Re: [orca-list] GUI Redesign or clearup and modernization

[Tony Baechler <tony baechler net>]

On 9/2/2015 5:00 AM, Christopher Chaltain wrote:
> I haven't been following this thread, but the post below either confuses me
> or I just don't agree. I can't think of a single screen reader where you
> don't need to know at least one key stroke before starting, such as how to
> bring up the preferences. You either have to know that key stroke or be
> familiar enough with the operating system to know how to get into the
> preferences for an application, which I think is what the post below is
> disagreeing with.

In general, I agree with you.  Once you have basic familiarity with the 
environment, what you say is valid.  Like you, I have yet to find a screen 
reader that doesn't require you to know a keystroke to access the prefs. 
However, if I can make a comparison to Windows for a moment, there is at 
least one Windows screen reader which runs a getting started wizard when 
it's launched for the first time.  It's very basic, but does allow you to 
set the pitch and rate.  It also pops up a tip of the day with helpful 
information, such as how to access the prefs.

> Either way, it's an overly simplistic attitude to say that expecting someone
> to read some information about an application before using it is the reason
> so many people are put off by Linux.

Yes, well, simplistic or not, it's an unfortunate reality.  I can't tell you 
how many people I've come across who were put off because they complained 
that they had to read lots of docs before even getting started.  I'm sorry, 
but we have to deal with reality whether we like it or not.  I myself don't 
have that attitude and I don't mind reading docs, but I'm the exception. 
How many times do you hear sayings like, "If all else fails, read the 
instructions."  How many beginners actually take the time to read the 
manual?  I'm sorry, but simplistic or not, that's the way it usually is. 
This is even more so when you have the Mac which includes accessibility 
automatically when the machine is first configured.

Also, let me mention here that when most blind people get a computer with 
Windows on it, there is already a screen reader installed.  I know that 
rehab agencies purchase screen readers for their clients and I know of a 
computer donation program which installs NVDA on donated machines.  Since 
it's still impossible for the blind to install Windows without sighted help 
and since the two screen readers I've used have talking installers, Linux 
has a strike against it from the point of view of a Windows user before they 
even get started.  Expecting them to read a set of docs on a foreign desktop 
environment with a foreign screen reader is too much to ask, I think.  FYI, 
I didn't have a donated machine and I didn't have rehab purchase a screen 
reader for me, so I'm more used to figuring things out on my own.  The 
attitude above is not my opinion, but reflects reality for most people that 
I've encountered.