Begin forwarded message:

> I have here an email from a list member. There is a link to the bbd article on my facebook http://facebook.com/marrie
> 
> I can't believe a company would have the balls to do this. Anyways here is the email. If I get permission I will be putting the contents on my blog. The guys contact info is below. if you want to follow him on twitter etc.
> 
> Take care all.
> 
> Ladies and Gentlemen, 
> 
> Please forgive my email but a very valuable piece of information has been brought to my attention that affects blind IT users everywhere who use apple hardware.
> 
> For those who know and those who don't. Samsung Electronics has filed a patent removal case against Apple. inc over the accessibility component called "Voiceover" also it's other assistive technology components developed over iOS.
> 
> To set the record straight on this, Voiceover for both OS X and iOS is developed by apple and NOT samsung electronics. The assistive technologies pack built into iOS is developed by Apple and NOT samsung. 
> 
> With this attack from Samsung against apple, If a court rules in favour of Samsung, Apple will be forced to remove Voiceover and all assistive components related to the iOS interface. This will affect all blind and visually impaired / print impaired users as well as those with complex learning and communication disabilities.
> 
> We as a disabled community must stand firm and support the necessary bodies connected to fighting against Samsung Electronics challenge against apple. If Samsung are allowed to continue, they would be found guilty through a class action suit of disability discrimination and human rights violations.
> 
> So that anyone on the internet reads this message, If you're a manufacturer or developer of hardware / software, understand that disabled people use your products and have an equal right to use your products as well as you. Imagine if you will, a situation where you woke up to see nothing but black for the rest of your life and have to rely on your other senses to work for you, you won't be able to drive, read a newspaper, NOTHING AT ALL! without support and adaptive technologies and toools. These products exist for a reason, to promote equality.
> 
> Please forgive this off topic email. We must do something proactive and legal to make ourselves heard. We are human, just like the rest. Just because we cannot see clearly or at all, does not mean we cannot exist in this world. When we are walked all over, do we not feel pain?  When we are wounded, do we not cry out?  We are equal to all others and just because our bodies are impaired in one way or another, Don't shut us out. We are just like you!
> 
> sincerest apologies to all who read this and to our moderator.
> 
> take care
> 
> lew
> 
> Edward Redfern
> Vintage Mower Restorer.
> E-Mail: [log in to unmask]
> Twitter: redfernmowers
> Website: http://redfernvintagemowers.wordpress.com
> Breathing life back in to old equipment, one day at a time.
>