From: Jonathan Mosen <[log in to unmask]>

Have you ever had a technology question but you weren't sure which of
theee many blindness-related e-mail lists would consider it on-topic? Have
you ever wished there was one forum where any technology-related question
could be discussed freely? Then wish no longer, and subscribe to
Blindtech, the Blindness Technology Discussion Egroup.

On Blindtech, any technology used by blind people is on-topic. That means
any screen reader, any operating system, any piece of software a blind
person is trying to use, any blindness-specific products, any technology
where access by blind people may depend on brand selection. Are you
wanting a speech friendly e-mail client? Want to install Windows
independently? Do you want to hear experiences with different voice
organisers? Are you looking for someone to repair your old Perkins?

But the brief of this list is even wider than purely blindness-related
technology. What is the easiest VCR for a blind person to use? What
factors need to be taken into account when a blind person is buying a
cellphone? How easy are different digital tuners to set independently as a
blind person? What are the pitfalls a blind person must look out for when
purchasing a printer?

So if you have technology questions or comments, there's no need to worry
about whether a message is on-topic. If it's related to any technology,
it's on-topic for blindtech.

We will also refer people to expertise on more topic-specific lists for
people who might want further assistance. It is hoped that this list, as
well as serving as a useful forum, will also help to minimise off-topic
questions on more specific mailing lists.

As people contribute to the group, the messages will be archived on the
web and will gradually serve as a great resource for people searching for
knowledge on a wide range of blindness-related issues.

And best of all, we have an interactive chat room where you can actually
speak with other list members. The chat room is open 24 hours a day, but
we will also be scheduling and announcing special chat forums on specific
subjects. Topics to be covered in the near future include high speed
Internet access, using Internet Explorer 5, and e-mail clients. We'll have
a panel of experts knowledgeable in each of these subjects, and you can
ask questions or contribute to the knowledge pool.

The list is an open one, but is regularly checked to ensure the
environment is pleasant and that exchanges take place in an atmosphere of
mutual respect.

Join blindtech now by sending a blank e-mail to
[log in to unmask]

If you haven't done so already, you may also wish to register at
http://www.egroups.com so you can be a part of our interactive chat room.

Looking forward to seeing you over on Blindtech.

Jonathan Mosen
Blindtech List Moderator


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