COMPUTER USERS NETWORK NEWS
Adaptive Technology
for the Blind and Visually-Impaired
Vol IV, no. 3 Fall, 1998
Published quarterly by
Digit-Eyes
Blind Service Association
22 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
voice-mail: (312) 458-9006
Copyright 1998
Editor: Steve Zielinski
[log in to unmask]
Project Coordinator: David Porter
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to provide a vehicle for our consumers to
share information with each other. This is accomplished by
stimulating the pro-active involvement of our readers.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE
Subscription/Membership Information ....................... 3
Short Comments From the Editor
by Steve Zielinski ................................... 3
Choosing a Braille Embosser
by Kelly Pierce ...................................... 4
Product Review: The Aria Talking Notetaker
by Dan TeVelde ....................................... 8
Team Work ................................................. 10
SAP/Stevie Wonder Award Winners for 1998
by Steve Zielinski ................................... 11
Is Your Computer Male or Female?
Contributed by Peggy Butow ........................... 12
Technology for Independence: an Advocacy Role
by Kelly Pierce ...................................... 12
Did You Know?
Submitted by Nate Branson ............................ 14
FYI ....................................................... 16
TREASURES! ................................................ 17
DATES TO REMEMBER! ........................................ 18
All Digit-Eyes newsletters and other organizational information
are available on the internet. Go to our web page at
http://homepage.interaccess.com/~b_b to learn more. You can
always call the 24-hour voice-mail number at (312) 458-9006 to
get the latest on upcoming Digit-Eyes meetings and events.
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Subscription/Membership Information
A subscription for the Computer Users Network News is
included in the Digit-Eyes annual membership donation of fifteen
dollars or more. The newsletter is available on cassette tape or
in print. It is also accessible on-line. Each annual membership
entitles you to all four issues for that particular calendar
year.
To begin or renew your membership in our network, please
send your contribution, along with your name and address, to
Blind Service Association, indicating your intention to join
Digit-Eyes, and specifying in which of the above formats you wish
to receive your newsletters.
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Short Comments From the Editor
by Steve Zielinski
This is the first issue of the Digit-Eyes Newsletter in
which I write as the editor. It is quite a daunting task, and
the processes involved in creating this issue have given me even
more appreciation and respect for Cindy Brown's fine talent in
this endeavor. There is quite a lot to preparing this
newsletter. Without the dedicated efforts of those who contribute
articles, it could not be done. I would like to give a warm and
hearty thanks to all of you who have contributed to the outcome
of the newsletter through articles, support, and ideas. I am
delighted to have your continuing support in the future. Bring
on those needed articles!
Our print and cassette readers will find this issue's
Cognoscentae news in the July and August minutes, accompanying
this newsletter. Unfortunately we are behind on the recording of
the minutes of the Cognoscentae meetings, and limited capacity on
the cassettes means we can only record about two months' worth of
minutes. We will discuss, at the next Cognoscentae meeting, the
best means of disposition of the February through June meeting
minutes in the recorded and print formats. We will post this
issue, along with the February through August Cognoscentae
minutes, on the VICUG-L (Visually Impaired Computer Users Group)
mailing list, about the time you receive this print edition.
We would like to apologize to our readers of the cassette
edition for the incompletely erased tape provided in the last
issue. We have taken steps to solve this problem and hope and
believe it will not continue.
Also, related to Digit-Eyes is the good news that we have
now created our own web page. Specifically, Dave, in a recent
Cognoscentae meeting, challenged a number of us to work on HTML
and start learning to create web pages. A number of us agreed to
do so, helping each other out as needed. The person who felt
ready to give it a real college try and actually prepared the
first page turned out to be our very own Ann Byrne. She is a
delightful and entertaining member of Digit-Eyes and really knows
how to work quickly! And since Ann was eager to take up the page
project, we all agreed, in our usual democratic way, that she
should do it. Therefore, thanks to Ann's specific efforts, we
have our own web page. The address is:
http://homepage.interaccess.com/~b_b. Don't forget the tilde,
and do forget the www, there are no w's - it makes a difference!
Thank you Ann for your efforts. Also thanks go to Kelly Pierce,
and Dave Porter for taking the time to learn some HTML and taking
up the challenge. Because of all of our efforts, we have
managed, together, to have a local presence on the internet. We
also appreciate the space the Pittsburgh group, VIPACE, has given
Digit-Eyes on the web at their site in the past. You will find
back issues of the newsletters on our new site, and over time,
the site will develop and provide additional local content and
Digit-Eyes specific information.
