[acb-hsp] question regarding agency-record software andaccessibility

[Louise Pearson]

Hi there,

Ah, this is difficult for you.  I have never been able to use 
Citrix with JAWS, and people in my workplace use that to access 
our Client Database, which is called The Care Manager.  Now on my 
computer, we run The Care Manager in its own right, rather than 
through Citrix.  In its first version, I would start the Care 
Manager, and it would simply sit there, not reading at all.  It 
is what all of our workers use to write case notes, 
electronically file reports and letters, etc.  I applied for some 
funding through the Workplace Modifications scheme, basically 
arguing that my job would be in jeopardy without being able to 
use this program.  I was very lucky.  There is a man employed by 
Vision Australia here (our main blindness agency), who writes 
scripts for programs that JAWS won't work with.  I got $10'000 
towards his work, and we then had a working program.  What was 
then amazing, was that two years later it had a major upgrade, 
and so we have just had to go through the whole thing again.  At 
the time I was sick with worry.  I need not have been.  I got 
more funding, thank God ...  perhaps courtesy of the fact that I 
have also demonstrated my own willingness to buy equipment for 
myself where I can, such as the BrailleNote Apex, my JAWS, etc.  
This latest version of The Care Manager was a little more 
accessible than the first version, but ...  the scripting makes 
it so much better.
So, I am telling you all of this as a round about way of saying 
that I think that JAWS is the best option we have, but even that 
sometimes needs coaching.
If it's any consolation, I can tell you that right now, at this 
minute at work, it does all I need it to, and it's fabulous to be 
able to read other worker's Case Notes, for the occasions when I 
need to check up on something for one of my clients.
Louise,
Melbourne Australia.