Hi Tom,

I absolutely love Bookshare and feel that, if you do have a computer or even
a device such as a BrailleNote or a PAC Mate, then you're absolutely crazy
not to join!  Bookshare's disability verification process is extremely
accessible, and I am essentially demanding that all organizations requiring
disability certification implement a similar process.  First, Bookshare will
accept NLS membership as disability verification with no further action
needed.  Second, Bookshare will e-mail the disability verification form to
the doctor.  Third, they will accept a properly signed FAX back from that
doctor.  All of this can serve to leave the blind person out of the
inaccessible parts of this process.


----- Original Message -----
From: <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2005 6:34 PM
Subject: Re: Revisiting accessible amateur radio study materials.


> Darrell, while I doubt seriously that "full access" as you define it is
> "critical" as many hams have their licenses and are blind, your point is
> well
> taken.  Remember that Handi-Hams is an organization which requires
> membership
> just as any other.  The fact that they provide books to members for a fee
> means
> they are not required to follow ADA or related guidelines as would be the
> case
> if the materials were open to all.  You have discussed Bookshare as a
> source for
> a scan of materials but they are also a fee based service.  I don't see
> any
> difference except in the product they sell.  To obtain the kind of access
> you
> want does require specific and often expensive equipment thus making it
> accessible to those who can afford the appropriate gear in large part.
> Braille
> or distribution through NLS would seem to be the way to go with this.
>
> Just as the blindness community cannot agree on many things it is likely
> they
> will not agree on this particular question but I very definitely agree
> that at
> the very least if a book is made available the complete book should be
> available
> from study aids to the index to title page information so that it can be
> used as
> a reference if appropriate etc.  Bookshare seems an iffie source for
> accessible
> texts available nowhere else as its use requires both that the user have
> an
> accessible computer and know how to use it.  It also requires that the
> user be a
> Bookshare member.  Such does not constitute accessibility to many people.
> In
> fact, most blind people do not use computers.  I do use a computer but,
> for
> several reasons, do not belong to Bookshare.  If we are going to talk
> accessibility, let's talk real accessibility and talk about availability
> via
> NLS.  Books are available through their web site if you wish to go that
> way.
>
> Tom
>
>
> Tom Brennan  KD5VIJ, CCC-A/SLP
> web page http://titan.sfasu.edu/~g_brennantg/sonicpage.html