(1)  i CERTAINLY would never suggest that today's group ought to have it
tough just because us oldtimers did.  That would have no positive value.

What I am saying by relating to this point are the positive values of not
having it easy is that it taught toughness, forced one to be creative,
seek the understanding of others, learn resourcefulness, appreciate what
one had, and gain a fuller understanding that a handicap does leave one
with limitations that require dealing with.  While making it easier to
navigate the academic system has many benefits for students, unless that
school experience includes some of the above, the student will be less
prepared to deal with the real world once exiting the ivory tower.  That's
the point.  Blind people to succeed need to develop these skills as much
as anything else.
That is as important, and perhaps more important, than the academics.

(2)  A group that places its success on receiving entitlements will never
build respect and good will.  .  In order to attain true success on an
ongoing basis, goodwill is essential.

That Google has been such an innovative company in dealing with the
handicapped makes the thought of immediately taking legal action against
them repulsive  to me.  Remember those msgs about the intelligent cars;
think about their various special search pages, et al.
and, even in this bruhaha over their applications, NFB has acknowledged
the company's willingness.
Doesn't it occur to anyone that one legal action will undo years and years
of positiveness and diminish a company's willingness to voluntarily
co-operate in the future.

(3)  Software and electronic devices are a tricky issue for many reasons. 
For one thing, they are intended to be visual in many aspects; and just
some things cannot be translated neatly into things a blind individual
lacking any sight can do.
For another, you are dealing with a moving target as applications and
devices are undergoing continual development and changes.  Therefore, it
is ridiculous to expect everything to be usable at all times; and this
mandates a spirit of co-operation be established.  You don't build willing
co-operation by hitting someone over the head with a hammer or threatening
them.  You want willing co-operation not forced compliance.

(4)  Speaking of voluntary co-operation, how could the blind become among
the most attractive groups to hire?  Through tax policy.

As an example, if the tax code were changed to give employers a tax credit
of up to a year's salary and benefits paid to anyone taken off the
SSI/SSDI rolls, bet you that a door would be beaten to seek such potential
hires.  For those not familiar with the term credit, unlike a tax
deduction, a tax credit cuts one's tax obligation dollar for dollar paid.

Do something like that and not only will you see more attempts to find
elligible workers, but companies may go out of their way to accommodate,
obtain technology, and all the rest.

(5)  Ever thought about the cost of litigation.  Sure, government agencies
pay the litigant costs which is a drain of tax dollars.  And many of you
love the notion of hitting those so-called rich evil corporations, the
companies  that employ family members, friends, neighbors, bring shopping
opportunities to your neighborhood or community, and websites to shop
online, etc.  But did you ever think of the cost to society as defending
suits is a cost which reduces net income and hence taxes paid to state and
the US Treasury.  And, oh yes, costs of doing business end up being passed
onto consumers in prices of goods and services.

Wrapping up: , want the public to respect a lawsuit whether or not they
agree with the premise.  Well, how about the national organizations paying
the bills for them, or sending each member a bill for $100 or $1,000 or
whatever for each intended action.  Bet you that you'd evaluate the matter
more carefully if you had to fund the action; and also bet you that your
national leaders would do less pr media releases and flapping of their
mouths
and more careful reflection and behind-the-scenes work each time something
happened.  A spirit of co-operation would increase


Yes, I agree that, at the moment, you may have the law on your side; but
the law is an ever changing thing which you may have today but have taken
away tomorrow.  So respect what you have and beg your national leaders to
use it discretely and with care as if they and you were spending money out
of your own personal wallets.  Overuse or abuse what you have and you will
be calling attention to it which may result in legislative bodies taking
it away from you.  Use it responsibly and with care, and you win respect
which is a key in winning friends and influencing people.  I realize that
this is not how advocacy groups think and act; but if they did, they
wouldn't be receiving as much scrutiny as they are either.
.


Worship: The spontaneous expression of the heart to the glory of God.
Anonymous


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