HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: Stew.Bowden@f6.n377.z1.fidonet.org (Stew Bowden)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: braille translators
Date: 10 Sep 92 16:36:06 GMT
Reply-To: Stew.Bowden@f6.n377.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:377/6 - T.A.B.B., Tampa Fl
X-Fidonet: Blink Talk Conference

Index Number: 24480

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

Hi Keith: In a message to Suisan Wimberley regarding braille
translators, you seem to feel that unless there is a demo
available, the program may not be worth the extra bucks. Well,
certainly if economics is the primary factor, there is much to be
said for this approach. However, and just to point out the other
side, Duxbury has no need for a demo, because it has been around
for sixteen years now. I happen to know Joe Sullivan quite well,
and know that he stands behind his product. Were you to purchase it
and decide within 30 days that it was not for you, I am sure he
would take it back and fully refund your money. However, since it
has been some time since I had direct dealings with Joe, would
suggest you try that up front with him to make sure he is still
willing to comply. I happen to like Duxbury, admit that I am
somewhat prejudice, and also admit limited experience with other
translators. So, "pay your money, and take your choice. Stew. .w

... If it itches - Stroke it!.....It might Work.
=== Via Silver Xpress V3.00

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From: Keith.Jones@p13.f15.n114.z1.fidonet.org (Keith Jones)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Van
Date: 10 Sep 92 13:51:09 GMT
Reply-To: Keith.Jones@p13.f15.n114.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:114/15.13 - St Joes Hospital, Phoenix AZ
X-Fidonet: Spinal Injury Conference

Index Number: 24465

[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

I missed most of this thread but from what I gather you are trying
to decide which model of van to buy and whether or not to drop the
floor or raise the roof and whether or not to get a side lift or
back lift.

I have owned two vans (still do, one I keep in Cleveland) and was
at one time going to enter the van lift and conversion market.
Ironically, I just talked to the friend by phone in Cleveland with
whom I was going to do this. He has spent many years working on all
kinds of cars and vans and doing everything imaginable to them.

I think I can pretty safely speak for him as well as myself. I
would strongly suggest you get a Ford van. Not only is it the only
one that you can drop the floor on but it is also the easiest (and
cheapest) to have modified in almost all areas.

Drop floors run about $2500 (maybe more now) as opposed to raised
roofs which are about $1900. Raised roofs look flashier and should
be considered if an able bodied person is going to be standing in
it alot to help you. It also makes the van feel much more spacious
inside. You should consider the drop floor if you don't want to
bump your head when you get in the van.  I am 5' 9" and I have to
duck everytime I get into my van here. With the 4" drop floor in my
other van, I never had to duck. Also the transfer from the
wheelchair to the driver's seat is much easier if you plan to drive
from the seat in the van. I have to raise the seat every time I get
into or out of the seat. This may not sound like a big deal, but
when you do a thousands of transfers, believe me it is. Not getting
a drop floor was the one big mistake on made on my second van. I
got a raised roof instead. Raised roofs will eliminate parking it
in garages which can become a major hassle if you plan on keeping
warm and dry at home or going places (college, etc.) where there
are parking garages.

As for a lift, I have both side lifts where I can park and make
sure nobody can get next to me. Rear lifts require you to remove
the rear seat and sometimes open up into traffic. Lifts also can be
swingaway or fold down. I have swingaway side lifts which don't
require as much room to get out since when the lift cycle is
completed, I roll out parallel to my van. With fold downs, you must
wheel straight out or perpendicular to your van which can require
more unloading space (which other drivers won't always give you).

Those are my suggestions. Hope this helps.

                       -Keith-

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From: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: AINT LIFE GRAND!
Date: 9 Sep 92 16:44:28 GMT
Reply-To: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:203/11 - The Broken Rose BBS, Sacramento CA

Index Number: 22426

Hi,

Well, I have just been notified that my annual Section Eight
assisted housing re-certification is completed and that next month,
I will be allowed to pay another $5.00 on my co-pay. Not a big
thing in and of itself, except perhaps, when considering the
following!

