Blind vs. mainstream distros

[Linux for blind general discussion]

Can't say I've had many problems running what is essentially Debian
Testing with some customizations, but then again, I'm unquestionably a
power user, and I'm running only the most barebones of an xserver for
the sole reason that I've yet to find a text mode browser that lets me
ditch Firefox.

Honestly, there isn't any distro I could in good conscience recommend
to a new Linux user blind or otherwise without caveats. Debian Stable
is usually rock solid, but that comes at the price of using old
versions of many applications, and while I tend to think Debian
Testing strikes a good balance between stability and cutting edge, I'd
have to agree it isn't for the average joe. Many swear by Knoppix as a
live CD, and running in Adriane mode, it's easily the most blind
accessible OS I've tried, but it's installer leaves much to be
desired(the installer is accessible and easy to use, but it doesn't
even allow creating user accounts aside from the default, creating a
separate home partitiion, or setting a sudo password).

And while many Linux distributions are easier to install than
ever(accessibility issues aside), I think it's fair to say that
Installing an OS is still a Power User task, and ideally, for the
average joe, you want something a power user can install for them when
they buy a new computer and then never need to ask the power user for
help again. Granted, I don't think any OS has come that far in the
"you don't need the assistence of a power user" department.

-- 
Sincerely,

Jeffery Wright
President Emeritus, Nu Nu Chapter, Phi Theta Kappa.
Former Secretary, Student Government Association, College of the Albemarle.