all of us, adaptive technology has been
fundamentally important to me in various aspects of my personal life as
well.
Anyway, since Ferris State University is still pretty much a windows-based
institution,I currently use Windows 7, Office 2010, Jaws 14, the Duxbury
Braille translation software, and the Juliet Pro-60 embosser to do my work
both at my office and at home.
My office computer is slated to be replaced this Fall, and I have been given
the opportunity to at least play around with a loaner Macbook Pro laptop
over the summer, to test out its possible usefulness for me as a replacement
computer. The Macbookpro that I'm borrowing over the summer uses the
Mavericks 10.9 OSX operating system. If I go with a Mac for my actual
office replacement computer, it would be an Imac desk top.
If I do not decide to make the switch to a Mac, I'd simply go with a Dell
desktop PC.
I understand that Microsoft Office programs for the Mac, such as Word,
Excel, and Internet Explorer are not very accessible with Mac Voiceover. I
also have been told that there may be some major compatibility issues with
the Duxbury Braille translation software, and my Juliet Pro-60 embosser.
What I am requesting from you is some basic guidance regarding whether
trying to learn, and switch over to a Mac would be feasible, given the above
concerns, and given the short time I would have to learn a Mac, in order to
get it totally up and running for the Fall semester.
Are there some very general podcasts and/or tutorials you could point me to
to help give me at least some idea of what I'd be getting into as I try to
learn the mechanics of basic Mac operation?
Thanks for whatever you can do to assist me. Although I may not respond to
every post I receive, please know that each reply will be read and
considered seriously.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tom Behler, Professor of Sociology
Department Of Social Sciences
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI
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