Ok, so I admit it. I'm a Macophile. I'm one of the growing number of individuals who is in love with her Mac computer. I can't live without my iPod. Period. I currently am craving the new iPhone (unfortunately the only carrier who has the iPhone does not get service in my area so I would have to go to Timbuktu to make a phone call). The only problem that those of us who enjoy Mac's have is the fact that a great deal of mainstream software that we need to use for work and home is not supported by the Mac operating system or is pricey add-on. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the newest Macs have a great new software to help those with a visual impairment. In the article "Access to Mac OS X for users with vision impairments: Multiple perspectives on Visiovoice" three different people present their opinions on how useful the new Visiovoice program is for individuals trying to use Mac computers for work and home. I chose this article because some of the students I work with at the high school who are visually impaired have iPods and have some trouble using them due to the small screens. This new product can be transfered onto the iPod and iPhone and so makes not only Mac computers more user friendly for those with visual impairment but also these other items. From the reports in this article, it appears that the Visiovoice may be one of the best new technologies for people who need text read to them or expanded and I am ecstatic that this new product is being offered on the Macs as a part of the package and not a pricey add on. Overall, I thought the article was well written and presented good information in an informal manner. This article was also an interest to me due to what we were reading about in class. When looking at assessing a child for AT, specifically computer oriented AT, I would always like to take into account which operating system they were more comfortable and familiar with. Also, some counties-such as Greene County-have grants with Mac and only have Macintosh computers for use with their students. Overall, this article presents useful information on a new product that will be of great benefit anyone who loves a Mac.
~Amy
3 comments:
Hey Amy:
I had no idea you loved your MAC so much (LOL).
It is great that the MAC people made it so the program is included with your computer software (since these days when you buy a computer everything costs extra). MAC has thought of everything... and they left no stone unturned when they decided they wanted everyone to have access to their products. It is really nice that high school students who enjoy these products and have visual impairments can still use them with a slight adjustment. Do you know if any of the high students you spoke about know about this software?
Selena
Amy - I so agree! I love Mac too! As you know, we were given Mac's in our county a few years ago. I had not used a Mac before - except some Apple's used when I was in school myself. Although my Mac is issued through work, if I ever bought a personal computer, it would be a Mac. I had not heard about the Visiovoice program from the article. I immediately went online to learn more about it. Thanks for sharing!
Great job Amy! It is fun to see how information can be applied!
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