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Approved-By:  Bill McGarry <wtm@SHELDEV.SHEL.ISC-BR.COM>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.l-hcap
Date:         Fri, 31 Jul 1992 01:45:29 EDT
Reply-To:     Bill McGarry <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
From:         Bill McGarry <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
Subject:      Handicap Digest # 2838
X-To:         LHCAP <l-hcap@VM1.NODAK.EDU>

                             THE HANDICAP DIGEST

                                 Issue # 2838

                            Friday, July 31, 1992

Today's Topics:


                                ******


                          Disability and Sexuality
                          Open letter: LAPD to NRA
                Free NRA 1-yr. membership offer (NO STRINGS)
                          Re: When Placards Travel
                      Automatic Macro Expansion Program
              re: Using a computer without much muscle control
                   Re: Cancer sufferer in financial crisis
                                 Wheelchair
                            Re: Health Insurance?
                          Cancer sufferer in financ


                                ******


To subscribe to the Handicap Digest mailing list or have your
thoughts in the next issue, please send electronic mail to
Bill McGarry at any of the following addresses:


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Fidonet:    The Handicap News BBS (141/420)   1-203-337-1607
	    (300/1200/2400 baud, 24 hours)
Compuserve: 73170,1064

                              Bill McGarry (Moderator)
                              (203) 337-1518



------



Subject: Disability and Sexuality
From: rnelson@watserv1.uwaterloo.ca (Randy Nelson)

A Disabled Canadian woman is interested in doing a quarterly
newsletter on "Disability and Sexuality".  She would like to
know if there are any other newsletters out there written by
consumers.  She does not want to re-invent the wheel.
Please send a note to rnelson@watserv1.uwaterloo.ca if you can
offer any assistance.
Thanks,
Randy




------



Subject: Open letter: LAPD to NRA
From: 34AEJ7D@cmuvm.csv.cmich.edu (Bill Gorman)

Following up on the recent "Protection/Self Defense" thread here, I
feel the following might be of interest to those on L-HCAP
concerned with that subject.


Sez me,

W. K. (Bill) Gorman  ,bj496@Cleveland.Freenet.Edu>  <34aej7d@cmuvm>

---------------------------------ATTACHMENT-----------------------------


   The following letter appeared in the  July, 1992, issue of

                    _The American Rifleman_,

                      official journal of:

            The National Rifle Association of America
                  1600 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.
                     Washington, D.C.  20036

It was sent as an open letter to all NRA members and is reproduced here
in that context. All typos are mine.

W. K. Gorman
NRA Life Member

-----------------------------------------------------------------

I am writing this letter to the membership of NRA so all may take
heed of the warning I'm about to issue.  The red flag has been
raised and the cry in the wilderness has been sounded.

On April 30, 1992, Los Angeles was rocked by a massive show of
civil disobedience, the causes of which will be debated for years.
The questions asked now by all citizens of Los Angeles are: "Where
were our police?  Why didn't the police respond in time to quell
the riot?  What became of civilized society?"As an 18-year veteran
of the LAPD, I can only say that, from what I observed, we were
totally out numbered - over-run by forces beyond anyone's control.

One glaring fact which was apparent to all involved was that the
areas lacking in police presence sustained the worst looting and
arson. This was clearly demonstrated in Los Angeles' "Koreatown".
This area was settled and developed by hard working Korean-
American immigrants who put their entire lives and fortunes into
trying to achieve the American dream.  This dream for thousands of
Korean-Americans was dashed in a matter of minutes when thugs
firebombed and looted unguarded and unpoliced businesses. But the
many Korean- and African-American store owners who had the presence
of mind to take up arms in the protection of their lives and
property were able to save their stores and lives. The word was put
out that the "Thin Blue Line" had failed to protect its citizens in
time of need and that the arming of shop owners was advised.

This was the most important issue to come out of this riot as far
as I was concerned - the right under the Second Amendment to take
up arms when the government charged with your protection fails to
protect you. Thank God that the framers of the Constitution had the
common sense to not trust government and gave every American the
right to keep and bear arms in the protection of life and
property.

