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<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=578505220-07042008>Hi Carol,</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=578505220-07042008></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=578505220-07042008>Every time I say this, it
seems to cause troubles. But, here goes anyhow. </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=578505220-07042008></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=578505220-07042008>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.</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=578505220-07042008></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=578505220-07042008>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.</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=578505220-07042008></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=578505220-07042008></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN
class=578505220-07042008></SPAN> </DIV><BR><BR>
<P><FONT size=2>Jim Marks<BR>Director of Disability Services<BR>University of
Montana<BR>jim.marks@umontana.edu<BR><A
href="http://www.umt.edu/dss/">http://www.umt.edu/dss/</A><BR> </FONT> </P>
<DIV> </DIV><BR>
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<FONT size=2><B>From:</B> athen-bounces@athenpro.org
[mailto:athen-bounces@athenpro.org] <B>On Behalf Of </B>Carol
Raymundo<BR><B>Sent:</B> Wednesday, April 02, 2008 12:54 PM<BR><B>To:</B>
athen@athenpro.org<BR><B>Subject:</B> [Athen] Screen readers/other
software<BR></FONT><BR></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>I am wondering if anyone uses Premier Literacy software (formerly
Premier Assistive Technology). </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Has anyone taken advantage of their grant program? If so, what do you like
and what don't you like about the program?</DIV>
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