Linda,
i wasn't able to speak for a while. it took an eternity to get a talking machine from ucp here in nyc. i remember seeing somebody with a cell fone that had word prediction. it was a convenience... a curiosity... almost a toy! a "normy/debbie, (meaning a nonn-disabled person), could get something like this immediately... just by paying for it. but for those who really need it... as a nicessity, well, they may never get it.
VR... a magical world where almost anything is possible? maybe... only if you have enough money for a powerful computer... and only if you're arms and legs and eyes work properly! and if you can't type, you'd better be able to speak clearly? that was my first experience with second life. and my computer wasn't able to handle the 3D environment either! i wandered about aimlessly at first, constantly crossing borders where "different simulators" were being used, and everything just crashed. :(
when my computer died, i ended up using a slightly faster one, and it seemed to be able to handle SL, at least some of the time! so this new world, that promesses to give new freedoms and experiences to those who r trapped in what i call "the hard world," is closed to those who really need it! well thats the way it was until these new areas for disabled began showing up!
in the beginning, setting up my account was easy. not much to read, as i remember it. i picked out a name, chose an avatar, downloaded the SL software, and that was it. but when i entered the VR vorld, i was a "stranger in a strange land"..... i couldn't see to read stuff people were typing, couldn't respond fast enough when someone texted me, had trouble reading signs, etc., etc., etc. ! i thought the "hard world" was difficult to navigate! this new "soft world" was impossible!!!!! i felt pretty yucky until it accurred to me to see of there were any crips in SL. i found "Wheelies," a virtual club for people with disabilities. then i met Polgara Paine, (not her real name!), who was building the surrounding neighborhood. she built a room for me, (i was surprised & pleased)! :) she showed me around. helped me to get started learning how to build things. i'm not a computer nerd, (just a wannabe nerd), but i was able to handle the level of work that i needed to do, (including fixing my avatar after it started looking weird, [black stripes all over it])! i was just lost, up til now. and very very shy!
i have A D D... and other, i guess, undiagnosed learning disabilities that often go with CP. (ok, b4 i met my wife, i'm doubting I would've been able to handle this stuff, but for most people, you just need a bit of perseverance, and SOME ability to pay attention, [tee-hee].) Polgara helped me a lot. :)
My idea is to have sort of a welcoming wagon or something... to take someone by the hand, even b4 they set up an account in SL. communicate through email... and guide them through whatever they have problems with. and polgara tells me there's someone who helps people with special interfaces... so they don't have to use their hands to move around. i'm thinking, a "work-around" can be found to help people with speaking or typing as well. in what i hope is the near future, i'd like to see a group of us try to get donations of workable computers and interfaces for the truly marginalized in our society. People with nothing to their name except a bed and a diaper. :( after that, cognative defecits can be tackled. (something not usually mentioned, (i think), at least when it comes to CP in many "high functioning" people.
I call VR the "soft world" because it can be tailored to the needs of its residents. its easy to understand that if a doorway isn't wide enough for them to fit through, just say the magic word... GOOGLE-GOGGLE, and its as wide as u want it 2 be!!! but in VR, things can be made easier to "understand" as well... for those who may need it. ok, i haven't given it much thought up to now... because in the past, i thought this new world was too far off in the future. but its beginnings are here now. i'll be thinking and talking about it to anyone interested.
i envision a place where someone who in the past, was unable to speak or manipulate their environment, ends up with an actual job!... working for real money, in a virtual office... or as an artist... or a tour guide? meeting people... even having romantic relationships. virtual sex? u can be sure people are working on that one already!! :)
as bevus said to buthead one day, while they were trying to get on the internet,
"welcome to the future!" :)
my SL name is NOHLE CONDOR.
if you decide to try SL, come looking for me. weel connect somehow.
