> From: Beryl Williams <[log in to unmask]> Sun Sep 28 15:15:53 1997
> Subject: Re: tech: Comments from a somewhat experienced blind computer user

Beryl wrote:
        ... though I am in the fortunate position of having an expert
        within my family ... What usually happens is that the specific
        problem of the moment is dealt with at great speed, leaving me
        breathless and none the wiser.

I've been there.

A tip, that applies to all non-technical users, blind or not,
when you can.

Ask that YOU make ALL the changes, and that your expert advisor
only guide you verbally through what has to be done.

If you do all the typing

a) it slows down the info to a pace that you can handle

b) nothing happens to YOUR system without you getting at least a
nominal chance to know about it

c) it gives you a chance to take notes and ask questions

d) making mistakes is NORMAL and part of the process.
When someone else makes the changes, you have no idea what was
correct and what should have been done, or not.  When you do the
changes and an error message occurs, your advisor will often
explain, and you can learn more than the immediate problem.

e) by working through you, your advisor becomes more aware of
both your level of knowledge and of what you have to deal with.
The end result is that most people become more tolerant and
understanding.  Warning: some may become frustrated and abandon you.

This tip works best with patient friends, not necessarily family
members.  Be sure to reserve sufficient time in advance, and
make sure your advisor understands it will take much longer,
but that he or she is helping you in more than one way.

Before taking this approach, for each situation, you have to make
the call whether solving the short term problem quickly is more
important than the long term goal of learning and becoming self
reliant.

Good luck
Saul Rosenberg