Okay! Having said all that, let's get to the real business
of the newsletter. I hope you enjoy the articles in this issue.
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Choosing a Braille Embosser
by Kelly Pierce
Braille has come of age in this era of information
abundance. Scanning software and using the Internet give blind
people
electronic access to mountains of documents. Books and resources
and Braille translation software and embossers turn these
computer files into highly readable grade II Braille. For the
person who needs a Braille copy of something at home or at the
office, the dream of instant, affordable Braille is now a
reality. Prices for embossers are now less than $2,000 and
translation software easily works with older computers, allowing
the blind computer user to independently produce well formatted
and readable Braille on the cheap.
This article describes how to choose the Braille embosser
that most effectively meets user needs. I will not discuss the
Braille translation software needed to turn a computer file into
grade II Braille. The term "Braille embosser" is used throughout
this article rather than "Braille printer," as Braille embossers
actually physically change the paper going through them rather
than printing ink on it. Unlike ink print printers, Braille
embossers are a whole lot heavier and noisier, a unique
consideration if one is working in an open environment with
others likely to be bothered by the noise.
When most people shop for a Braille embosser, they usually
ask two questions: "how much does it cost," and, "how fast is
it?" Speed, expressed in characters per second, (cps), is only
one factor out of many. Blind computer users often rely on it as
it allows for a standard comparison from product to product.
Other factors that are equally important include quality of
Braille produced, reputation of manufacturer, reliability,
reputation of local dealer, user past experience with product,
availability of timely service and support, ease of operation,
clear and
understandable documentation, and manuals available in
well-formatted grade II Braille.
Price and speed as a comparison can be an illusion. In the
January, 1996 issue of the "Braille Monitor," an article states:
When designing a [Braille] printer, the manufacturer has
to make certain tradeoffs and compromises. It may be
possible to gain some apparent speed by using a shorter
line--at the cost of flexibility. And an embosser
employing a long line and rated by a conservative but
arduous test ... may look more unattractive than it
actually is. In short, a variety of factors should be
considered and balanced when making the decision to buy an
embosser. The prices of Braille printers have dropped over
the past few years. There are also many more models
available now than formerly. However, past a certain
point, the only way to achieve more speed or lower price
is to sacrifice the quality of the Braille produced.
The article identifies something that I noticed when I was
in the process of buying a Braille embosser in 1995 - reported
speeds by manufacturers are often significantly inflated and
there may not be a correlation between actual speed and price.
There is no standardized way speed is calculated from
manufacturer to
manufacturer, so some companies goose the test for all that it is
worth. For example, Blazie Engineering determines speed by
timing how long it takes its Braille Blazer to produce one line
of Braille. Such tests never translate into the real world of
articles, letters, and reports that have more than one line and
multiple pages. When producing a "real document," such as a
Braille copy of the "Braille Monitor" in the speed test described
in the article, the Braille Blazer actually produces only 8
characters per second while the manufacturer claims it produces
15 cps, a variance of 47 percent between fantasy and reality.
Blazie Engineering wasn't the only one cooking the numbers on
Braille embossers. Telesensory Systems, apparently learning of
the evaluation, publicly lowered its published speeds for some of
its embossers before the article went to press.
One way to learn about approximate speed and get around the
numbers game is to ask how many pages does this embosser produce
in an hour? This allows you to match the speed of the printer to
the amount of Braille one would actually read or need.
Before I talked with any dealer or vendor in my search I did
some homework, such as obtaining lists describing different
Braille embossers and their costs. One such list is available
from http://www.nfb.org. Go to the technology section on the
page. This is a resource I used when searching for my own
embosser. A more up-to-date resource, not requiring access to
the World Wide Web, is available from the federally-funded
AbleData, (800) 227-0216. Written results of a database search
are $5 for 50 products and $10 for the next 50. If you have
access to the web you can search the site yourself at
http://www.abledata.com. In Illinois you can contact the
Illinois Assistive Technology Project, (800) 852-5110. The
Disability Research Network, (800) 447-4221 also can search the
AbleData resources and will provide a written list with product
descriptions and prices for free. All three services will fill
your request in Braille or on computer disk and of course print.
Ask for the format of your choice. From these lists, it is easy
to winnow down to the three to five products that are real
prospects and come closest to meeting your needs.
One need that people sometimes ponder is interpoint or
single-sided embossers. Sometimes people think that if they get
an interpoint embosser, they can operate a Braille business.
Like any job, training and experience are key. Good transcribers
are certified by the Library of Congress and have had some
experience transcribing and proofreading for someone else.
