[Athen] Screen readers/other software

[Daryl Murphy]

I agree.  The premier grant last for 1 year and then sends out an
invoice for $40,000 to keep the suite as a site license, otherwise you
are running an un-authorize version which according to Premier's ULA as
pirated software. 

 

 

 

 

From: athen-bounces at athenpro.org [mailto:athen-bounces at athenpro.org] On
Behalf Of Marks, Jim
Sent: Monday, April 07, 2008 03:17
To: Access Technologists in Higher Education Network
Subject: Re: [Athen] Screen readers/other software

 

Hi Carol,

 

Every time I say this, it seems to cause troubles.  But, here goes
anyhow.  

 

Premier is fine, but it will not replace better assistive technology.
In my opinion, Premier should serve as a supplement, never the only
option a campus uses to comply with civil rights laws.  Premier does
some things well, but it does less than what more expensive assistive
technologies can do.  Function has to be a primary concern, and colleges
should find the money it takes to provide the best access.  I think of
Premier as a low-cost alternative in which one gets what one pays for.
I also think the Premier grant thing is a marketing scheme, not really a
grant.

 

People with disabilities should have the tools it takes to participate
fully in higher education.  It's wrong to barter away equal access just
to save a buck.  On the other hand, if the less costly alternative
works, then go for it.  Some make the argument that many don't need all
the bells and whistles, and there is merit to that argument.    Premier
will not work as well as the more expensive options, though, and making
sure our post-secondary programs are accessible is sort of the whole
point.  We need tools that work well.  Reliance on Premier alone just
won't do the trick.

 

 

 

 

Jim Marks
Director of Disability Services
University of Montana
jim.marks at umontana.edu
http://www.umt.edu/dss/
  

 

 

________________________________

From: athen-bounces at athenpro.org [mailto:athen-bounces at athenpro.org] On
Behalf Of Carol Raymundo
Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2008 12:54 PM
To: athen at athenpro.org
Subject: [Athen] Screen readers/other software

I am wondering if anyone uses Premier Literacy software (formerly
Premier Assistive Technology). 

 

Has anyone taken advantage of their grant program? If so, what do you
like and what don't you like about the program?

 

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