From: Kelly Pierce
Subject: computer users network news #14
The following is the fourteenth newsletter of the computer
Users Network in Chicago. The initiative is built on the
principles of self-development, mutual aid, cooperative learning
and peer mentoring. The newsletter is shared in this space in an
effort for others to consider developing similar initiatives of
blind people and those with disabilities as an alternative to
vertical, "professionalize" models as well as models national in
scale and resource intensive that serve merely as demonstration
centers with outcomes never reaching the end user. For back
issues and to learn more about us, check out our home page at
http://www.city-net.com/vipace/friends/chicago. to join us
online, subscribe to the visually Impaired computer User group
List at listserve@maelstrom.stjohns.edu. In the body of the
message, simply type "subscribe vicug-l" without the quotations.
Kelly
COMPUTER USERS NETWORK NEWS
ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY
FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY-IMPAIRED
Published bimonthly
by the Computer Network
Blind Service Association
22 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Copyright: 1997
Vol. III, no. 4 July-August, 1997
Editor: Cindy Brown
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to provide a vehicle for our consumers to
share information with each other. This is accomplished by
stimulating the pro-active involvement of our readers. CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE
SUBSCRIPTION/MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION .............. 4
CHECK US OUT ......................................... 4
THE RIGHT STUFF: HOW TO CHOOSE ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY
PART FOUR
by Kelly Pierce ................................ 4
TEAMWORK ............................................ 7
DO THE WRITE THING! ................................. 8
DAVID MCCLAIN: A PERSONAL PROFILE
by Nate Branson ................................ 9
WHAT IS THE COGNOSCENTAE?
by Cindy Brown ................................ 10
BLIND TECH QUESTION AND ANSWER
by Kelly Pierce ................................ 10
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND .............................. 12
FYI ................................................. 12
TREASURES! .......................................... 13
NAME THAT NETWORK! .................................. 14
DATES TO REMEMBER ................................... 14
SUBSCRIPTION/MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
A subscription for the Computer Users Network News is
included in the Computer Network annual membership donation of
fifteen dollars or more. The newsletter is available on cassette
tape or in print. It is also accessible on-line. Each annual
membership entitles you to all six issues for that particular
calendar year.
To begin or renew your membership in our network, please
send your contribution, along with your name and address, to
Blind Service Association, indicating your intention to join the
Computer Network, and specifying in which of the above formats
you wish to receive your newsletters.
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CHECK US OUT
You can check us out on the web page made available to us
through Vipace. You'll find current and back issues of this
newsletter. That's at
http://www.city-net.com/vipace/friends/chicago.
You can also check out our upcoming events by phoning
312-458-9006.
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THE RIGHT STUFF:
HOW TO CHOOSE ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Part Four
by Kelly Pierce
Here are further questions to ask when considering the
purchase of a particular piece of adaptive technology (AT).
Repair and Maintenance. Is it reliable? The best place to
get this information is to ask other users. They have experience
with the device, its quirkiness, its features, and its
reliability. To find other users, contact the Computer Network
(312-458-9006) or join an e-mail discussion list. There are more
then 70 blindness-related mailing lists on the Internet. For a
list of these with descriptions, go to
http://www.hicom.net/~oedipus/blist.html. To obtain this list by
electronic mail, send an e-mail message to
listserve@maelstrom.stjohns.edu and leave the subject line blank.
In the body of the message type: get blist info. This file is
more than 200 kilobytes in size. For just an index or listing of
all the mailing lists, send an e-mail message to the address
above with the command "get blist short"
Some blindness organizations offer product reviews. For
example, the National Federation of the Blind (410-659-9314)
offers many product reviews on a floppy disk for five dollars.
Whatever you do, state clearly that you want to find someone who
has used the device. Remember that the vendors and manufacturers
sell products. Consequently, they will not necessarily be
candid resources about product reliability.
What is the life expectancy? Nothing lasts forever and at
some point your AT will reach the end of its natural life.
Knowing the life expectancy of a device will help you decide if
it's time to repair or replace the device. Funding sources
should also be aware that eventually replacing the device is far
more cost effective or efficient than repairing them.
What is average use? All technology has a life span. Not
all devices can be used constantly. Find out what the
manufacturer considers an average amount of use for the device.
For example, you plan to purchase a device and anticipate using
it eight hours a day. However, average use is an hour a day.
The device is going to wear out much more quickly than usual.
Again, if you don't ask, you don't know. Ask!
What does the guarantee/warranty cover? Some manufacturers
provide a bumper-to-bumper warranty, others provide a sort of
"cash and carry/as is" coverage for their device. Waiting until
after the purchase to find out what the guarantee/warranty covers
may be too late. Remember to ask and read the fine print.
Stores and dealers are required by law to read every word of
contracts, purchase agreements and warranties to consumers with
print
impairments, including the blind. It is your right under law
(including the ADA and local accessibility ordinances) to receive
this accommodation. You are not likely to get it unless you ask.
What is the service record of the manufacturer/vendor?
Again, to be a good self advocate, you must check the
sales/service record of the manufacturer and vendor of the
device. You might find a device that would seem likely to work
very well for you, but unfortunately, other users have had
nothing but problems with the vendor's reliability with follow-up
and regular maintenance. Unless you ask other people who have
worked with her/him, you don't know.
Is repair service convenient? Find out where the device
will need to go for maintenance and repair. If you need to send
it to Outer Mongolia, it's going to take a long time to get there
and get back. Perhaps another device can do the same job and
repairs will be closer. Also, find out if the vendor has loaner
equipment available while your device is in the shop.