Additionally, the business is predominated by government
agencies, charities, not-for profit organizations, and lots of
private fundraising to subsidize it. Commercial opportunities
may be limited. Interpoint machines, those that produce Braille
on both sides of a page, cost
significantly more than single sided embossers. Moreover, they
may need more repair as the paper dust can clog the machine and
cause it to produce poor quality Braille. For most individual
users, the costs saved in using less Braille paper will not match
the
additional cost of an interpoint embosser and additional
maintenance.
Now that the consumer has identified a few products and
their manufacturers, it is now time to contact dealers and see
products demonstrated. It is best to do this in person, rather
than receiving brochures and Braille samples from embossers by
mail. Doing it in person allows the consumer to get a feel for
how easy the product is to use and the way the embosser handles
the paper, as well as how it returns to the top of form. If you
are blind, request a real "hands on" demonstration where you, the
user, manipulate the product, execute several commands which
control the embosser by yourself, adjust the force the embosser
head hits the paper, change margins, and Braille something. If a
manufacturer, vendor or dealer is uncomfortable or refuses this
kind of
inspection, look elsewhere. This is the only way a blind person
can thoroughly examine a Braille embosser and answer critical
questions such as ease of use and durability. Reluctance to
offer this type of "hands on" experience of their product tells
the user much about the manufacturer and its understanding and
sensitivity of the needs and lives of blind end users.
One of the best and easiest ways to do side by side hands on
comparisons of all the embossers on your list at once is at a
convention of a blindness organization, which is what I did when
a national convention of a consumer organization was in Chicago
in 1995. These in person demonstrations told me a lot. With one
embosser, the Braille Comet, the paper jammed. The Braille
appeared mushy on another, the Everest. Telesensory's Thiel
could not find the top of page. It is also possible to sense how
fast the embosser produces Braille, despite manufacturers'
claims. This allowed me to discover that the VersaPoint from
Telesensory Systems, priced at $3,795, was not much different
from the Romeo 25 from Enabling Technologies, priced at $1,995 at
the time. Later the "Monitor" test would show that there is a 32
percent variance between the 40 characters per second claimed by
Telesensory and the actual 27.4 cps. The Romeo 25, embossed at
23.8 cps in the test, a variance of only 5 percent.
All the database searches and product demonstrations in the
world will not answer questions of product reliability, service,
dealer follow through, support, and consumer experience with the
product. The way to learn these issues is by talking with other
users of Braille embossers. Why did they choose their particular
product? Is it easy or difficult to use? Has the product needed
repair? How often? What was the quality of the work?
I did this process months before the convention so that I
could come back and ask my friends forgotten questions or more
detailed ones. Waiting until a few days before a buying decision
to do this step will not build confidence and comfort in your
choice. Use what you learn from other end users to narrow down
your list even further. For example, I cooled my enthusiasm for
the Everest after I learned from several people about its
frequent need for repair. I was cautious about Telesensory
Systems after several other blind end users described unpleasant
experiences with local dealers and company representatives when
they needed
assistance. Never omit this essential feedback step from your
search.
In the end, I bought the Romeo 25 from Enabling
Technologies. The Romeo was one of the first embossers produced.
It gained popularity in the 1980's for its solid durability and
quality of Braille produced. I checked out eight embossers at
that
convention. The Romeo was the only one with Braille coming from
the machine as crisp as a Perkins Brailler. Blind users with
whom I spoke loved the Romeo and were ecstatic about Enabling.
The company produces only embossing products. It was the only
company at the convention that had a blind computer user and
Braille reader demonstrate the product with me. Further,
Enabling employs blind computer users and Braille readers
throughout the company and in substantial levels of decision
making. The nearly 25-year-old company had a sterling reputation
from those with whom I spoke. I was tempted to buy the Braille
Blazer, but the small $300 price difference at the time tilted my
interest to a faster product, one that embosses on 11 by 11-1/2
inch paper, and a great company. The speech synthesis interface
on the Blazer interested me. However, I believed that for
average use, I would only need to know a few commands, which
would easily be memorized after a few months of use with or
without speech.
In the more than two years since buying the product, I
haven't been let down. Customer support has exceeded
expectations, walking me through setup and configuration of my
embosser long distance. Of course, my choice is not your choice.
Above all else,make your search for your ultimate Braille
embosser a fun, social, and educational learning experience.
(Kelly Pierce is a disability specialist at the Cook County
State's Attorney's Office where he assists victims of crime with
the criminal justice system. He serves as the advocacy
coordinator for Digit-Eyes.)