The agency that has been most reliably at my side, lo these many
years, has been the Veterans Administration. I must say, they have
always made sure of where I was and that my disabiity pension came
always on time or even "before" delivery date and every year, I get
my bit of "cost of living" increase. Mind you, it's not a great
deal, but I have always been able to count on it and I do well for
a person living below the poverty line.

These last couple of years, I have also received a small stipend
from SSI and I have been on the Section Eight housing program (And
have a great little place!) for one year tomorrow.

However, each year that V.A. grants me a small cost of living
increase, SSI deducts a like amount from their payment and Section
Eight raises my rent co-pay!

I love the way it works!   In time, simple cost of living increases
shall effectively eliminate first my SSI stipend and eventually, my
Section Eight participation.

Still keepin' the faith!

.                              Vixen

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From: magundi@gaul.csd.uwo.ca (John Macdonald)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Central Auditory Disorder information wanted.
Date: 7 Sep 92 02:53:46 GMT
Reply-To: magundi@gaul.csd.uwo.ca (John Macdonald)
Organization: Computer Science Dept., Univ. of Western Ontario, London, Canada

Index Number: 24406

Any information about Central Auditory Disorder and it's
occurance in adults would be greatly appreciated.

john macdonald
magundi@uwo.ca
(519) 672-0714
From: Keith.Jones@p13.f15.n114.z1.fidonet.org (Keith Jones)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Carpal tunnel syndrome
Date: 10 Sep 92 13:52:20 GMT
Reply-To: Keith.Jones@p13.f15.n114.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:114/15.13 - St Joes Hospital, Phoenix AZ
X-Fidonet: Spinal Injury Conference

Index Number: 24470

[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

I saw my doctor yesterday. I probably don't have carpal tunnel
syndrome.  Seems that due to the atrophy in my hand, the tendon to
my middle finger is very pronounced. From wheeling, I aggravated
it. I will have to wear padded wheelchair gloves for the long
pushes I make at ASU to prevent this from bothering me in the
future. I discovered all this myself. The doctor simply told me he
did not think I had carpal tunnel syndrome and gave me some anti
inflammatory drugs to take. Still another problem to contend with
in the future, but at least it's not so bad (dare I say yet).

                       -Keith-

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From: Steve.Holmes@p16.f15.n114.z1.fidonet.org (Steve Holmes)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Voice Output on PC tied to MainFrame
Date: 10 Sep 92 16:43:58 GMT
Reply-To: Steve.Holmes@p16.f15.n114.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:114/15.16 - St Joes Hospital, Phoenix AZ
X-Fidonet: Blink Talk Conference

Index Number: 24516

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

On <Aug 11 15:07>, Mick Shatswell of 1:141/420 wrote:

 {MS> I am trying to get some information on voice output on a PC
 {MS> tied to a mainframe.  It was suggested to us to try McErma(sp?).
 {MS> Does anyone have any information re either McErma or any others?
 {MS> We are using a 3270 coax and are open to any board with a screen
 {MS> reader.  We are curretnly using DecTalk with multi voice.  We
 {MS> tried Attachmats 3270 with VocalEyes without the needed

I also use Vocal-Eyes and there are indeed some limitations to
using it with 3270 emmulation.  What I did with considerable
success, is to use a board called IDEA3278 or Ideacomm from
Ideassociates in Massachusits.  Unfortunately, I don't have their
address and phone number in front of me right now but if your are
more interested in this, give me a call at (602) 829-9125 or send
me net mail at the following:

Steve Holmes@p16.n15.f114.z1@fidonet.org

for more information.  I used for some time with no speech
limitations.  I had to use an older version of the idea3278
software but I can get that to you if you get their board and they
are unable to give that version of the software to you.

<Steve>
 {MS> results.

