Harry,
My team is working on the world's most affordable talking computer, and
even though it is quite easy to use, it happens to be based on linux. It
uses a Raspberry Pi computer, and the entire kit will probably be around
US$120, depending on shipping and other factors which we are still
researching.
We have not yet officially launched, but we are looking for testers, and
this gentleman could be one of them. However, we do not have the
resources to look for him online, as we are working towards some rapidly
approaching deadlines. If you or someone you know could help us reach
him, I would appreciate the help.
Thanks,
Fernando
On 09/04/2018 05:56 PM, Harry Brown wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I just saw this email on the blind bargains podcast 155 page, I will
> quote it here, then some comments after.
>
> "Hi! I'm Marcos Miranda, a US citizen in the Philippines. I'm
> completely blind since April 2018, a month before my 48th birthday.
> The eye doctor here in the Philippines claims I've Diabetic
> Retinopathy and says I need $3,500 (equivalent from Philippine Pesos)
> for surgery on my right eye as my left eye is dead. I disagreed with
> the doctor because I know my blindness was caused by long-term
> clinical stress from psychological torture beyond my control. Since
> mid-June, I'm taking herbal medicine and my vision is slowly returning
> in both of my eyes. If you would like to know more, please feel free
> to ask me.
> Prior to becoming completely blind in April 2018, I've completed 35
> years of computer science. On July 21, 2018, I ended working the Linux
> operating system after 21 years.
> What frustrates me at being blind, is the fact that I know how all
> this assistive technology is built and I can't use any of my knowledge
> for my benefit! For example, I had been doing speech synthesis
> projects since 1986 and artificial intelligence projects since 1988.
> Prior to moving to the Philippines, I was born in Massachusetts and
> grew up in Seattle. I've been SSA disabled since 2003 and awaiting
> "upgrade" due to doctor's certificate of my blindness.
> I am strictly an Android user. I'm typing this message on a Bluetooth
> keyboard linked to my LG phone. I listen to your podcasts using TuneIn
> Radio Pro that I purchased almost 5 years ago.
> Is Blind Bargains focused on wealthy blind people? I can't afford any
> Apple devices and most of the products you talk about are technology I
> will never experience in my lifetime. If I still had vision, I could
> build the stuff I cannot afford! Most of your podcasts are mostly
> iOS-centric, making me feel depressed because I only have Android.
> For me to stay positive as a completely blind computer geek, I am
> actively posting into my Twitter account as @FilAmScientist. Due to
> change of focus, on August 21st, I deleted my tweets, changed my name
> & bio. I have zero moral support.
> Thank you for reading my message. Other than my wife, I have zero
> moral & financial support! I wish I had money to buy the Braille tech
> you talk about, but like I said, it'll never happen in my lifetime.
> It's hard to be happy after complete loss of vision. Thanks for
> reading my mail.
> Sincerely,
> Marcos Miranda"
>
> This man thinks he cannot use Linux any more, but ou certainly can,
> blind people are doing it. I'm not a Linux user, but they're out
> there, and if any of you, use Linux, or, can get ahold of Linux users,
> let's help Marcos, to keep using Linux, with a screen reader. I have
> no way to contact blind bargains, (looked on their page, and no email
> address. But if any of you know how to contact them, let's get
> Marcos's email address and Linux users can contact Marcos, and tell
> him, yes, blind people can and are using, Linux!
>
> I deeply feel this man's pain, and I want to help him, and by posting
> this, hopefully, someone can help him.
>
> Harry
>
>
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