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Product Review:
The Aria Talking Notetaker
by Dan TeVelde
Company Contact Information:
Robotron Pty.Ltd.
222 St. Kilda Road
St. Kilda 3182
Australia
Tel: +61 3 9525 5300
Fax: +61 3 9525 3560
Email: [log in to unmask]
Web: http://www.robotron.net.au
This article is a review of the Aria, a talking notetaker.
This product is manufactured by Robotron, an Australian company,
and is sold in the U.S. by Technologies for the Visually Impaired
of Smithtown, New York. Robotron has had a presence in the U.S.
adaptive technology market with such products as the Eureka, a
talking computer, and the Galileo reading machine. I decided to
write about the Aria because it has received little attention in
magazines reviewing computer technology for the blind. I would
like to thank John Panarese of Technologies for the Visually
Impaired for lending me an Aria to evaluate. He was also very
helpful in answering my many questions.
The Aria is a notetaker with a Braille keyboard, and speech
output. It looks similar to a Braille 'n Speak but the keys are
longer and flatter. In addition, there is a row of eight
function keys above the keyboard, and a five-key cursor pad to
the right of the Braille keyboard. The center key of this keypad
is the shift key which not only puts letters in upper-case, but
provides additional functions when used in combination with other
keys. The other cursor pad keys are used to move the cursor by
word,
character, sentence, paragraph, etc. They are also used to
navigate through the software menus.
The Aria is like other talking notetakers except it has some
unique features. It contains four RAM drives. One of the RAM
drives is a removable card used to update the machine with new
software, or for additional file storage. Three of the drives
are available for files created by the user. The fourth drive is
reserved for system software. In addition, an external disk
drive may be purchased for copying files to other computers, or
for backing up the machine. The Aria can accept DOS commands to
move, copy, delete, create, and format the RAM drives. The Aria
also has a word processor, calculator, clock, stopwatch,
calendar, and other functions which have become standard with
talking notetakers. Each function key accesses a different
application. Within the
applications the function keys have different meanings.
The word processor has a continuous insert mode. It is not
necessary to copy text to a clipboard before inserting it into a
file. Many of the formatting commands may be accessed through
menus within the word processor program rather than using chord
commands combining the space bar and other Braille keyboard keys.
The calendar program is quite similar to that in the Braille
'n Speak and other Blazie notetakers. Appointments may be set
for a specific date and time. The program can also search for
dates and calculate the difference between dates. One unique
aspect of this program is that because both date and time are
available, the Aria will turn itself on and speak the message
associated with a given appointment at the time it is supposed to
occur. In
addition, there are three reminder alarms which may be set to
remind an individual of routine activities. I found setting up
these functions quite easy. Unfortunately, I had a hard time
canceling them and each day the machine spoke reminder messages
at different times. After calling John Panarese I was able to
cancel this function.
The clock is like clocks found in other notetakers. One
novel feature is the selection of different sound effects for the
clock. These include a chime, rooster alarm, and a spoken alarm.
The machine will emit a loud train whistle if left on for a long
period of time. It is also possible to set two different times
based on time zones.
I did not have a chance to evaluate the calculator,
telecommunications program, and some other features of the
product as several other projects needed to be done while I was
borrowing the unit. The user manual was rather disappointing.
It had been written by the same people who developed the Eureka
talking computer, and assumed that a user would also be familiar
with that product. The manual did not talk about opening,
creating, and saving files until the last chapter of the book. I
also did not have a chance to experiment with the Braille to
print translation feature. The unit also allows a user to create
their own Braille code. This might be useful for someone who
would need to write foreign languages, or music Braille. The
machine also is
compatible with sound card software, and can play games, and read
WAV files. In the future, Robotron would like to develop an HTML
addition to the word processor.
I enjoyed evaluating the unit as it has many features, and
is available at a competitive price. The Braille keyboard took
some getting used to because of the longer, flatter keys. The
keys are made of a rubber membrane which provides a firm touch.
I found the speech somewhat difficult to understand. The setup
options for the speech included American and British English.
Even after choosing the American option I still had difficulty
understanding the speech. The synthesizer is supposed to be
DecTalk compatible but I did not find the speech as good as a
DecTalk synthesizer. The user manual also states that the speech
software uses "fuzzy logic" to determine how the synthesizer will
pronounce words. In most cases I was able to understand
individual letters by using the phonetic speaking mode where each
letter would be spoken using a word beginning with that letter.
I did have trouble
differentiating between the letters m and n outside the phonetic
speaking mode.
