I don't think that there is such a thing as a universally accessible PDF
file yet (or ever will be?).
I've recorded some examples to demonstrate some of the problems with
screen reading and PDF files, to use in OU staff development. There are
links on the page http://kn.open.ac.uk/public/workspace.cfm?wpid=6968.
They don't demonstrate the problems with navigation though, or the
problems getting the JAWS focus back to read the PDF document after
starting the audio recording software and switching back to Acrobat!
If you're interested in Maths examples, follow the link on this page to
"Files to support analysis of S154 screen reader study". I think I've
managed to set the permissions so that they are visible to the world.
Regards
Mary
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Conway
Sent: 04 November 2008 15:34
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Jaws
Well said.
even truly accessible PDF are inaccessible to dyslexics who cannot
change font face or colour schemes! One such student has just had to
have a reader in an exam solely because the document supplied for use
during the exam was only available as a PDF image and so she could not
read it.
surely it should be obligatory to supply the Word or RTF version????
Dr John S Conway BSc PhD FGS FRGS FHEA MNADP
Director, MSc International Rural Development
Director, BSc Countryside Management
Chair, Research Committee
Principal Lecturer : Soil Science
Disability Officer
Royal Agricultural college, Cirencester, Glos GL7 6JS
01285 652531 fax 01285 650219
________________________________
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. on
behalf of Silver, Liz
Sent: Tue 04/11/2008 14:07
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Jaws
Hi,
Following the replies you have already received, there are a couple of
major factors being overlooked. First of all, even if the alternative
technology such as Thunder can be loaded onto a memory stick, not all
Jaws users will want to be having to use technology which is not as
useful or flexible as Jaws, and will not want to have to learn how to
use this new software. Secondly, even with a PDF file which is readable
using Jaws, they are still a pain in all sorts of places as it is
really difficult to actually search say for a specific word in the
document and even if you can get over that hurdle, there is then no way
of actually marking what you have found or adding any notes for future
reference. Speaking as a Jaws user, as might be obvious, I think When
told that something is only available in PDF the response should always
be that it is required in Word or RTF etc and this is a reasonable
adjustment and just having to cope with a PDF version is not acceptable.
Rant over!
Cheers,
Liz
Liz Silver
Disability Officer
Student Support Services
Nottingham Trent University
Working Monday to Thursday
Phone: 0115 848 4495
Minicom: 18001 0115 848 4495
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
________________________________
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Callaghan, Brigid
Sent: 03 November 2008 13:57
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Jaws
Hello,
Does anyone know of any developments in the assistive technology world
for blind students? Is there any better package available than Jaws,
which has fewer problems or none at all in fact with 'reading' PDF.
Please remember in your reply that I not an experienced techie ; - ).
Reply off list [log in to unmask]
Many thanks
***********************************************************
Brigid Callaghan
Disability Adviser
Student Services
University of Bolton
Deane Rd
Bolton
BL3 5AB
[log in to unmask]
To make an appointment: 01204 903733.
Direct line: 01204 903803
Minicom: 01204 903490
Please do not print off this email unless absolutely necessary - save
the planet.
***********************************************************
DISCLAIMER:
This email is intended solely for the addressee. It may contain private
and confidential information. If you are not the intended addressee,
please take no action based on it nor show a copy to anyone. In this
case, please reply to this email to highlight the error. Opinions and
information in this email that do not relate to the official business of
Nottingham Trent University shall be understood as neither given nor
endorsed by the University.
Nottingham Trent University has taken steps to ensure that this email
and any attachments are virus-free, but we do advise that the recipient
should check that the email and its attachments are actually virus free.
This is in keeping with good computing practice.
---------------------------------
The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England & Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302).
|