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From: Eric.Bohlman@p3.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Eric Bohlman)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Tinytalk update
Date: 10 Sep 92 16:36:59 GMT
Reply-To: Eric.Bohlman@p3.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:129/89.3 - BlinkLink, Pittsburgh PA
X-Fidonet: Blink Talk Conference

Index Number: 24484

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

[Note from Bill McGarry: This is also available via anonymous
 ftp from handicap.shel.isc-br.com in /pub/speech as TTALK121.ZIP]

Version 1.21 is available at BlinkLink, Braille Bank and TABB, and probably
other boards as well.

If you want pretty much the same speech as the Sound Blaster, but without the
memory hassle (and with more control over speech parameters), get a
Doubletalk.  It's $289 ($279 if you settle for a cheaper speaker).  You can
buy it along with Tinytalk for $350.  The Doubletalk is an internal card; an
external unit with the same speech is the Litetalk from MicroTalk (the ASAP
people); it costs $495, but we aren't a dealer for them.

For a very low-cost solution, there's the new Echo PC from Echo (formerly
Street Electronics).  It's an external serial unit which costs $129.95 (we're
selling them for $105 until the end of September; $175 with Tinytalk).  The
speech is more robotic than the Doubletalk, but many people can get used to
it.  Call us if you're interested in hearing either unit.

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From: John.Lynch@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org (John Lynch)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Fast Chairs
Date: 10 Sep 92 13:48:39 GMT
Reply-To: John.Lynch@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:261/1000 - Nerve Center, Pikesville MD
X-Fidonet: Spinal Injury Conference

Index Number: 24455

[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

 AH> I ride in the street alot, and would like to go
 AH> about 10 mph at high speed.  *adh*

Well, if you want a chair that will go 10 mph, climb steps, cost
$2,600. and make you feel like you are in a tank, get an ACCESS.
That is the chair SSA had ,e playing with last year.   If you are
really curious, I might be able to getr a phone number.  Leave a
message.

Regards, John
P.S. Would I want one, not on  your life (my life either!).

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From: John.Hargrove@f68.n382.z1.fidonet.org (John Hargrove)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: laughter
Date: 9 Sep 92 18:07:25 GMT
Reply-To: John.Hargrove@f68.n382.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:382/68 - Diabetes Discussion, Austin TX
X-Fidonet: Amputee Conference

Index Number: 24441

[This is from the Amputee Conference]

In a message to Shari Messner <08-31-92 20:03> Val Dunn wrote:

VD> I took the leg off and was demonstrating the ankle and wieght and
VD> stuff
VD> while I was sitting on my desk.
VD> I got excited and jumped off the desk and took a step forward....

I've done that.  In bed asleep.  Need to get up and make a run to the
 bathroom.  Next thing I know is I'm on the floor giggling.  Darn forgot to get
 the crutches to make the short trip.

John

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From: spgreg@mars.lerc.nasa.gov (Greg Macrae)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: looking for accessible bed&breakfasts in nw Ohio
Date: 14 Sep 92 13:05:25 GMT
Reply-To: spgreg@mars.lerc.nasa.gov (Greg Macrae)
Organization: NASA Lewis Research Center

Index Number: 24518

A friend of mine is planning a vacation with her husband who uses a
scooter.  They are looking for B&B's that are accessible and
located between Sandusky and Toledo Ohio.  If you have any good
information please Email me and I will forward it to them.

thank you
Greg
--------------------------------------------------------------------
     MacRae                  |       Darting dragonfly...
                             | Pull off its shiny wings and look...
  spgreg@mars.lerc.nasa.gov  |      Bright red pepper pod!
                             |                      -Kikaku
--------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Howard.Dearman@f26.n130.z1.fidonet.org (Howard Dearman)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Airline Wheelchair Practices
Date: 10 Sep 92 13:52:46 GMT
Reply-To: Howard.Dearman@f26.n130.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:130/26 - Speedway, Fort Worth TX
X-Fidonet: Spinal Injury Conference