In spite of these drawbacks, I would recommend the product
for individuals needing a notetaker. I received excellent
technical support from John Panarese and have confidence in his
company. John Panarese can be reached by phone at (516) 724-4479.
Editor's Note: The Aria Talking Notetaker manual is
available in ASCII format at:
http://www.empowermentzone.com/aria_doc.zip.
(Dan TeVelde is a programmer, writing business applications
software for McDonald's Corp. He is chairperson of the Network's
Preview Crew.)
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Team Work
In this section we provide interested readers with
information about current activities in Digit-Eyes.
Computers for Dummies: During the July meeting of the
Computers for Dummies, Dan Duffy and Steve Zielinski talked about
installing software on one's computer. Also discussed was the
concept of archives and different types of archivers. Different
marketing methods for the sale of computer programs were also
covered, including shareware, freeware and commercial means of
distribution.
Lynx Squad: During the August Lynx Squad meeting, we
learned how to search for topics of interest by using a search
engine. We concentrated on Yahoo during the meeting. It was
also pointed out that often it is best for an internet user to be
familiar with a couple of different search engines, as different
engines have varying strengths and weaknesses.
Senior Team: During the September Senior Team meeting, Ann
Byrne explained universal keyboard window commands which a blind
or visually impaired user can use across all Windows applications
to manipulate information. Many examples were provided. She
explained how Windows can be used successfully by blind persons.
Many questions were asked and Ann was a real hit with the members
of the team.
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SAP/Stevie Wonder Award Winners for 1998
by Steve Zielinski
The SAP/Stevie Wonder Vision Awards for 1998 were given out
at a gala celebration in New York, on August 12. The awards
program was created by SAP, a leading German computer software
company, and Stevie Wonder, the musician. The purpose is to
spotlight computer technology companies and developers of access
technology which can help blind and visually impaired persons in
the work force. A total of $500,000 in award money was granted to
the winners in a variety of categories.
The Product of the Year award winner was Kurzweil
Educational Systems, for their development of the Kurzweil 1000
pc based reading machine. Some features include text editing,
white on black scanning and text enhancement for people with low
vision. The company, located in Waltham, Mass., can be reached at
the web address, http://www.kurzweiledu.com.
Sara Morley won the Pioneer of the Year award for her
educational training materials for Windows 95 designed to help
blind and visually impaired computer users understand the Windows
95 operating system. Her materials include a set of raised line
depictions of various Windows screens. Her work is available in
all media typically used by blind persons. Information about her
materials can be purchased from the Export Department, Royal
National Institute for the Blind, Peterborough, United Kingdom.
Her web site is located at http://www.winguide.co.uk.
Other organizations among the finalists included:
GW Micro, Inc. of Fort Wayne, Ind. Their products include
Window-Eyes - a screen reading program for the Windows 3.1, 95,
and 98 environments; Vocal-Eyes - a DOS screen reader; Sounding
Board - a synthesizer which includes capitalization alert, format
alert, fast forward and rewind. They also produce the external
Speak-Out synthesizer which contains similar functionality. They
can be reached at http://www.gwmicro.com.
Control Advancements of Kitchener, Ontario, which produces
the VRM (Virtual Reality Mouse). This device gives users a
tactile representation of the Windows GUI environment, allowing a
user to feel his/her way around the Windows screen. Contact the
company at http://www.controladv.com.
F.H. Papenmeier GmbH & Co., which produces the BrailleX, a
2-d Braille display with keyboard allowing the user to interface
with Windows and OS2 operating systems. The company can be
contacted in Schwerte, Germany, or in the U.S. contact Sighted
Electronics Inc. at http://www.sighted.com.
(Abstracted from an article written by Marc Ferranti of
InfoWorld Electric, as posted to the VICUG-L mailing list on
August 16, 1998.)
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Is Your Computer Male or Female?
Contributed by Peggy Butow
As you are aware, ships have long been characterized as
being female (e.g., "Steady as she goes," or "She's listing to
starboard, Captain!"). Recently, a group of computer scientists
(all males) announced that computers should also be referred to
as being female. Their reasons for drawing this conclusion
follow.
Five Reasons to Believe Computers are Female
1. No one but the Creator understands their internal logic. 2.
The native language they use to communicate with other
computers is incomprehensible to everyone else.
3. The message "Bad command or file name" is about as
informative as, "If you don't know why I'm mad at you, then
I'm certainly not going to tell you."
4. Even your smallest mistakes are stored in long-term memory
for later retrieval.
5. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself
spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.