To the membership of NRA I say, the anti-gunners are the biggest
threat to our way of life since the rise of communism in 1917. If
the Korean- and African-American shop owners in Los Angeles hadn't
been armed, the arson and looting would have taken a heavier toll
than reported.

What happened in Los Angeles can and eventually will occur in other
parts of the U.S.A.  If the anti- gunners take away your right to
protect your life with a gun in a massive riot, don't expect the
boys in the blue suits to come to your aid in a timely fashion.
There are not enough to go around, and by the time the politicians
agree to call up the National Guard, your property and life will be
lost. By the time the National Guard arrived in Los Angeles, it was
all over - the damage and death had already occurred. You have to
have the means available at the ready to be able to defend yourself
in the time of civil unrest.  The armed law-abiding citizen becomes
the last line of defense in the protection of civil society when
civil authority cannot protect.

Vote out the politicians who even think of any sort of gun control.
Once they start controlling your right to bear arms, it's only a
matter of time when you will not have this right anymore. Remember,
the next riot might be in your own backyard, and you might be the
only one who can protect your family from rape, pillage and death.

Thomas Hobbes, the British political theorist, said, "Without the
sword, the law is only words." Without an armed citizenry, anarchy
stands unchecked.


(Signed)

Officer R. T. Dorsey
Los Angeles Police Dept.
Northeast Division




------



Subject: Free NRA 1-yr. membership offer (NO STRINGS)
From: 34AEJ7D@cmuvm.csv.cmich.edu (Bill Gorman)

Attached is a copy of a posting that may be of interest, particularly in
light of the recent "Protection/Self Defense" thread that has appeared
here. I have seen this program in action. It is not a scam, but a
"labor of love" on the part of Kirk Hays.


Sez me,

W. K. (Bill) Gorman  <bj496@Cleveland.Freenet.Edu> <34aej7d@cmuvm>

---------------------------ATTACHMENT-----------------------------------

|I recently started a new program to broker NRA (National Rifle
|Association) memberships.  Essentially, I want to match persons who
|would join the NRA, but haven't due to some monetary or other
|restraint, with people who are willing to pay for one year memberships
|($25 each).
|
|I, personally, am offering a free NRA 1 year membership to any
|interested party who is not a current or former member, and who is not
|ineligible for membership (felons or traitors).
|
|I, personally, will be offering one membership a month.
|
|I need additional sponsors - make whatever level of commitment you are
|comfortable with - one membership, four memberships, one a month,
|whatever.  No money changes hands, I match sponsors with recipients,
|the sponsor is responsible for purchasing the gift membership from the
|NRA.
|
|On a monthly basis, I will be republishing this offer, along with the
|following information, from June 4th (inception) to today, July 27th:
|
|Memberships paid for: 27
|Memberships pledged: 120+
|Memberships requests received: 36
|Number of sponsors: 31
|Current NRA membership: 2.8 million, 50,000 new members per month
|
|To participate:
|
|Prospective members:
|
|Send me an email letter explaining, in a couple of paragraphs, why you
|think the RKBA (Right to Keep and Bear Arms) is important.  Indicate
|why you haven't joined the NRA, and any other information you think
|might influence a sponsor.  I will acknowledge receipt of the letter.
|
|Include your name as you would want it to appear on any membership
|awarded, your mailing address, and an indication of your age
|(over/under 21 is sufficient).
|
|Recipient names will be confidential, except for myself and the final
|sponsor.
|
|If you are selected to receive a sponsored membership, you will be
|notified after it has been purchased.
|
|If you know someone who'd be interested, but lacks email access,
|please help them as a go-between.
|
|Prospective sponsors:
|
|This can't work well without sponsors.  The NRA is growing by a
|average net 30,000 members a month (average - April and May saw
|150,000 (!) new members)- here is an easy way for you to find people
|who want to join the NRA, but haven't for some reason.  A new NRA
|member is worth far more than the $25 contribution you might make to
|NRA-ILA, or NRA-PVF.
|
|Anonymity of sponsors will be preserved.  You must have a credit card
|to buy a membership for another person from the NRA.  DO NOT send me
|your credit card number!  AMEX, Visa, and MasterCard are all accepted.
|
|The Goal:
|
|We can't do this alone, but I'd like to see a 10 million member NRA by
|the year 2000.  I believe that anyone given a free one year membership
|is likely to renew that membership the next year.
|
|Disclaimer:
|
|This is not a program of the NRA - I thought it up myself, it's being
|done on my own time.
|
|My employer neither endorses nor condemns this project.
|
|--
|Kirk Hays - NRA Life.
|hays@ssd.intel.com
|
|"Judge each day not by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."
|-- Robert Louis Stevenson




