Kev

So I'm having a problem in one of my college courses, due to browser-based virtual simulations of real life situations that aren't accessible to my screen reader. The following is part of my professor's response to the email I sent and it's very encouraging isn't it?

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Regarding screen reader compatibility, this is one challenge that we have been facing in recent years. Due to the types of tools and technologies that are used, particularly in the security space, sometimes they are designed to not allow screen readers.  In fact,  screen readers are considered malware in many cases. You may have read about a type of tool/attack called screen scraping, for example.
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Oct 19, 2023 at 11:14pmWeb
Show threadratOct 19, 2023
@kev erm... that sia whole new one on me
Show threadDarrell BowlesOct 19, 2023
@kev Wait, screen readers are malware? Clearly these so-called security experts don't know the difference between a wrist lock and a wrist watch. So let me explain it to them. Wristwatch a small device worn around the wrist, wich in it'/s simplist term, tells the time. However, more advanced models can measure vital signs, play games, and let you have phone conversations. A wristlock, is a type of hold designed to disable or restrain someone.
Show threadBrittany et alOct 19, 2023
@kev The prof here really doesn't seem to get it. At all.
Show threadDarrell BowlesOct 19, 2023
@amorphisbear @kev I agree, totally does not get it.
Show threadKevOct 19, 2023
@vol4life8657 @amorphisbear That is a networking fundementals course.
Show threadDarrell BowlesOct 19, 2023
@kev @amorphisbear I took networking fundimentals, and never had that problem. If they refuse to help you, again, you can file an OCR complaint. I've had too twice.
Show threadDarrell BowlesOct 19, 2023
@amorphisbear @kev And perhaps my first responce was not necessary, but that was the biggest load of crap and your basically being told that your assistive technology will compremize security, which means you can't do the work, which means the school should be sued, if they refuse to accomidate you.
Show threadGuillaume RossOct 19, 2023
@kev you should explain to them how Plaid works with banks that don’t have APIs, maybe they’ll call the FBI
Show threadKevOct 19, 2023
@g Hahaha
Show threadGuillaume RossOct 19, 2023
@kev honestly though the usability of the web is so terrible nowadays, blocking copy paste, blocking search, trying to do DRM on the web, I can only imagine it’s impacting screen readers even more. It’s not normal to need a collection of extensions just to be able to get to content on the web…
Show threadKevOct 19, 2023
@g That's what another class did, blocking copy/paste and the edit box wasn't even reading. I was at a huge disadvantage and decided to drop.
Show threadDarrell BowlesOct 19, 2023
@kev @g Again, the only way to get this stuff changed at the educational level is sadly to sue them, or to start an OCR complaint.
Show threadKevOct 19, 2023
@vol4life8657 @g OCR? The lady in the disability office was copied in the message, but she didn't say anything to me about the professor's comment--she was trying to help at least, testing the system with JAWS and getting on Zoom with me to try and remedy the issue.
Show threadDarrell BowlesOct 19, 2023
@kev @g THe Office of civil rightts. You can go to the office of civil rights website if you wish to file a complaint. It's an option if nothing gets resolved.
Show threadKevOct 19, 2023
@vol4life8657 @g Thanks man.
Show threadDarrell BowlesOct 19, 2023
@kev @g not a problem.
Show threadGuillaume RossOct 19, 2023
@kev Sorry to hear that, that’s fucked up!
Show threadRay DogOct 19, 2023
@kev Yeah no this actually disgusts me enough to respond, which is quite hard to do as of late. It's an insult to the hard work of every company who makes screen readers, free or paid.
Show threadDevin GutierrezOct 19, 2023
@kev the fuck? just because a screen reader has to scrape the screen doesn't make it malware, (though jaws is a virus, let's be honest) :) but that's besides the point. they're required by *LAW* to make the page accessible, security or no security.
Show threadKevOct 19, 2023
@sparksexist Right? I mean, lots of people don't follow the law and I usually don't care. But if it directly effects me when laws are broken, such in this case, that's a problem.
Show threadx0Oct 20, 2023
@sparksexist @kev That actually happened on Android, malware abused screen reader APIs to break into otherwise sandboxes apps, which Google tried to fix by requiring screen readers to be signed at a higher level and approved by them.
Show threadD.Hamlin.MusicOct 20, 2023
@x0 @sparksexist @kev That was more they abused the general Accessibility API and many types of apps require elevated review to operate, not just screen readers. I believe the actual problem was screen recording apps.
Show threadJoseph KingOct 20, 2023
@kev Jesus H Christ that's...what? I can't even. So now every screen reader user is actively using malware? Well, fuck me sideways!
Show threadNikola JovićOct 20, 2023
@jdking92 @kev That's not at all what they're saying. It's a little sad that so many people miss the point. Whether we like it or not, screen readers use the same techniques a malware would. We just trust them. That however doesn't prevent actual malware from doing the same.
Show threadJoseph KingOct 20, 2023
@NikJov @kev Fair enough. It's still kinda giving me the WTAF vibe.
Show threadKevOct 20, 2023
@jdking92 I was surprised by that part of the message too.
Show threadDrew DavidsonOct 20, 2023
@kev That sounds horrible, I had note takers or class mates help me in college.
Show threadKevOct 20, 2023
@Drewdavidson Harder to do when the class is fully online, but at least I have the book.
Show threadDrew DavidsonOct 20, 2023
@kev That’s good you got the book.
Show threadJeffrey D. StarkOct 20, 2023
@kev LOL; the most secure room is 1 that has no doors... same beliefe here I think...
Show threadKaliahOct 20, 2023
@kev Wow. That's the most helpful response I've ever heard. Totally gives you exactly what you need. Right? Riiiiight?
Show threadKevOct 20, 2023
@Kaliah Agreed LOL.
Show threadJohn GassmanOct 20, 2023
@kev If they realize that this is a problem, why haven't they taken steps to fix it. JAWS and NVDA are the two most popular screen readers and college as well as employers have to know that when it comes to teaching and or hiring blind students and employees.
Of course NVDA does have another problem in the work place and that's open source based on security situations.
Show threadKevOct 20, 2023
@JohnGassman Good question.
Show threadChristine MalecOct 20, 2023
@kev Are they trying to make this a teachable moment or something? How about shifting the focus to actually give a shit about the student's experience and do some problem solving.
Show threadMalia SuhrOct 21, 2023
@kev Oh that's just lovely.