However, another group of computer scientists (all female)
think that computers should be referred to as if they were male.
Their reasons follow.
Five Reasons to Believe Computers are Male
1. They have a lot of data, but are still clueless.
2. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the
time they are the problem.
3. As soon as you commit to one you realize that, if you had
waited a little longer, you could have obtained a better
model.
4. In order to get their attention, you have to turn them on.
5. Big power surges knock them out for the rest of the night.
---------------
Technology for Independence:
an Advocacy Role
by Kelly Pierce
On Monday, July 20, Dave Porter and Kelly Pierce met with
the legal consortium for persons with disabilities on behalf of
Digit-Eyes, The Chicago Blind Computer Users Network. The
consortium is comprised of Chicago area organizations that
provide legal services on disability rights to people with
disabilities. The meeting included representatives from the Legal
Assistance Foundation, Equip for Equality (the federally funded
protection and advocacy organization serving Illinois), Access
Living (the center for independent living serving the city of
Chicago), the Center for Disability and Elder Law (formerly Legal
Clinic for the Disabled), and CARPLES. Equip for Equality is a
test litigation and class action law firm funded by the federal
government to mostly litigate cases involving the
deinstitutionalization and institutional abuse of those who are
mentally ill or developmentally disabled. The firm received
$58,112 for 1998 for litigation and advocacy work on assistive
technology from the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals
with Disabilities Act of 1988 as amended in 1993. These funds are
to be used only for litigation and legal advocacy on technology
issues in Illinois. Other states receive funding for this
purpose based on population size and density.
Kelly began the presentation by describing why he is
devoting much of his personal time to technology access for
people with disabilities. He continued by reminding the group
how technology and automation marches on and that now many
services must be performed through technology and that people
with disabilities must use this technology to participate in
society. Examples were ATM machines, automated fare collection on
the "L", subway, and buses, and the food stamp program
eliminating the use of coupons and using an electronic debit
system. He then described the network's three past projects on
technology access advocacy: ATM and teller access at First
Chicago Bank, catalog and information services access at the
Chicago Public Library, and textbook, computer, and computer
network access at the University of Illinois. He concluded by
referencing online resources for more information and discussing
issues of technology familiarization by counsel, use of a
technology expert, end-user responsibilities, and cost of
technology accommodation.
Dave Porter focused on technology access in employment. He
made clear the network's position that while use of technology is
essential in today's work world, access to it alone will not
resolve the many barriers that the blind job seeker faces.
Attitudinal barriers of employers and skill deficits among some
blind applicants cannot be overcome by technology. At the same
time, Dave outlined several real barriers that the blind job
applicant faces. One of these is cost. With access to a
computer using speech costing more than the computer itself in
today's world of sub-$1,000 pc's, employers may be reluctant to
hire an employee with these financial burdens. Medium and larger
employers find it easier to absorb this cost than small employers
and small
businesses. While vocational rehabilitation can pay for job
accommodations, the Illinois Department of Human Services rarely
can provide the accommodations in the time frames needed by an
employer. Most employers need applicants to start within weeks
of a hiring decision, rather than the months that rehab usually
takes.
Another issue explored was inaccessibility and
compatibility. It was pointed out that some employers justify
hiring denials by saying that their computing environment was
inaccessible or incompatible with access technology. Dave
discussed the need to obtain a basis for reaching such a
conclusion, particularly if the employer is not using off-the-
shelf software or technology for which the access potential is
already known. Typically, if an adapted technology specialist
has not visited the work site to try using adapted technology
and/or reviewed written materials about configuration and
software used, we said that a determination of access is tenuous
at best.
Both Dave and Kelly said that a successful legal strategy
would include a specialist who is familiar with the installation,
configuration, and feasibility of various adapted technology
products and services. Few end users have this expertise. This
specialist can evaluate feasibility claims and barriers put
forward by the defendant who is failing to provide access while
at the same time assisting counsel in determining the realistic
access
potential.
Dave and Kelly both discussed the new paradigm of shared
responsibility for access between the end user with a disability
and the entity providing the service or accommodation. In both
public access and job accommodations, technology access requires
the end user to share responsibility to make access happen.
Effective access happens through pro-active initiative,
coordination of services or service units, and education of
various parties of how blind persons use computers and how
certain actions or efforts will result in the ability to
participate as fully as non-disabled persons. If a college
student needs access to computer services, it is expected that
the student identify his or her needs and request access to
specific software in particular locations several weeks prior to
use. By the same token, a blind job applicant is expected to be
aware of technology funding programs, adapted technology likely
to be used on the job, and organizations that could set up a job
site if the applicant wishes to assert a right of speedy hire.