Index Number: 24472

[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

> Acouple of years ago I flew to Hawaii on American.  I flew in first class
> so
> transferring to the seat wasn't that big of a deal.  The flight there was
> pretty eneventful but on the way home to Chicago, they lost my
> wheelchair!
> I'm sitting there waiting in that crappy chair they put you in to
> get you
> off the plane because the aisles aren't wide enough for a wheelchair,
> when
> someone comes up to me and says, "Your wheelchair went to Atlanta."  They
> didn't even apologize.  When I asked them if I could take home an airport
> chair, they said no.  I could have made a bigger stink about it I guess
> but
> that was just the last thing that happened on a whole vacation of bad
> things.

Yea, I went to Hawaii on Delta and i had a plane switch in Denver
to Dallas, my chair made the flight..i didn't and they didn't have
a chair to use! That's nothing, I went to Germany on Luftansa and
they 'tried' to send my chair to BOMBAY, INDIA!  INDIA!, they kept
saying "we'll get you another one", my reply was "22 thousand
deutch mark you can" so they stoped the plane and got my chair.

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From: The.Ranger@p0.f477.n104.z1.fidonet.org (The Ranger)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Fast Chairs
Date: 10 Sep 92 13:50:09 GMT
Reply-To: The.Ranger@p0.f477.n104.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:104/477.0 - Jaguar's Networking, Denver CO
X-Fidonet: Spinal Injury Conference

Index Number: 24460

[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

        Well my EJ chair with differant motors (To lazy to bend over and try
readin upside down right now.) does right at 15mph.  That's when the front
tires start to shimmy, if I put a stabaliser on them I would expect 20+mph
speed.  Not to terrably dangerous, except at night in a new location and
after a few beer's.  You can't see the pot holes before the foot rests are
in a twisted pile and your hanging on for dear life with a suddenly very
clear head. <grin>  [I didn't become a quad by playing it safe, no need to
change now.]  Just need to keep brakeing distace in mind for the idiots at
the mall that have a habit of walking out in front of you....

Terry

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From: Bill.Burgess@p0.f401.n229.z1.fidonet.org (Bill Burgess)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Syntha-Voice and Keith Bucher
Date: 10 Sep 92 16:36:18 GMT
Reply-To: Bill.Burgess@p0.f401.n229.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:229/401.0 - The Connection HST!, Oshawa ON
X-Fidonet: Blink Talk Conference

Index Number: 24481

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

Paul, I agree with you re your comments about Syntha-Voice.  Yes, we do
need this company, and they do make many highly respected and used
products.  The fact that they are Canadian does not lessen their
importance in the marketplace, but rather is a valued asset to our
country.  And all of the government computers use their cards when
speech is required, along with many others.  I make no attempt to
distinguish between their features and those of the prime competitors,
since I do not require the use of any of them.  But it is great to know
that we have a company within a ninety minute drive from me to consult
with and purchase from.  TTYL
Bill

... "He was a man, all and all, I shall not look upon his like again."

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From: Paul.Nobrega@p0.f266.n163.z1.fidonet.org (Paul Nobrega)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: message from syntha-voice
Date: 10 Sep 92 16:42:56 GMT
Reply-To: Paul.Nobrega@p0.f266.n163.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:163/266.0 - Vision, Ottawa ON
X-Fidonet: Blink Talk Conference

Index Number: 24511

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

Dear Keith:

In response to your reference to an article in the Sensory Access
Foundation Newsletter; I would like to make the following
clarifications.

First of all; it is approximately 4 years ago that this article
appeared.  The Federal Department of which the article is referring
was notified prior to the printing of the article that Syntha-voice
has chosen not to release the product; due to the feedback from
potential users.

