I think your right Jim, as to the point that blind people have to stop
expecting free rides; however, I think consideration needs to be given to
the fact that training in many cases may take longer to learn to use the
adaptive equipment.  Perhaps this part of the training could be either
free or reduced, and the software package be priced similar to that payed
by folks who are sighted.

On Fri, 27 Mar 1998, Jim Vaglia - TRFN Volunteer wrote:

> I wonder how people would feel if you had to pay a small fee for quality
> training at computer centers?  Computer stores and community colleges ask
> sighted folks to pay a fee for classes.  I imagine the fee structure being
> something like $50 for a single class and perhaps $200 for a package of
> classes.  This would be a onetime fee with the state rehab agency or
> perhaps private computer industry helping to pick up the rest of the tab.
> If we want to be like the sighted people then we need to stop expecting to
> receive things for free.  I do however think it is reasonable to ask to
> pay an affordable fee for services.
> Jim
>