Otherwise, time may be needed by the employer and the applicant
to learn about and explore all these options while one waits to
start a job or is passed over because of the delays.
Questions included our interpretation of the proposed
accessibility guidelines for the Telecommunications Act of 1996
and the participation of end users with disabilities in
understanding the potential and limitation of technology for
independence.
It is hoped that other groups of blind computer users
initiate such dialogues with the legal community in their local
area.
---------------
Did You Know?
Submitted by Nate Branson
1. Woodlake Technology in Chicago is offering one-day courses
in speech recognition systems and introduction to screen readers.
2. www.ubid.com offers online auction of electronic equipment
starting as low as $7. (Source: WTMJ Computer Talk Show).
3. Compaq Computer Company plans to deliver computers with
installed cable modems by the end of this year. (Source: The New
York Times).
4. Cable modems and asymmetrical digital subscriber lines with
some configuration can download at speeds of four megs. (Source:
New York Times).
5. Digital Signal Processors are specialized chips that perform
high speed math computations with voice data and video signals in
devices such as wireless phones, digital cameras, and compact
disc players. (Source: New York Times).
6. More than 55,000 people tuned in in June to watch the birth
of a baby boy on the internet. So many people tried to tune in
that the seven internet service providers set up to handle the
demand could not keep up. (Source: CNN Science and Technology).
7. IBM plans to enter the digital signal processor $3.1 billion
global market, a market in which Texas Instruments has a 45
percent share. (Source: New York Times).
8. The Cross Pad from Cross Pen Company converts ink written on
ordinary pads into an electronic file that can be uploaded into a
computer. (Source: Computer Chronicles).
9. The computer game industry is a $5 billion a year market.
70 percent of computer gamers are over the age of 18, and 1/3 are
women. (Source: CNET Central).
10. There are over 28,000 adult web sites on the net. (Source:
CNET Central). (Editor's Note: You can be sure this figure will
be out of date by the time you read this.)
11. Online adult sites generated $925 million in 1997. (Source:
CNET Central).
12. Search engines are the key to letting people know about your
web site. There is a free search engine submission service
called WebPedia which will list your web site with 20 of the top
search engines and directories. (Source: CNET Central).
13. It is expected that a billion dollars worth of advertising
will be done on the net this year. The majority of it will be in
computer and financial service products.
14. In San Jose, California, microphones are installed over the
city, so that, when a gun is fired, the audio signal is sent to a
computer. The location of the shot can be triangulated to within
a few feet of the shot's location. (Source: the book - "One
Digital Day").
15. An America Online study states women make up 52% of their
user base.
16. There are more than 17,000 personal camera sites on the
internet. (Source: The Web TV Show).
17. Animal shelters are inserting micro chips in pets. When the
animal is lost and then found, it can be scanned and traced back
to its owner. (Source: CNET Central).
18. AOL has signed a marketing agreement with Packard-Bell,
Compaq, NEC, and IBM, making AOL the preferred internet service
on their computers. Users can access pre-installed software
during their start-up. (Source: CNET Central).
19. COMPUSA, the nation's largest computer seller, is buying
Computer City from Tandy for $275 million. (Source: New York
Times).
20. COMPUSA offers built-to-order computers. (Source: New York
Times).
21. There are more than 300 million worldwide users of the
Windows operating system and 6 million users of the Linux
operating system, a freeware version of the Unix operating
system. (Source: New York Times).
---------------
FYI
BRL, Inc. offers a number of items of interest to the blind
computer user in accessible formats. Included among its
offerings are:
A Verbal View of Windows
(a descriptive tutorial of Windows 95/98; no prior PC
knowledge is assumed)
E-Mail Disks for the Blind
(includes names of blind e-mail lists and how to join, and a
directory of nearly five thousand e-mail addresses of blind
e- mail users)
Freeware and Shareware Disks
(contains "lots of useful and fun programs" that are
accessible with screen reader and voice synthesizer)
Program Documentation in Braille
(documentation of some Microsoft programs, such as Microsoft
Word and Microsoft Access)
Directory of Services and Suppliers
(lists more than 600 service and product providers of
special interest to the blind, in more than 40 categories)
Further details are available upon request from:
BRL, Inc.
