Next Generation Blind User Experience

How would the blind user experience be different?

I have been thinking about this question over the past year. I teach C# at a blind school. I myself am sighted, but I must use a screen reader in order to teach my students. Therefore, I am in a unique position because I know how simple the user interface is for a sighted "mouse-wielding" user, and how frustrating it can be for a blind user who relies on keyboard navigation and the screen reader.

There is a huge gap, but I believe some awesome experiences can happen with a screen reader. Below are a few ideas which I have. Many of the ideas are inspired by similar technologies that already exists.

• Stability:
  
• The screen reader "actually works" without locking up, crashing, or interfering with other applications
  
• If the screen reader ever stops responding, a small backup screen reader automatically starts that enables the blind user to fix the problem.
  
• Security:
  
• The screen reader does not introduce any security holes.
  
• For example, a blind user's passwords remain safe.
  
• Friendly Navigation:
  
• An application can be customized so that it navigates in a standard way.
  
• No applications require the mouse cursor to work.
  
• Friendly Speaking:
  
• The user can make the screen reader repeat anything it has said.
  
• The user can repeat a message that was interrupted by another message.
  
• Friendly Shortcuts:
  
• Uses multiple press shortcuts instead of shortcuts that require extreme/insane key combinations.
  
• Provides a shortcut auto-complete list that helps the user find their shortcut and teaches the user additional shortcuts.
  
• Provides keyboard layout help for beginners who do not know where all the keys are located on the keyboard.
  
• Sleep Mode:
  
• The user can turn off the screen reader for temporary purposes.
  
• For example, the screen reader can sleep while a sighted user is sitting at the computer.
  
• No Useless Features
  
• Every feature makes the computer more usable for a blind user.
  
• No features exist simply because they are cool or fun.
  
• Open Source
  
• The screen reader is free.
  
• A thriving open source community makes the screen reader truly useful and allows it to grow.
  
• No corporatations taking advantage of the system.
  

I believe all of these goals are possible. In addition, I believe even better ideas will emerge and make a great open source screen reader that enables blind users beyond what is possible today.