Hope I'll see you there! :)
Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:03:54 -0400
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: C-PALSY Digest - 23 Jun 2008 to 24 Jun 2008 (#2008-147)
To: [log in to unmask]
C-PALSY Digest - 23 Jun 2008 to 24 Jun 2008 (#2008-147)
C-PALSY Digest - 23 Jun 2008 to 24 Jun 2008 (#2008-147)
Table of contents:
Magna Carta :-) (4)
second life........ (2)
Magna Carta :-)
Magna Carta :-) (06/24)
From: ken barber <[log in to unmask]>
Re: Magna Carta :-) (06/24)
From: "Cleveland, Kyle E." <[log in to unmask]>
Re: Magna Carta :-) (06/24)
From: ken barber <[log in to unmask]>
Re: Magna Carta :-) (06/24)
From: ken barber <[log in to unmask]>
second life........
Re: second life........ (06/24)
From: Linda Macaulay <[log in to unmask]>
Re: second life........ (06/24)
From: Kathy Pink <[log in to unmask]>
Browse the C-PALSY online archives.
--Forwarded Message Attachment--
Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:42:58 -0700
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Magna Carta :-)
Magna Carta
A bus load of tourists arrives at Runnymede. They gather around the guide who says, "This is the spot where the barons forced King John to sign the Magna Carta."
A fellow at the front of the crowd asks, "When did that happen?"
"1215," answers the guide.
The man looks at his watch and says, "Darn! Just missed it by a half hour!"
-----------------------
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--Forwarded Message Attachment--
Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:57:32 -0400
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: second life........
Jonathan,
I've been wanting to check out second life for a while now...Your
post may make me take the leap into VR! I've actually heard Kathy
Schrock speak about using SL in education just a couple months ago
and ISTE (technology-education-related international org) has an
island there so I know a place and some people to find, but time is
my issue...What's your SL identity so I can look for you if I decide
to join in?
What struck me when I read your post, though, it the possibility of
VR to open up a world of experiences for kids/adults with
disabilities that they would otherwise not be able to have. I mean,
I certainly can see the use for virtual field trips etc. for the
masses, but to use it as a way to open the world to those with
disabilities is a great idea.
From what I know, though, SL isn't exactly intuitive and you need
some decent computer knowledge and comfort to get around as there is
a pretty stiff learning curve.
Congrats on your marriage!
Linda M.
On Jun 23, 2008, at 7:44 PM, Jonathan Rand wrote:
> Does anybody here feel trapped in one place? If you don't drive a
> car, and at times, have problems with your powerchair, (or other
> assistive mobility device), do you feel icky?
>
> I'm describing myself. Even b4 I became extremely debilitated, I
> would use a flight simulator to give me the feeling I could go
> places. Or I would retreat into the "virtual" world of my
> imagination to ease the pain of my life in the real world.
>
> I got married at the age of 63, and my life is changed. I used to
> wish I could go into virtual reality and leave my yucky
> disabilities behind, meeting people, exploring etc., etc.! Now
> these worlds are beginning to appear online. I'm gonna take all
> the ships and planes, and submarines etc., I designed over the
> years, and build them in a virtual world I guess. Maybe I could
> even make some money selling stuff I design. And there's a place
> for my music there too. Songs I've written, and were lost,
> (forgotten), when I was really sick, are coming back to me now. My
> dream of a virtual band may become a "reality" in this new world!
> I guess I no longer need VR to make me feel independent. But I
> dreamt of this sort of thing for many years. A virtual world where
> people with severe physical disabilities could go, and "leave it
> all behind?" At least appear able-bodied if they wanted to. A
> place where experience-deprived people could have experiences. A
> place where anyone could go, to fill whatever void they may have in
> their "real-world" lives. Or just a place to have fun... or make
> money... or change yourself into a pussycat :)
>
> The virtual world I joined is called "SecondLife." Anybody heard
> of it? I'm in an area created for people with physical
> disabilities. If anybody's interested, google "second life," or if
> it's easier, email mee. Running SecondLife on your computer might
> be difficult... and even if you could, if your hands or arms don't
> work too well, it may be hard moving about in this virtual world,
> without some kind of help from others. You might need an assistive
> device to help you.