110 Commerce Drive
Suite 210
Fayetteville, GA 30214
TEL: (770) 716-9222
FAX: (770) 716-9599
E-MAIL: [log in to unmask]
The following radio and television shows may be of interest
to our readers:
Sundays--11:00 AM, "TV.com," ABC, Channel 7, Chicago
Sundays--3:30 PM, "Life on the Internet," WYCC, Channel 20,
Chicago
Sundays--4:00 PM, "Computer Chronicles," WYCC, Channel 20,
Chicago
Tuesdays--9:00 PM, "Real Computing," WDCB, 90.5-FM, Glen
Ellyn
Fridays--8:30 PM, "Computer Chronicles," WYCC, Channel 20,
Chicago
Saturdays--11:00 AM, computer show, WMVP Radio, 1000-AM,
Chicago
Saturdays--8:00 PM, "Computer Talk with Kim Kommando," WLS
Radio, 890-AM, Chicago
Saturdays--10:00 PM, "WGNradio.com," WGN Radio, 720-AM,
Chicago
If you know of other technology-related shows that are not
included here, please contact Steve Zielinski through the voice-
mail, (312) 458-9006, or e-mail him at [log in to unmask]
---------------
TREASURES!
Planning on upgrading to a Pentium and wishing for a home
for your 486? Got a Braille 'n Speak classic you aren't using
any more? An old synthesizer? How about an out-of-date,
beginner-ready copy of a computer tutorial?
List what you've got in the Treasures column, the Computer
Users Network home for wonderful things that their current owners
have used and loved and don't need any more! Ann Byrne is your
contact person. You can reach her by leaving your name and phone
number on the BSA voice-mail line, and be sure to indicate you
want to speak to Ann Byrne. That number is: (312) 458-9006. Or
simply e-mail her at [log in to unmask]
FOR SALE:
One Double Talk external speech synthesizer,
in excellent working condition,
bought new in 1995.
Bought new, sells for $299.
Available for $100.00 or best offer,
from Cindy Brown: (773) 769-3913 ext. 551.
---------------
DATES TO REMEMBER!
All events listed below take place at Blind Service
Association, 9th floor, unless otherwise indicated. You can also
call the BSA voice-mail line for more up-to-date information at
(312) 458-9006. All are welcome to these meetings, so come on by
and participate!
1st Saturday of each month, Monthly Seminar, 9:00 AM--NOON
**********
Oct. 3, 1998: Using Peapod Internet Grocery Shopping
Service. (Demonstrating Peapod with access technology.)
Nov. 7, 1998: Using Faxing Software - Sending and Receiving
Faxes with Access Technology.
Dec. 5, 1998: Real Audio On The Internet (demonstrations).
Jan. 2, 1999 - NO MEETING. ENJOY THE NEW YEAR!!!
1st Wednesday of each month, Monthly All-Write (newsletter)
Meeting, 5:30 PM--7:00 PM. (For those interested in helping
with the newsletter.)
**********
Oct. 7, 1998
Nov. 4, 1998
Dec. 2, 1998
Jan. 6, 1999
Note: Dec. 2, 1998 is the deadline for articles for the December
newsletter. Submit articles to Steve Zielinski, via e-mail
or as a file attachment, ([log in to unmask]). You can also
submit an article on IBM compatible disc or audio cassette,
leaving it in the Will-Call drawer at BSA, 11th floor.
2nd Wednesday of each month, Cognoscentae Meeting (Digit-Eyes
governing board), 5:30 PM--7:30 PM
**********
Oct. 14, 1998
Nov. 11, 1998
Dec. 9, 1998
Jan. 13, 1999
2nd Thursday of each month, Lynx Squad, (internet activities),
5:30 PM--7:30 PM
**********
Oct. 8, 1998
Nov. 12, 1998
Dec. 10, 1998
Jan. 14, 1999
3rd Thursday of each month, Senior Team Meeting, 10:00 AM--NOON
**********
Oct. 15, 1998, Topic TBA
Nov. 19, 1998, Topic TBA
Dec. 17, 1998, Topic TBA
Jan. 21, 1999, Topic TBA
4th Saturday of each month, Computers for Dummies, 6:00 PM--8:00
PM **********
Oct. 22, 1998, Topic TBA
Nov. 26, 1998, Thanksgiving Day. NO MEETING, ENJOY THE
HOLIDAY!!!
Dec. 24, 1998, Christmas Eve. NO MEETING, ENJOY THE
HOLIDAY!!!
Jan. 28, 1999, Topic TBA
VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
To join or leave the list, send a message to
[log in to unmask] In the body of the message, simply type
"subscribe vicug-l" or "unsubscribe vicug-l" without the quotations.
VICUG-L is archived on the World Wide Web at
http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/vicug-l.html
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