------



Subject: Re: When Placards Travel
From: sbill@informix.com (Bill Stackhouse)
Organization: Informix Software, Inc.


I have never had a problem using my placard in another state and I
have traveled a lot.

The bigger problem for me is when I fly, I park in a handicaped spot
at the airport but want to have my placard with me for use in my
rental car. Seems like I need 2 placards but I can get only one. Any
one else have similar problems ??

Bill
sbill@informix.com





------



Subject: Automatic Macro Expansion Program
From: buckij@stolaf.edu (Jonathan Bucki)
Organization: St. Olaf College; Northfield, MN

Greetings,

I am searching for a macintosh program that will automatically
expand text as it is entered. I know they exist for the PC's too.
But I need one for the Mac.

This is what I mean:

When I type an abbreviation like "jsb" and then press the spacebar,
it will automatically be expanded out to "Jonathan S. Bucki."

This is not similar to something like quickeys which deals with
keyboard commands like Command-F5 etc. I need to be able to build a
vocabulary of many words.

Now, this program could be a seperate program (like a cdev) or it
could be a feature of a word processor. Either would do me well.

I am trying to offer several solutions for a friend of mine who can
only use one hand. He needs to take notes in classes  and do
general typing.

Also, please refer me to the location of a FAQ for this group (if
one exists.)

thank you much,

Jonathan Bucki
St. Olaf College






------



Subject: re: Using a computer without much muscle control
From: Betsy.Fenti@f650.n260.z1.fidonet.org (Betsy Fenti)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:260/650 - School Board, Hornell NY


I use the Magic Wand Keyboard on the Mac, but it is available for the
IBM too.  I paid $1433 (and still paying) for it.  The IBM version is
slightly cheaper.  About $1200 I think.  But it is well worth the $$.
My typing speed has improved about 25 times.  It would take me about
20 minutes to type this note before.  Now it only takes me about 2
minutes.  I love it.  In 4 months it has changed my life.

I will upload the address and telephone number next time.

I really want to get involved on this echo but everyone seems to know
everyone else.  I feel like an outsider.

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!260!650!Betsy.Fenti
Internet: Betsy.Fenti@f650.n260.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: Re: Cancer sufferer in financial crisis
From: Gary.Warren@f5.n382.z1.fidonet.org (Gary Warren)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:382/5 - Health-Link, Austin TX


Phil, the only suggestions I have for your friend is to contact either
the Civil Rights Commission of the US Dept. of Justice (since this
sounds like a blatant violation under ADA) or the regional Social
Security office, probably both.  Let us know what happens.
glw

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!382!5!Gary.Warren
Internet: Gary.Warren@f5.n382.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: Wheelchair
From: Linda.Cummings@f34.n375.z1.fidonet.org (Linda Cummings)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:375/34 - Batteries Included, Montgomery AL


Just thought I'd write down my experience last night.  I sure got a
better understanding of what it's like to be in a wheelchair!

After Eddie and I went to Sizzler for (me) Steak and Lobster Tail
and (him) King Cut Prime Rib to celebrate our 10th Anniversary, we
decided to go do the grocery shopping at about 11pm.  It was
planned.

You all know what it's like for me to go shopping, right?  Usually
don't get down one aisle before the hyperflexia kicks in and I
start perspiring like I'm "Waterfall Woman" or something.  Then, by
the end of the second aisle, I'm hurting so badly that I don't know
how I'm going to make it through the entire store.

