all the current technology is still based on that which came before it. Operating systems haven't changed that much, we have a few new interface types and greater computing power. Under the hood, its still mostly the same.

Also, I do keep on top of current technology, so, I am not exactly out of date.

-eric

On Nov 5, 2013, at 2:30 PM, Colin McDonald wrote:

> Eric:
> I am curious, does 30 years experience in the computer field mean much these 
> days?
> 30 years experience in anything is worth allot don't get me wrong, but 
> methinks that with the vast changes in computer technology in the last 
> decade, does the previous two decades of experience really help when it 
> comes to the intimate knowledge of the technology you are working with?
> There must be some commonalities across the field from 30 years ago until 
> now, but so much has changed in the field.
> Or, perhaps, it's more a matter of same crap different pile when it comes to 
> software and hardware...basically doing the same things, just faster, 
> smaller and more efficient than it was 30 years ago?
> A CPU is still a CPU, it's just more powerful, faster and a fraction of the 
> size.  I suspect the same is true with software...there were the same sorts 
> of needs 30 years ago as now, the software has just become more integral in 
> the operations.
> 73
> Colin, V A6KX
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "eric oyen" <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2013 1:37 PM
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: Wages for Blind Employees
> 
>> I agree. Go for the highest you can conceivably get. Braille readers are =
>> rare these days, and the demand is higher, so you can easily get a =
>> higher wage for that skill. Combine that with computer skills and you =
>> have a 1 - 2 punch.
>> 
>> As a computer specialist myself, I have been able to earn upwards of $65 =
>> an hour (privately). considering the almost 30 years of "in the field" =
>> experience I bring to the table, I would expect no less from an employer =
>> Even at 48 years old, I still have the ability to learn new tasks at =
>> nearly the same rate as a 20 year old. THis I see as an advantage that =
>> no employer should do without. If they don't hire me, then they are =
>> losing out (and costing themselves more money by having to train someone =
>> new to the job).
>> 
>> Anyway, thats my 2 cents worth.
>> 
>> -eric
>> 
>> On Nov 5, 2013, at 12:15 PM, Colin McDonald wrote:
>> 
>>> that is pretty ambiguous.
>>> is it a not for proffit organization?  if so, then monitary =
>> reimbursment=20
>>> will be low.
>>> If you are working as a contracter, or consultant, then you can charge =
>> what=20
>>> anyone in that field would charge probably $30 an hour for your skill =
>> set.
>>> Likely a not for proffit, so your more than probably looking at =
>> minimum=20
>>> wage, or slightly higher due to their low operating budget.
>>> It has nothing to do with being blind, forget about being blind.  Ask =
>> for=20
>>> what you think your computer skills, and proof reading skills, and =
>> braille=20
>>> reading skills are worth to an employer.
>>> These are pretty specific skill sets that are not easy to find for an=20=
>> 
>>> employer.
>>> Don't low ball because some employers will think you don't value your =
>> skills=20
>>> and abilities and are therefore less compitent.  Always shoot high =
>> because=20
>>> that gives the employer room to negociate and it insures you will get =
>> what=20
>>> you can from them as far as pay.
>>> They will have a range in mind.  What they will offer you will be =
>> based on=20
>>> experience, knowledge skills and abilities and your ability to perform =
>> the=20
>>> tasks and duties required in the job.
>>> If you feel confident that you can perform the tasks and duties fully =
>> and=20
>>> with your braille reading experience and computer experience, you =
>> should=20
>>> probably be at the top of that range.
>>> People that do similar jobs around here make between 22 and 28 bucks =
>> an hour=20
>>> working for an organization.  As a private consulant or contracter, 30 =
>> an=20
>>> hour is the minimum starting point and typically goes up from there=20
>>> depending on the complexity of the work and other factors.
>>> That might sound high, but if you think about it, when you hire or =
>> employ a=20
>>> person with very specific skill sets, you have to pay for those skills =
>> more=20
>>> so than someone who has general skills or common skills.  When you =
>> have a=20
>>> plummer come in to fix your dripping tap, does he charge 10 bucks an =
>> hour, I=20
>>> don't think so.  Does he charge 50, more likely more than that =
>> even...and it=20
>>> is accepted by most people because of the specialized knowledge and =
>> skill=20
>>> set he brings.
>>> Reading braille, using braille translation software and other adaptive =
>> tech=20
>>> is a pretty specific skill set that you bring to the table.  Make sure =
>> you=20
>>> value that and get appropriately compensated for it.
>>> =20
>>> Regards
>>> Colin
>>> --------------------------------------------------
>>> From: "Mark WZ0K" <[log in to unmask]>
>>> Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2013 11:56 AM
>>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>>> Subject: Wages for Blind Employees
>>> =20
>>>> Hi
>>>>  I am just wondering, since I am going in for an interview soon, =
>> what =3D
>>>> types of wages can I expect? The organization translates phone bills =
>> and =3D
>>>> other documents in to brail for blind people. They are looking mainly =
>> =3D
>>>> for a proof reader, as well as, someone with computer skills. I am =3D
>>>> excited about this opportunity, but it is hard to know what they =
>> might =3D
>>>> offer in monitory reimbursement.
>>>>  Any information, or insights are appreciated.=3D20
>>>> =20
>>>> God bless,
>>>> Mark=20