From: Pandora.Nigh@p0.f554.n157.z1.fidonet.org (Pandora Nigh)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: use of advanced tech
Date: 16 Oct 92 03:59:15 GMT
Reply-To: Pandora.Nigh@p0.f554.n157.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:157/554.0 - Analytical Engine B, Willoughby OH
Originator: wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com

Index Number: 25040

 -=> Quoting Ambrose Moore to Pandora Nigh <=-

AM> --From the Voice of Ambrose Moore-- Hello Pandora!

Hi Ambrose, my main point of contention with the guy that
originally asked was that to use sign language read by glove
movement was really impractical.If you have the dexterity for
signing you don't have a problem typing. Some signs also use two
hands. Gets real exspensive. But I do think for some people with
hand impairment it could be great. You did bring up some of the
newer great applications that could be helpful.

 AM>
 AM> Hmmm. I agree that the initial costs of implementing such technology
 AM> would be staggering, but I believe that the use of virtual reality in
 AM> accessing a computer, [via the gloves], is an excellant one.  I know
 AM> at present where v.r. is used to design housing for the disabled.  And
 AM> I think that, [IMHO], technology is leaning towards further
 AM> applications of v.r. in helping the disabled lead a more indepedent
 AM> role in society through these sorts of ideas.
 AM> I think that perhaps using a glove with a stick *is* cheaper. But, co

    When using the glove I don't think you'd need a stick with it.

 AM> nsider this. When I mentioned to a prospective employer that I knew
 AM> how to use a computer, and its different applications, [WordPerfect,
 AM> Windows, etc.], he was impressed and made an appt. to see me at my
 AM> apt. [He knew I was quad].  We chatted for a while, and he said that I
 AM> had good experience, education, etc. and wanted to see my computer
 AM> skills on my own system.  On goes the splint, and stick to access the
 AM> keyboard. "Oh!  I didn't know you accessed the computer that way..."
 AM> End of interview, gone any hopes of employment.
 AM> I know, I know, I should have told him in the first place.

Well, under ADA you didn't have to tell him specifically how you
accessed the computer, just that you could. I think the guy maybe
was just intrested in seeing how " a quad" could do it, more than
in hiring. It really doesn't matter how you do for a job as long as
you can do it and get the work done.

 AM> To me using a stick, just doesn't cut it.  However, the voice
 AM> activation device I'm using now, [Voicetype], seems to give me a bit
 AM> of an edge. What I guess I'm trying to say is that high-tech
 AM> equipment, [such v.r., voice recogntion devices, etc.] can and should
 AM> be used whenever and however possible for someone with a disability,
 AM> with the cost being a secondary factor.  Perhaps the ideology of a lot
 AM> of employers, "How much is it going to cost me?", needs to be
 AM> re-examined.   [Ooops! Sounds like I'm straying off topic!] [g]

Right now I'm in a funny position, I force my finger to type as
much as I can, but that's not for overly long. I have a lot of
typing to do, so for me putting on the device holders and going to
stick becomes a real relief. But like you I'd rather have a voice
input system. I'm familiar with Dragon Dictate and Intro Voice, but
havent heard about Voicetype. Can you give me some info on it. My
problem is cost. It's not just employers that carry on about cost,
insurance companies, and charitable organizations also.

In major corporations I can't see that the cost of a voice input
system would be a real hardship. I find the attitude of insurance
companies and Medicare more puzzeling. They acknowledge your
limitations and disorder, and will do somethings to help you but
other aids they just totally refuse. Some of the things that they
split on covering really amazes me. For instance if you need a
heavy specialty wheelchair, they cover it. But you have to have a
modified van and a lift for transportation and they don't cover
that. To me, it's like why pay for the chair if I can't get out of
the house or have to have another chair and an attendant to get to
the doctors or any place else. This attitude sure doesn't leave
room open for the payment of such things as voice activated
computer equiptment.I think that the basic problem is that everyone
wants to pass the buck,and they all hope that they won't get
stuck.  The employer hopes that an agency or your insurance will
pick up the tab, insurance beleives that employers and agencies
will and should pick up the tab, agencies beleive the others should
and a few fools even beleive that the disabled can afford all
of the adaptable devices we need to function comfortably and
more Efficiently.

I'm curious about one thing though,have you called that guy from
the interview back and told him that you have a voice input system
now. I'd love to know what his response would be.

 AM> The use of Virtual Reality, [in regards to its uses for the disabled],
 AM> has become a recent fascination with me.  Did you know that California
 AM> State University is having a Symposium on "Virtual Reality and
 AM> Disability" on June 17-18, of next year?  I'd looove to go, but I'm
 AM> afraid my present economic and demographic position makes it
 AM> impossible. Ah well, you never know! [g]

   Yes I'd heard, but I'm in the same position as you,noooo money.

 AM> Regards,
 AM> From the Golf, Whiskey, November,
 AM> Ambrose Moor

Does this mean that your another one of the hams on the echo?  Well
it's been great chatting with you and I'll talk to you again. Have
to put some new erasers on these pencils, wore them down.

                                                Pandora

... Backup not found: (A)bort (R)etry (P)anic

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