Well, since there weren't too many people in the store, I decided
that I'd go ahead, swallow my pride, and ride around in the
wheelchair they had there (with the basket on the front for a few
groceries).  The only thing I did wrong, though, was not take my
pillow in to sit on.  My tailbone was killing me by the end of our
shopping trip.

Anyway, Eddie pushed the shopping cart and I tagged along behind
him, directing him to what we needed as I crossed off the items on
my list. At one point, he had to excuse himself, and just told me
to wait.  I was by the dairy section, alone, in the wheelchair, and
a shopping cart. One of the items I needed was shredded cheese.  It
was beyond reach.  I sat there, thinking long and hard, about
people who have to be in wheelchairs.  How high the items are on
the shelves, and how terrible it must be to go into a store and not
be able to reach something yourself.

On the other hand, I was able to reach the items on the lowest
shelf by myself for a change.  Those items I pointed out to Eddie
on the bottom shelf (that he couldn't see).

You know, when walking through the store, pushing a shopping cart,
hardly anybody notices you.  People hardly make eye contact or
smile at each other, unless somebody says "excuse me" when trying
to get around another person who may be blocking the aisle a
little.  But, even with the few people that were there, everyone
would look in my direction. Of course, when walking in a store with
my cane, I would also get this reaction, so I was used to it.

I guess I just wanted to say that, one...I finally did what I said
I was going to do, and it was the most pleasant and relaxing
shopping trip I'd had in years (no hyperflexia, no increase in
sciatic pain); and two...when I got home, I didn't have to wait for
an hour before putting the groceries away!  I did have a little
increase in pain, but nothing like before.  Only from the dining
out and riding in the van.

And, oh yes, three...now I know a little bit of what it's like to
have to be in a wheelchair and resume normal activites (at least
shopping)! My hat's off to each and every one of you!

Linda

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!375!34!Linda.Cummings
Internet: Linda.Cummings@f34.n375.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: Re: Health Insurance?
From: Gary.Warren@f5.n382.z1.fidonet.org (Gary Warren)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:382/5 - Health-Link, Austin TX


Lisa, with the possible exception of Blue Cross/Blue Shield, I don't
think there IS a health insurance company that covers (or doesn't
penalize you) for pre-existing health conditions.  That is the MAJOR
hurdle affecting the disabled in terms of getting health care AND
getting a professional job.  Thus, we have to stay on I and Medicare,
et al, and forget about getting a good paying job, or one at all, or
find that job and hope our health doesn't go downhill until the group
insurance takes effect--sometimes a minimum of 6 to 12 months after
hiring.
glw

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!382!5!Gary.Warren
Internet: Gary.Warren@f5.n382.z1.fidonet.org




------



Subject: Cancer sufferer in financ
From: Joan.Wolschleger@f3.n157.z1.fidonet.org (Joan Wolschleger)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:157/3 - Nerd's Nook, Rocky River OH


PK>Now we come to find that in 2 weeks, all of Mariane's disability
PK>payments will be ceased.  They had decided, that based on one
PK>doctors opinion, she doesn't deserve any money from them.  This is
PK>re: the back injury - I don't believe they even know about the
PK>cancer diagnosis.  This is really immaterial since, in two weeks
PK>the money is gone.  An appeal apparently takes several months on
PK>average.  In the meantime Mariane will be on the street - since the

If she was a citizen of Ohio, an appeal has an option of continuing
the disputed assistance until the appeal is resolved.  The drawback
is that if they rule against you, you have to pay back the amount
paid during the appeals process, and the state would have to be
overwhelmed with evidence to prevent it from ruling against you.
Mariane's state might have a similar procedure, but time is of the
essence in these situations.  If the assistance is allowed to
lapse, it seems to indicate she didn't really need it in the first
place (or so the theory goes).

 * OLX 2.2 * Laughter........the BEST medicine!!!

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!157!3!Joan.Wolschleger
Internet: Joan.Wolschleger@f3.n157.z1.fidonet.org




------






                                ******

                  End of Issue # 2838 of the Handicap Digest

                                ******
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU