Please email suggestions concerning list operation
to [log in to unmask]
I also have no flame to throw, but some things to think about.
The problem in this whole issue lies in the way you are thinking. We, and
society, have been trained to think that blind people cannot function on the
same level as everyone else. People think we should have a
"separate/special" way to interact and participate in society.
Congress has raised legitimate questions regarding "why can't people with
disabilities use the technology that is out there"? They do not know that we
and they, as a society have allowed manufacturers of EVERYTHING to create
products an services that are not usable by a person with a disability.
Therefore, we must rely on manufacturers of "special" products, who then
must charge us an unrealistic, non-market price to have a fraction of the
access that everyone else is able to have.
If we do not figure out a way to enforce what is left of the ADA, then there
is little hope for us to participate in the future.
For example, the IPhone will be out soon. Yet, another product that will not
accommodate us, but will allow others to seamlessly intergrate all aspects
of their lives.
Yes, for now we indeed need the National Library Service and its many
wonderful resources, but our goal as a society should be to have everyone
have access to as much as possible.
We need to reach a point where people with disabilities will be expected to
pay for their services, like everyone else, but that is not now. Now, the
services are not there.
I think that all who have replied have valid points. I am a librarian at a
library for the blind. Most of my patrons are seniors and do need a more
simplified version of technology. However, we have an aging society of more
technological people who will demand access to entertainment, education and
employment.
Have a wonderful day.
Valerie
----Original Message-----
From: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 4:41 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [VICUG-L] let's really think about this talking book situation
Hi all,
Before I get flamed on this, because I'm sure I will, hear me out on this,
ok?
I have a better idea for the talking book program than what everybody is
screaming for, at the moment.
First, the current talking book program was useful, but is not useful any
more. It's not because even if we go digital, we're still going to see only
20000 books produced each year, and how many books are published annually?
Try about 6000000, or more. So, the program is not even keeping up with the
number of books being published, so, what are the blind and disabled? Still
2nd class citizens, not keeping up on equal footing with able bodied folks.
Now, is there a better way? You bet there is, and here it is.
There are 2 better options.
1. Instead, use that 20 billion dollars a year to buy a handheld reading
machine for every blind and disabled person. This way they can read books,
mail, you name it, any printed document they like.
2. Even better, buy every blind and disabled person in America a fully
functioning pocket handheld computer, which can run Windows XP, or, Windows
Vista, and include a scanner with it, also either Kurzweil, openbook, or,
VIP reading software, so then they can read documents as mentioned in 1
above. Then, also include in that package, either Jaws for Windows, Window
Eyes, or, Freedom Box's System access, which would give them internet access
and word processing.
So folks, there are better ways of doing things then we have done them.
This will give the blind and disabled much more access to information, than
they would have through talking books.
If you agree with this, you may modify it, and send it all over the
internet, and to ACB and NFB, for being introduced as a resolution at their
conventions.
Let's change the way the blind and disabled get access, not only to the
printed word, but to all information.
Harry from Michigan
VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
Archived on the World Wide Web at
http://listserv.icors.org/archives/vicug-l.html
Signoff: [log in to unmask]
Subscribe: [log in to unmask]
VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
Archived on the World Wide Web at
http://listserv.icors.org/archives/vicug-l.html
Signoff: [log in to unmask]
Subscribe: [log in to unmask]
|