Once again; we felt that this was the responsible route to pursue;
as we did  not want to release a product that did not meet the
needs of the consumer; based on the feedback provided.  The
department in question was given the option of cancelling the
order, or to take a Toshiba laptop with an external
synthesizer;which cost more at the time as compensation.  The
department opted for this solution; which is still in use today.

Thank you for bringing this 4 year old article to our collective
attention.  If we can answer any of your questions regarding
technology of the present;please drop us a line.  I do not have the
opportunity to monitor and read this conference in detaildaily; but
we will do the best that we can.

David Kostyshyn
President
Syntha-voice Computers Inc.

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From: Steve.Richards@f101.n277.z1.fidonet.org (Steve Richards)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Speaking Eureka
Date: 10 Sep 92 16:43:48 GMT
Reply-To: Steve.Richards@f101.n277.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:277/101 - House Of Pancakes, Morgantown WV
X-Fidonet: Blink Talk Conference

Index Number: 24515

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

In a message from Gary Petraccaro to Steve Richards 08/14/1992

GP>     The Zorba I still own would lock up if you left a program running and
GP>walked away for awhile.  Maybe older style CP/M machines were more prone to
GP>it,especially given that the computer rarely was protected from current
GP>spikes and the like.  Btw, didn't know that the Eureka wasn't fully CP/M.
GP>Have heard the music system was nice.

The Eureka is largely CP/M.  However it formats its disks for 800K, 8K
going for the directory and 792k accessible to the user.  It normally
runs from its own operating system known as EUREKADOS, but it can run
CCP.COM and through the shell run external CP/M programs.  But it's
speech buffer doesn't accommodate this too well.  For example the DIR
command in CCP.COM would list only a handful of files on the disk before
the speech got hopelessly behind and petered out.  The same problem
occurred if a program loaded from the shell generated long strings of
text.  When I wrote programs for the Eureka I got around this problem,
but off-the-shelf software might or might not be usable because of it.
Still I played a lot of adventure games from Infocom that worked just
fine.  I miss "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," though I've heard
rumors it's around in MSDOS format somewhere.

Yes, Eureka's music composer is pretty nice.  It will handle ten-voice
polyphonic music and doesn't sound too much different from a small
keyboard.  Creating the music is tougher than on a keyboard though, as
you must cursor to the various positions, select the proper stave and
enter the notes.  A friend of mine claims it's like a print music score,
but I know about braille music only.  I found it tedious, but rewarding
in the end.  I was only mediocre at it, though.
Steve R.

 * SLMR 2.1a * File not found. Should I fake it? (Y/N)

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From: Pandora.Nigh@p0.f554.n157.z1.fidonet.org (Pandora Nigh)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: COFFIN-LOWERY SYNDROME
Date: 9 Sep 92 16:44:07 GMT
Reply-To: Pandora.Nigh@p0.f554.n157.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:157/554.0 - Analytical Engine B, Willoughby OH

Index Number: 22424

 -=> Quoting Bob Aviles to All <=-

 BA> I have a 3 1/2 year old boy with Coffin-Lowery Syndrome and am
 BA> interested in trading notes re:  development, illnesses, educational
 BA> programs, and anything else that can help him.  If you have a child
 BA> with this syndrome, please respond.

     Bob, I don't have a child with Coffin-Lowery, but maybe I can help by
giving you a few resources that can put you in contact with other parents and
 a support group or society if one exists. The first is NORD, the National
Organization for Rare Disorders Inc. If you write or call them they will can
put you in contact with other parents across the country.
                                NORD
                                P.O. Box 8923
                                100 Rt. 37
                                New Fairfield, CT 06812
                                (203) 746-6518

      You can also access their database through Compuserve.

   The other resource is Exceptional Parent magazine. They do a lot with rare
disorders and also have a readers forum for parent's wishing to contact others
with children having the same disorder.
                               Exceptional Parent
                               P.O. Box 3000, Dept. EP
                               Denville, NJ 07834-9919

   Hope this helps.
                     Pandora

... RAM = Rarely Adequate Memory

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