What is considered regular maintenance? You may be able to
perform some of the maintenance yourself. Other maintenance may
need specialized training. Interpoint braille embossers sound
wonderful until the end user learns that unlike single-sided
braille printers, these require regular cleaning by someone who
can take the device apart and put it back together again.
Apparently so much paper dust is generated that the braille
appears distorted and hard to read. Find out what kind of
maintenance your device needs; and to prolong the life of the
device, follow the directions carefully.
Financial. Financial issues often scare people away from
devices. They think, "I'd love to have that, but I could never
afford it." Don't get caught in that mind set. Often going
through the process of finding out exactly what you need will
provide the documentation that a funding source needs to purchase
the device for you. You may also find out that other funding
sources are more appropriate than the one you originally thought.
Further, it is up to the consumer to do the homework.
Understanding the requirements for obtaining financial
assistance from state rehabilitation agencies is just as
important as
completing the application process.
What is the total final cost? Some devices come all in one
piece, others come with add-ons that will up the cost of the
device. Be sure to get the total cost of the item with all the
add-ons you need. Are there package deals? Will you need a
specifically designed mounting system? Will you need two battery
packs instead of one? Do you need a backup system? What about
software needs? It's frustrating to finally get the device and
then find out that you need another item to make it work for you.
Remember to figure in training costs--if any.
Who will fund maintenance and repairs? Imagine how you will
feel if your device needs repair, and you find out that you are
responsible for the cost of repairs and you didn't know it. Ask
before the purchase.
Are rental/lease plans more cost effective? If you are
going to use the device on a short term basis, you may want to
consider renting or leasing options. It's also a good idea to
try out the device before you invest much money in it. Most
reputable dealers have rental/lease options that either will let
you apply the money toward the purchase price, or offer a 30-60
day return policy. You'll need to ask so you know the specific
details of the trial period. If you are working with a vendor
that does not allow that type of option, look elsewhere. With
such an uncompromising stance prior to the purchase, he/she may
not be around later.
Will I need to change devices or upgrade soon? If you are
gradually losing skills because of the type of disability you
have (such as a loss of vision), consider how much time you will
be using the device. Measure this factor into the equation.
Will I get a trade-in/upgrade allowance? With the rapidly
changing world of technology, things you purchase may be obsolete
in a year. As long as the device still works for you, that's
fine. However, you need to realize that it will have very little
market value if you need another device or decide to upgrade.
Parting Words. Blind computer users and technology
consumers with disabilities of all kinds must become advocates
for their own needs. Relying solely on professionals to figure
out what you need means you will not necessarily get the best
device for yourself. Use professionals to help figure out the
kinds of devices that will help you perform certain tasks.
However, the consumer alone will ultimately decide if a device
works. If you are not comfortable with a device for any reason,
speak up, loud and clear! It will be better in the end if you
express your opinions prior to the purchase. Complaining that a
device doesn't meet your needs months after the purchase is not
likely to get a sympathetic response from the funding agent.
Finally, remember that the adaptive technology solution is
worthless if it does not meet your needs and fit with your
personal lifestyle.
Watch for my next installment where I will present ideas for
choosing an adaptive technology specialist, vendor, or dealer.
(Kelly Pierce assists disabled witnesses and victims in the
criminal court system. He is also the coordinator of the Computer
Network's Lynx Squad.)
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TEAMWORK
The Computer Network is made up of teams. The word network,
for most of us, connotes a system of interactive parts.
Interaction among peers is meant to be the fuel that keeps this
network alive. The teams are the parts of the Network which
address specific tasks. Become involved by joining one of the
teams described below. To express interest, leave your name,
phone number, and the name of the person you wish to contact on
our voice-mail line: 312-458-9006.
Outreach. "You-all come!" is the motto of this team. Its
job is to spread the word to youth and adults in the community-
at-large about our activities--Jim Ferneborg, chairperson.
Membership. Welcoming, orienting, and hooking in new members
is this team's raison d'etre. We're looking to reorganize and
revitalize this very important team.--Sandra Saunders,
chairperson.
Preview Crew. "What's new?" That's what these computer
veterans are asking, as they are eager to beta-test new
technology products.--Dan TeVelde, chairperson.
Posse. "Let's not forget about the old stuff." Hands-on
refurbishing of hand-me-down computers is the focus here. They
meet to tinker. Phone for date of next meeting.--Dave McClain,
chairperson.
Lynx Squad. It seems the whole world is talking about the
Internet, the World Wide Web, and e-mail. To join in, sign up
with this team. Reasonable word processing and typing skills are
helpful. Meetings are held the second Thursday evening of each
month.--Kelly Pierce, chairperson.
Peer Training. "Each one teach one." Planning and executing
monthly seminars for novices and the advanced is the focus of
this team. Ideas for events as well as volunteers to help are
welcome. --Dave Porter, chairperson.
All-Write!- The newsletter team is looking for more people
to help out. On the evening of Oct. 1, 1997 at 5:30-7:30, we
will have our second meeting of the re-constituted All-Write
team. We hope you'll join us if you have ideas for the
newsletter and/or talents to lend us. By the way, we're still
looking for an editor for FYI.--Cindy Brown, editor.
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DO THE WRITE THING!
You may have noticed that this edition of our newsletter is
unusually short on feature articles.
This is not by design, but due to the paucity of articles
submitted. We could have held off publication until we received
more material, but we are doing our best to deliver 6 issues this
year. In order to do this we need to maintain a schedule.
We acknowledge that the last issue was mailed out too late
for most of you to be notified of the last deadline--August 6th.
However, if we receive an article after the deadline, we will do
our best to include it in the following issue. So please don't
be held off by missing a deadline.
---
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