>
> For anyone who isn't familiar with this sort of thing, it's virtual
> reality.... or should I say, virtual, virtual reality! :) In
> full blown virtual reality, (VR), you put on a helmet and gloves.
> You see the virtual, (computer generated), world through video
> screens in the helmet... and you can touch things in this world
> with the special gloves. Other people can see you, (or the
> "avatar" that represents you), and you can see other people, (or
> their avatars).
>
> SecondLife hasn't reached that level yet, (at least not for the
> average user). You just look at a screen. You talk into a
> microphone, and listen through headphones, (or you can type into a
> lil' text window, and read what people are saying). You move
> around, using the mouse and keyboard.
>
> So that's it. (Well that's an introduction anyway!) Nothing is
> quite this "simple," that involves human beings. SecondLife is an
> actual place, with a real society. It' s not a game. You can
> create games there if you like. You can create anything. Houses,
> cars, islands...?! Spend money? Make money.
>
> So anyway, I just wanted to mention this stuff because maybe there
> are other people besides me, who feel they might get something out
> of it.
>
> I haven't had time to come to this group. I'm running at a full
> clip, trying to keep up with my new life. :( :) Before I met
> this woman, I was alone, almost unable to take care of myself,
> waiting for an eviction notice. Trying to decide how to end my
> yucky life. She came literally 3 days before the marshals were due
> to put me out on the street, (or worse).
> Now I'm trying to put my life back together. And the virtual
> reality stuff is a big part of it.
>
> Jonathan Rand
>
> -----------------------
>
> To change your mail settings or leave the C-PALSY list, go here:
>
> http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?SUBED1=c-palsy
>
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--Forwarded Message Attachment--
Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:34:27 -0400
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Magna Carta :-)
Ken,
I'm paying your MENSA membership fees this year! LOL!
Kyle
-----Original Message-----
From: Cerebral Palsy List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of ken barber
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 1:43 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Magna Carta :-)
Magna Carta
A bus load of tourists arrives at Runnymede. They gather around the
guide who says, "This is the spot where the barons forced King John to
sign the Magna Carta."
A fellow at the front of the crowd asks, "When did that happen?"
"1215," answers the guide.
The man looks at his watch and says, "Darn! Just missed it by a half
hour!"
-----------------------
To change your mail settings or leave the C-PALSY list, go here:
http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?SUBED1=c-palsy
-----------------------
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http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?SUBED1=c-palsy
--Forwarded Message Attachment--
Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:00:58 -0700
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Magna Carta :-)
ok i will not tell you they were from the carolinas, they were from mississippi!;->
--- On Tue, 6/24/08, Tamar Raine <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> From: Tamar Raine <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: Magna Carta :-)
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 3:53 PM
> don't tell me they were from the carolinas! that would
> be stereotyping... ;->
>
>
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>
-----------------------
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--Forwarded Message Attachment--
Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:16:38 -0700
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Magna Carta :-)
i appreciate that kyle. :-)
--- On Tue, 6/24/08, Cleveland, Kyle E. <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> From: Cleveland, Kyle E. <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: Magna Carta :-)
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 2:34 PM
> Ken,
>
> I'm paying your MENSA membership fees this year! LOL!
>
> Kyle
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Cerebral Palsy List
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
> Of ken barber
> Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 1:43 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Magna Carta :-)
>
> Magna Carta
>
> A bus load of tourists arrives at Runnymede. They gather
> around the
> guide who says, "This is the spot where the barons
> forced King John to
> sign the Magna Carta."
>
> A fellow at the front of the crowd asks, "When did
> that happen?"
>
> "1215," answers the guide.
>
> The man looks at his watch and says, "Darn! Just
> missed it by a half
> hour!"
>
>
>
>
>
> -----------------------
>
> To change your mail settings or leave the C-PALSY list, go
> here:
>
> http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?SUBED1=c-palsy
>
> -----------------------
>
> To change your mail settings or leave the C-PALSY list, go
> here:
>
> http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?SUBED1=c-palsy
-----------------------
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--Forwarded Message Attachment--
Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:14:31 -0500
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: second life........
Jonathan Rand ,
I'm so glad you wrote! You know I have had the same feelings that you
wrote here. I don't understand second Life.
Kathy Jo Pink
On 6/23/08, Jonathan Rand <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Does anybody here feel trapped in one place? If you don't drive a car, and at times, have problems with your powerchair, (or other assistive mobility device), do you feel icky?
>
> I'm describing myself. Even b4 I became extremely debilitated, I would use a flight simulator to give me the feeling I could go places. Or I would retreat into the "virtual" world of my imagination to ease the pain of my life in the real world.
>
> I got married at the age of 63, and my life is changed. I used to wish I could go into virtual reality and leave my yucky disabilities behind, meeting people, exploring etc., etc.! Now these worlds are beginning to appear online. I'm gonna take all the ships and planes, and submarines etc., I designed over the years, and build them in a virtual world I guess. Maybe I could even make some money selling stuff I design. And there's a place for my music there too. Songs I've written, and were lost, (forgotten), when I was really sick, are coming back to me now. My dream of a virtual band may become a "reality" in this new world! I guess I no longer need VR to make me feel independent. But I dreamt of this sort of thing for many years. A virtual world where people with severe physical disabilities could go, and "leave it all behind?" At least appear able-bodied if they wanted to. A place where experience-deprived people could have experiences. A place where anyone could go, to fill whatever void they may have in their "real-world" lives. Or just a place to have fun... or make money... or change yourself into a pussycat :)
>
> The virtual world I joined is called "SecondLife." Anybody heard of it? I'm in an area created for people with physical disabilities. If anybody's interested, google "second life," or if it's easier, email mee. Running SecondLife on your computer might be difficult... and even if you could, if your hands or arms don't work too well, it may be hard moving about in this virtual world, without some kind of help from others. You might need an assistive device to help you.
>
> For anyone who isn't familiar with this sort of thing, it's virtual reality.... or should I say, virtual, virtual reality! :) In full blown virtual reality, (VR), you put on a helmet and gloves. You see the virtual, (computer generated), world through video screens in the helmet... and you can touch things in this world with the special gloves. Other people can see you, (or the "avatar" that represents you), and you can see other people, (or their avatars).
>
> SecondLife hasn't reached that level yet, (at least not for the average user). You just look at a screen. You talk into a microphone, and listen through headphones, (or you can type into a lil' text window, and read what people are saying). You move around, using the mouse and keyboard.
>
> So that's it. (Well that's an introduction anyway!) Nothing is quite this "simple," that involves human beings. SecondLife is an actual place, with a real society. It' s not a game. You can create games there if you like. You can create anything. Houses, cars, islands...?! Spend money? Make money.
>
> So anyway, I just wanted to mention this stuff because maybe there are other people besides me, who feel they might get something out of it.
>
> I haven't had time to come to this group. I'm running at a full clip, trying to keep up with my new life. :( :) Before I met this woman, I was alone, almost unable to take care of myself, waiting for an eviction notice. Trying to decide how to end my yucky life. She came literally 3 days before the marshals were due to put me out on the street, (or worse).
> Now I'm trying to put my life back together. And the virtual reality stuff is a big part of it.
>
> Jonathan Rand
>
> -----------------------
>
> To change your mail settings or leave the C-PALSY list, go here:
>
> http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?SUBED1=c-palsy
>
--
Kathy Jo Pink
e-Mail Addresses: [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask],
[log in to unmask], and [log in to unmask]
Pogo Usual ScreenName: PerkPinkPerky
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